Why Visit

Inle Lake is a place of enchantment and calm, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Myanmar’s Shan State. This expansive freshwater lake, measuring 22 km long and 11 km wide, is not just an area of natural beauty but also a cultural hotbed that boasts a unique way of life, distinct from the rest of the country.

A visit to Inle Lake offers a blend of extraordinary experiences that range from tranquil boat rides to witnessing the fascinating one-legged rowing technique of the Intha fisherman. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts.

The thriving communities around the lake live in stilt houses built over the water and cultivate floating gardens, showcasing an exceptional relationship with nature. Moreover, the region is speckled with Buddhist temples and pagodas, traditional markets, and craft villages, providing a profound insight into Myanmar’s rich culture and traditions.

Location and Route

Inle Lake is situated in the heart of Shan State, one of Myanmar’s largest regions, and is approximately 650 kilometers north of Yangon, the country’s largest city.

To reach Inle Lake, you can take a flight to Heho airport, the nearest airport to the lake, located about 35 kilometers away. There are daily flights to Heho from major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. From Heho airport, it is an hour’s drive to Nyaung Shwe, the main access point to Inle Lake.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, or other cities to Nyaung Shwe. If you prefer a more leisurely and scenic route, there’s a train from Mandalay to Shwenyaung, which is just a short taxi ride from Nyaung Shwe.

Once in Nyaung Shwe, you can hire a long-tail boat to explore the lake and its surroundings.

When to Visit

Inle Lake can be visited year-round, but the ideal time to experience the lake in all its glory is during the dry and cooler months between October and April. During this period, you can enjoy clear, sunny days perfect for boat trips and exploration.

A particularly special time to visit is during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, usually held in September or October. This is the largest Buddhist festival in the region, where four sacred Buddha images from the pagoda are paraded around the lake on a decorated royal barge.

What to See

There’s much to see and do in and around Inle Lake. One of the top attractions is the leg-rowing Intha fishermen who have perfected a unique technique of rowing with one leg wrapped around the oar, leaving their hands free to manipulate the conical fishing nets.

Visit the lake’s floating gardens, where locals grow a variety of vegetables and flowers on the water surface using an innovative technique that has been passed down through generations. These gardens are a testament to the region’s innovative agricultural practices.

The lake is dotted with stilt-house villages such as Ywama and Nampan, where you can see local life in action. There are also numerous craft workshops where artisans practice age-old crafts like silk and lotus weaving, blacksmithing, and cheroot making.

In addition to the cultural attractions, Inle Lake is surrounded by natural beauty. Birdwatchers will be pleased with the variety of bird species that inhabit the area, including rare migratory birds.

Don’t miss out on the many sacred sites around the lake. Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most significant religious site in southern Shan State, houses five ancient gold-leaf-covered Buddha images. The picturesque Indein Pagoda complex, with its hundreds of ancient stupas, is another must-visit.

From its natural splendor to its unique cultural experiences and tranquil ambiance, Inle Lake is more than just a destination—it’s a captivating journey into the heart of Myanmar.