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Best things to do in Inle Lake

Inle Lake, nestled in Myanmar's Shan State, is a picturesque freshwater lake known for its unique floating villages and gardens. The lake's surface is dotted with traditional wooden stilt houses, inhabited by the Intha people who master the art of leg-rowing. These residents cultivate floating gardens and engage in artisanal crafts, including weaving and silversmithing. Its landmark Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is a significant Buddhist site housing five sacred Buddha images. The lake's serene landscape is also home to diverse fauna, including many bird species. With its blend of natural beauty, traditional culture, and local handicrafts, a visit to Inle Lake offers a tranquil and authentic experience of Myanmar's countryside.

EXPERIENCES

A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.

Floating Gardens

Discover Inle Lake's innovative floating gardens, where local farmers cultivate a variety of crops on buoyant rafts made of water hyacinth and silt. Glide through the narrow waterways between the gardens, marvel at the unique agricultural techniques, and learn about the Intha people's sustainable farming practices that have been honed over generations.

Stilted Villages

Venture into the lake's stilted villages, built on wooden poles above the water, and witness the unique way of life of the Intha people. Observe their daily routines, such as fishing with traditional cone-shaped nets, and gain a deeper understanding of their customs and traditions. These villages offer a rare insight into a centuries-old lifestyle that has adapted to the lake's unique environment.

Leg-Rowing Fishermen

Experience the iconic sight of Inle Lake's leg-rowing fishermen, who skillfully navigate their boats using a unique technique that involves standing on one leg and wrapping the other around the oar. This traditional method allows the fishermen to maintain excellent balance and visibility while casting their nets. The leg-rowing fishermen are a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and resourcefulness.

Ancient Pagodas

Visit the centuries-old pagodas and temples that dot the shores of Inle Lake, such as the Indein Pagoda complex and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Marvel at the intricate carvings and architecture, and learn about the region's spiritual traditions and history. These sacred sites offer a serene setting for quiet contemplation and appreciation of Myanmar's rich religious heritage.

Traditional Handicrafts

Learn about Inle Lake's traditional handicrafts by visiting local workshops, such as the lotus weaving centres, silverware producers, and cheroot-rolling factories. Observe skilled artisans at work and gain insights into the region's unique crafts and techniques. These workshops provide an opportunity to appreciate the area's rich artistic traditions and support local communities.

Traditional Canoe Trip

Glide through Inle Lake's tranquil waters on a traditional wooden canoe, offering an intimate and eco-friendly way to explore the lake's hidden corners, stilted villages, and lush vegetation. This peaceful and leisurely mode of transport provides a unique perspective of Inle Lake and its captivating surroundings.

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Resort

The resort, built on stilts above the lake, offers 46 wooden chalets in simplistic design but with modern comfort amid the beautiful surroundings of endless green rice paddy fields, blue mountain ranges and the Inle Lake. The spacious wooden chalets are built by local craftsmen using native wood and bamboo decorated with Burmese silk textiles. Some chalets have an outdoor stone bath and 'Lake-view' rooms have a nice veranda where you can sit and enjoy the views. The binoculars and bird-book in the room were a nice touch.

Resort

Sanctum Inle Resort, nestled on the tranquil shores of Inle Lake in Myanmar, epitomises a harmonious blend of monastic-inspired architecture and modern luxury. The resort’s design features arched windows, brickwork, and cloistered courtyards, evoking a serene and contemplative atmosphere. This unique architectural style, combined with the resort’s lush gardens and stunning lake views, creates a peaceful retreat that seamlessly integrates with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Ecolodge

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses comprises of beautiful authentic stilted bungalow, set on the Inle Lake, in Eastern Myanmar. Built with reclaimed wood, these unique bungalows offer an authentic experience of living on a lake, albeit with stylish interiors. The resort’s owner, Yin Myo Su, is a passionate conservationist, a Burmese cat breeder and a philanthropist. She also runs an on-site vocational training centre for students to learn the hospitality trade, supervised by professional staff.

Resort

Pristine Lotus is a traditional-style resort, set on the west bank of Inle Lake, in Eastern Myanmar. Positioned at a rare vantage point, on a hillside village of Khaung Daing, the resort is gracefully laid out over a landscaped hillside that gently slopes into the lake, offering great views over the water and the Shan hills beyond. The property is just a 20-minute boat-ride from Nyang Shwe or an interesting 45-minute drive from Heho airport, making it a good base to explore Inle lake.

Resort

Villa Inle Resort & Spa is a new luxury hotel, set on the eastern banks of Inle Lake, in Eastern Myanmar. Spread over more than 20 acres of land in Nyaung Shwe, the resort is nestled within a lush tropical garden boasting easy access and stunning views of the lake. Designed for the modern eco traveller, the resort has deliberately kept the number of rooms to the bare minimum, so as to reduce the impact on the environment and provide the sense of living in the jungle.

Ecolodge

View Point Lodge is an eco-boutique resort, set north of the Inle Lake, in Eastern Myanmar. Situated outside the village of Nyaung Shwe, the hotel is set on stilts over the pond, some distance away from the activity on the main lake. The resort boasts of its eco-credentials; all rooms are built with natural materials without the use of concrete and ensures minimum damage occurs to the environment during its daily operations.

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