Inle Lake is a beautiful, picturesque lake located in the eastern part of Myanmar. It lies in a large, shallow valley surrounded by mountains. Inle Lake is an expansive body of water spanning an area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and reaching an elevation of 2,900 feet (880 m). Being the second largest lake in the country, Inle Lake is one of the most important geographical areas in Myanmar, as it is a very important source of water and food for many local people.
The lake is home to a variety of fish, birds, and plants, many of which are unique to the area. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, and can observe the lake’s abundant wildlife up close. The lake is also a popular destination for tourists, offering them a chance to explore the unique culture of the area and its people.
The lake is also home to a number of villages which dot its shoreline, providing a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of Myanmar. The villages offer a variety of activities and services, such as traditional boat-making and fishing, as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy the lake’s stunning views.
How to get to Inle Lake
To get to Inle Lake from abroad, begin by booking your flights. The nearest airport is Heho, which is about a two-hour drive away from the lake. There are several flights to Heho, so be sure to research the best option for you and your budget.
Once you arrive at Heho airport, you can take the public buses to Nyaung Shwe. From there, you can take a private car or boat to Inle Lake. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from the airport to the lake. Both of these options will cost more than the public buses, but they are usually more comfortable and dependable.
Once you have reached Inle Lake, the best way to explore it is by boat. There are a variety of boat tours available, so you can find one that suits your needs. You can also hire a private boat and driver to take you around the lake, which is especially convenient if you want to explore the region at your own pace.
To get the most out of your trip to Inle Lake, it’s important to talk to the local tour operators. They can give you great advice on the best things to do, best places to visit; help you arrange accommodation and activities; and they can even customize Myanmar private tours for you!
Things to do in Inle Lake
People who go to Myanmar for the first time have frequent question “What we can do in Inle Lake?” The best way to experience the natural beauty of Inle Lake is to take a sightseeing tour. As you cruise along the lake, you can take in the breathtaking views of the hills and the lake itself, as well as the many floating gardens and houses on stilts that dot the shoreline.
One of the most interesting sights you can take in is the traditional wooden boats, known as “Intha”. These boats are handcrafted by the local Intha people who row them with their feet, standing up. It’s an amazing sight to behold.
Another popular thing to do while sightseeing at Inle Lake is to visit the local markets. At the markets, you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to colorful fabrics, as well as delicious local food.
The best time to visit Inle Lake is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the lake is at its most beautiful. During this time, you can take part in one of the many sightseeing tours that the locals offer, or take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s edge.
No matter what you decide to do during your visit to Inle Lake, you’re sure to take away memories that will last a lifetime. So make sure to add Inle Lake sightseeing to your Myanmar travel itinerary and plan an unforgettable trip!
Things to See and Places to visit in Inle Lake
Inle Lake has plenty to offer visitors, from villages built on stilts over the lake to the leg-rowing fishermen and their renowned floating gardens. Don’t miss the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to the 800-year-old Five Buddha statues covered in gold leaf. Get a taste of the local culture with a stop at Inpawkhone’s weaving village and a cheroot factory, where the famous Burmese cigars are handmade.
Leg-rowing fishermen
The Inle Lake in Myanmar was known for its unique fishing methods, but none were quite as special as the leg-rowing fishermen. It was an ancient method of fishing, believed to have originated from the tribal people of the area.
The fishermen would sit atop of small wooden boats, and with the help of their legs, row their boats across the lake. They would carry long, thin nets in order to catch the small fish in the lake.
The sight of these fishermen was truly a spectacle. As the fishermen rowed their boats, a beautiful melody of splashes and rhythmic tapping filled the air. The beauty of their traditional way of life became a tourist attraction, and soon the leg-rowing fishermen became a symbol of the area.
The fishermen were proud of their age-old tradition, and they wanted to preserve it for generations to come. They taught the younger generations the art of leg-rowing, and soon the younger generations were joining in on the tradition.
The tradition of leg-rowing continued to be passed down through the generations, and the fishermen of the Inle Lake remained special to the local people. They were a reminder of the beauty of their culture and the importance of preserving their traditional way of life.
Life on the water
At Inle Lake, the main attraction is the villages and floating gardens. The villages are built on stilts and are home to traditional houses, schools, temples, and markets. The floating gardens are a unique feature of Inle Lake, where local farmers use the lake to cultivate plants in the shallow waters.
The best way to explore Inle Lake and its unique attractions is by boat. Boats can be hired from the nearby town of Nyaung Shwe, with daily tours available from the dock. The tour operators are knowledgeable about the lake and its surroundings, so it’s a great way to learn about the area.
When exploring Inle Lake, be sure to check out the unique floating markets, where you can purchase fresh produce, souvenirs, and handmade products from local artisans. You can also explore the many temples and monasteries that are located near the lake.
If you’re looking for a unique accommodation option, there are several resorts on the lake. These resorts offer a range of activities and amenities, such as hot springs and spa treatments. Some of the resorts even offer traditional Burmese massage, cooking classes, and yoga classes.
For those who are looking for a more active holiday, there are plenty of activities to do on the lake. You can go fishing, kayaking, and swimming. There are also a range of birdwatching and wildlife spotting possibilities around the lake.
So if you’re looking for a unique travel experience, Inle Lake and its floating villages and gardens are the perfect destination. With its stunning scenery, cultural attractions, and range of activities, it’s an ideal place for a memorable holiday.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
Lying in the center of Inle Lake in Myanmar is one of the most important and beautiful Buddhist pagodas in the country – the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. This pagoda is the main pilgrimage site in the Shan State and is a major tourist attraction in this part of the country.
The history of the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is steeped in legend. It is said that a prince and five of his ministers were traveling through the Inle Lake area when they had a miraculous encounter with a mythical creature. This creature, who was said to have the head of a bird and the body of a lion, gave the prince five small golden Buddha images. He told the prince to build a pagoda to house the images.
The prince and his ministers immediately followed the creature’s instructions and built the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda in 1535. Since then, it has served as an important pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of worshippers each year. The five Buddha images are still housed inside the pagoda and are believed to have been blessed with special powers.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is also a beautiful sight to behold. Its distinctive architecture, with the five Buddha images at its center, is an impressive sight. The golden spire of the pagoda is particularly striking, making it a popular destination for sightseers.
The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is also home to many local festivals and celebrations, which add to its charm. Each year, thousands of worshippers gather to pay their respects to the five Buddha images and seek blessings for the coming year.
The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda is an important part of Myanmar’s history and culture and it continues to be a source of spiritual inspiration for many. It is a beautiful sight to behold and its spiritual significance remains as strong as ever.
Inpawkhone’s weaving village
The ancient village of Inpawkhone is nestled in the picturesque Inle Lake, Myanmar. For years, the village has been famous for its skillful weavers who create beautiful traditional fabrics and garments.
If you are planning a trip to Inpawkhone, you will be rewarded with a fascinating insight into the traditional processes of weaving. As soon as you land in the village, you will be greeted by the smiling faces of the weavers who will be more than happy to show you around and demonstrate their craft.
You can start your exploration by visiting the weaving school, located in the center of the village. Here, you can learn about the methods and techniques used in weaving and watch the weavers work their magic on traditional looms. The school also offers short courses, so you can learn how to make your own piece of traditional art!
For those who don’t want to take part in the weaving classes, there are plenty of opportunities to observe the weaving process. Be sure to take a walk around the village, where you’ll find the weavers at work in their homes and markets. There you can buy some of their creations too!
The village is also home to a number of traditional festivals and ceremonies, including the annual celebration of the local deity, Thawda. During this time, the weavers perform their traditional dances and show off their craftsmanship.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, a visit to Inpawkhone’s weaving village is an absolute must. With its beautiful scenery and fascinating culture, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Cheroot cigar factory
The Cheroot Factory has been making cigars for hundreds of years, and the The factory is located in an old building, and as you walk inside, you will be amazed at the scale of the production. You will see the workers rolling and stuffing the cigars, and the scent of the cigars wafting through the air. You will also be able to learn about the history of the cigar, and how it has become a symbol of luxury in Burma.
Once you have seen the production process, you will be taken to the tasting room, where you can sample some of the delicious cigars, made from the finest tobacco. You can also take a tour of the factory and learn all about the cigar making process.
At the end of the tour, you will be able to purchase some of the cigars to take home and enjoy. You can also take some home with you as souvenirs, or to share with your friends and family.
The experience of visiting the cigar factory in Inle Lake is truly unforgettable. From the beautiful scenery to the expert craftsmanship of the cigar makers, it is an experience that you will never forget. So if you are looking for a unique experience, then make sure to visit the Cheroot Factory and experience the magic of cigar making.
In summary, Inle Lake Myanmar is a stunningly beautiful area, with a serene 11-mile-long lake surrounded by lush, green mountains. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Bagan’s ancient monuments and temples. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take in the magnificent views of the lake, as you drift away and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Indochina Charm Travel, the local expert, is available to help you plan the perfect Myanmar journey tailored to your needs!
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