Having been open to tourism in recent years, Myanmar (or Burma) is a hidden gem for travelers. The locals are curious and friendly, and there is a wealth of interesting customs and cultural practices to observe in this place that has been largely untouched by foreigners. Most tourists head for Yangon and Bagan, the new and ancient capital respectively. However, a third destination should undoubtedly be on all travelers’ itineraries as well: Inle Lake.
Though it has been growing in popularity as word spreads among travelers, the beauty of the scenery and hospitality of the locals makes Inle Lake feel like one of the best-kept secrets of Myanmar. It’s composed of numerous small villages that surround a picturesque lake, so naturally the best way to experience the area is to embark on a full day’s boat trip with a local guide.
Walking or cycling around the lake will afford lovely views, but a boat trip into the open water and surrounding villages will allow you to visit neighborhood markets and pagodas, meet locals and, if you’re lucky, lunch with them in one of their unusual houses on stilts at the water’s edge. The best way to experience Inle is, of course, to take to the lake.
A local boatman will be your guide to discovering the wonders of Inle Lake
Inle Lake makes up the eastern point of the almost-diamond of the four most popular Myanmar destinations (Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay). Villages line the lake’s edge on all sides, but Nyaung Shwe is the main town where most guesthouses and small hotels are located, and where most boat tours begin. Booking a boat tour can be done through most guesthouses, which is ideal for solo travelers, because you may be able to tag along with another small group to avoid paying the entire fee yourself. However, boatmen line the lake inlet that flows through this village, and they are generally very vocal about offering their boat tour services as you walk through the town.
Boat tours around Inle Lake generally last about five to six hours, and each wooden boat with outboard motor can hold four to six tourists, who will be comfortably sat in wooden deck chairs set up by the boatmen. It varies depending on the guide and the itinerary, but a boat tour will generally cost about 16,000 to 20,000 MMK (12.51 to 15.64 USD). Guest are advised to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, an umbrella and/or rain poncho if your boatman doesn’t provide them (most do), a jacket if you do a sunrise tour as the lake can be chilly, and a small amount of spending money for the markets.
Observe the iconic and picturesque fishermen at work out on the lake
Like the price, the exact itinerary of an Inle Lake boat tour can vary with the guide. However, there are certain sights most every boat trip will cover. First, a beeline will be made for the center of the lake to observe the leg-rowing fishermen, working for the day’s catch in their unique and iconic way. Guests will be allowed as many photos as they like.
Some variety of market will usually be visited as well. Depending on the day and the time of year, guests may be treated to an experience of the floating markets, where all trades are made from boat to boat. A schedule for the floating markets can be found on the official website for Inle Lake tourism. However, if you miss out, the markets on land can be just as interesting, where locals display fruit, vegetables, beans, medicines, snacks and sundries, often alongside a small section of tourist souvenirs in an open-air venue.
Experience waterfront living at one of the many villages on stilts
All boat tours will go by the smaller villages that line the lake, whose houses are all built on stilts over the water and are accessible by docks. Depending on the boatman, you might even be taken to the boatman’s own stilt-home on the water to eat a homemade lunch prepared by his family with fish caught from the lake. He may also introduce you to his neighbors, many of whom you can see at work, weaving cotton or silk on fascinating wooden looms in their homes.
Most boat trips will also take guests to a number of shops, such as a place where pottery is made and sold, or where different varieties of cheroots are for sale. Guests will usually get to see how these items are made, and will be encouraged to make a purchase. These visits can be interesting, as travelers can talk with locals about how they live and work, and have the opportunity to procure unique, handmade souvenirs. However, some may feel pressured into making purchases, though it is not required, so guests that want to avoid these shops must inform their boatman ahead of time.
Observe the cultural importance of religion at one of Inle Lake’s many monasteries and pagodas
Religion and reverence are important parts of Myanmar local life. All boat tours will visit at least one pagoda or monastery. If the timing is right, your boatman might take you to the Jumping Cat Monastery, where mini-shows featuring the jumping cats trained by monks happen on certain days.
Another popular destination is the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which is home to an interesting display: five small, golden Buddha figurines reside on an altar in the center of the pagoda, but they have been covered with so many pieces of gold leaf that only five golden mounds are visible. Visitors should be advised that reverent dress is required for entrance to pagodas and monasteries, i.e. covered shoulders and no shorts. Guests are advised to dress properly or bring a shoulder covering, although most religious sites around Inle offer a covering for free or a small deposit.
Unusual fisherman and floating gardens make for unique and beautiful scenery
The markets, villages, and religious sites are interesting to see, and offer many chances to communicate with locals as well. However, perhaps the biggest draw of Inle Lake is simply the breathtaking scenery itself. The glass-like surface of the lake combined with the azure skies will have every guest in awe. In addition, the distinctive fishermen add an element of unusual beauty. The floating gardens too, which most boat trips will pass by, also make for a unique, scenic element.
Locals form the floating gardens by gathering of thick, underwater weeds from the lake. The weeds are then anchored by wooden poles and serve as a lush, fertile bed of nutrients where fruit, vegetables, and even rice are grown on the water’s surface. These gardens are lovely to behold, and seeing them tended and harvested by boat is a unique sight indeed.
Tour Inle Lake by boat, or not at all!
Most locals and travelers would agree: if you visit Inle Lake without experiencing the area by boat, then you have not truly visited Inle Lake. No matter which of the itineraries your boatman decides on, whether you visit the Jumping Cat Monastery or a golden pagoda, whether you see the floating market or wander a market on foot, you are sure to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, friendly and generous locals, and the welcoming spirit that Inle Lake has to offer.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
Top 4 Things To Do In MandalaySarah J -
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to