Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake is one of Myanmar’s most iconic destinations, known for its scenic beauty, floating villages, stilt houses, and unique one-legged rowing technique of the local fishermen. The lake is located in the Shan State, surrounded by mountains, and offers a peaceful escape into traditional Burmese life.
1. Tourist Attractions
Inle Lake Boat Tours
- Entrance Fee: MMK 15,000 (around USD 9.50) per person for the Inle Lake Zone Fee, which covers access to the entire area.
- Opening Hours: Best enjoyed from dawn to dusk (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
- Highlights: Boat tours are the most popular way to explore the lake. You’ll visit floating gardens, stilt villages, and see the iconic Intha fishermen rowing with one leg. The boat tour also includes stops at local workshops such as silver smiths, silk weaving centers, and lotus weaving factories.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
- Entrance Fee: Free (donations are welcome)
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Highlights: This is the most sacred Buddhist site around Inle Lake. It houses five gold-leaf-covered Buddha images, and the pagoda is the center of the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, held annually in September or October.
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping Cat Monastery)
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Highlights: Famous for its trained jumping cats in the past, the monastery is now more well-known for its beautiful wooden architecture and serene atmosphere, as well as its impressive collection of Buddha statues.
Indein Village and Pagoda Complex
- Entrance Fee: Included in the Inle Lake Zone Fee
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Highlights: The village is known for its ancient pagoda complex, Shwe Indein, which consists of hundreds of small stupas, many overgrown with vegetation. The site offers incredible views of the surrounding area and a sense of discovery as you walk among the ruins.
Floating Gardens
- Entrance Fee: Included in the boat tour
- Opening Hours: Accessible during the day
- Highlights: These man-made floating islands are used by local farmers to grow vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. The technique is fascinating, with the floating beds anchored to the lakebed by bamboo poles.
2. How to Get There
By Air: The nearest airport is Heho Airport, which is about 35 km away from the lake. Domestic flights connect Heho with Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. From the airport, you can take a taxi (around 45 minutes to 1 hour) to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake.
By Bus: Buses run from Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay to Nyaung Shwe. The journey from Yangon takes around 12-15 hours, while from Mandalay, it’s approximately 8 hours.
By Train: Trains run from Yangon and Mandalay to Shwenyaung, which is about 13 km from Nyaung Shwe. From there, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Inle Lake.
3. Getting Around
Boats: The main mode of transport around the lake is by boat. Longtail boats can be hired for a half-day or full-day tour. These boats often come with a guide who will take you around the various villages and attractions on the lake.
Bicycles: In the town of Nyaung Shwe, bicycles are available for rent. Cycling around the villages surrounding the lake is a great way to explore at your own pace.
Tuk-tuks and Motorbikes: Tuk-tuks are common in Nyaung Shwe for getting to nearby attractions, and motorbikes are available for rent for longer journeys.
4. Popular Local Food
Shan Noodles: A must-try dish in the Shan State, these noodles are served in a light broth with pork or chicken, seasoned with garlic, chili, and pickled vegetables. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal.
Htoh San (Rice Cakes): Steamed or baked rice cakes filled with sesame or coconut are popular snacks around Inle Lake.
Inle-style Fish Curry: Fresh fish from the lake, cooked in traditional Burmese curry sauce with local herbs and spices, is a local delicacy.
Nga Htamin (Fish Rice): This dish is made from rice cooked with turmeric and fish, usually served with garlic, chili, and fried onion.
Lotus Root Salad: Made from the locally grown lotus roots, this salad combines the crunchy texture of lotus with peanuts, lime juice, and chili.
5. Top Nightlife Spots in Inle Lake
While Inle Lake is not a nightlife destination in the traditional sense, the area around Nyaung Shwe has some laid-back spots to enjoy an evening drink:
Sin Yaw Restaurant & Bar
- How to Get There: Located on the main street in Nyaung Shwe.
- Highlights: A cozy restaurant serving a wide variety of local Shan dishes and a good selection of drinks. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
- Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with discounts on cocktails and local beer.
One Owl Grill
- How to Get There: In the center of Nyaung Shwe, near the main market.
- Highlights: A trendy spot offering a mix of Western and Burmese cuisine, along with a good selection of cocktails. It has a great vibe for socializing with fellow travelers.
- Happy Hours: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pub Asiatico
- How to Get There: On the main street in Nyaung Shwe.
- Highlights: This is one of the few places in town that stays open late. The pub offers local beer, cocktails, and occasional live music or DJ sets. The laid-back atmosphere makes it popular with backpackers.
- Happy Hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
ViewPoint Lodge & Fine Cuisine
- How to Get There: Situated by the canal in Nyaung Shwe.
- Highlights: A more upscale dining option with a beautiful outdoor terrace. The bar serves fine wine, cocktails, and local beer. Ideal for a quiet, relaxing evening by the water.
- Happy Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6. Additional Highlights
Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery: Located a short distance from Nyaung Shwe, this vineyard offers wine tasting with spectacular views of Inle Lake. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a sunset while sipping on locally produced wines.
Inle Lake Hot Springs: A relaxing activity to enjoy after a day of sightseeing, the hot springs are located on the western side of the lake. There are private and public pools available for a small fee (around USD 8-10).
Inle Lake offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and local craftsmanship, making it one of Myanmar’s most enchanting destinations. The serene lake and traditional way of life make for a peaceful yet fascinating visit.