Enjoy The Tranquility Of The Untouched Inle Lake in Myanmar

Long before Myanmar opened up to the world, the inherent beauty of Inle Lake had drawn numerous domestic tourists. Over the years, the lake's impressive views have attracted foreign visitors, making it one of the top-rated destinations in this Southeast Asian nation. In the distinctive water world of Inle Lake, Intha fishermen skillfully row canoes using a single leg, floating gardens thrive, and wooden homes are precariously elevated on rickety stilts above the water. Immerse yourself in the allure of one of Myanmar's most iconic destinations by an early-morning cruise, cycling through the picturesque countryside, or venturing into the surrounding hills and villages.

This guide will provide you with the most up-to-date information about Inle Lake, Myanmar, from which you can arrange an exciting journey to this stunning tourist attraction.

Where is Inle Lake located?

Inle Lake is considered the heart of Shan State and lies approximately 39 km from the region's capital city. The lake is situated at an elevation of 900 m above sea level and spans a length of 22 km, making it the second-largest lake in Myanmar. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Inle Lake provides an awe-inspiring natural panorama. The region is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, showcasing some of the rarest species found in the area.

Visit Inle Lake: A Guide To Enjoy Breathtaking Scenic Beauty Of Inle Lake

How To Get To Inle Lake?

Inle Lake is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, which seem straight out of a postcard. Surrounded by rolling hills and framed by the Shan Mountains, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the beauty of its surroundings.

No airport directly serves Inle Lake, so the most common entry point is through the Heho Airport, which is well-connected to major cities like Yangon. From Heho Airport, a scenic one-hour drive takes you to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town to Inle Lake. Alternatively, buses and private cars provide road access, allowing travelers to soak in the picturesque landscapes en route. For those seeking a more leisurely journey, a boat ride from Pindaya or Mandalay along the picturesque waterways leading to Inle Lake is an immersive experience.

A mandatory entrance fee of K12,500 (US$10) is required to access the Inle Lake area. This fee must be paid upon arrival at the permit booth near the bridge at the entrance to Nyaungshwe. The tickets remain valid for one week, and it's crucial to note that you must pay a small extra fee if your stay extends beyond that period.

Inle Lake is a well-known natural landscape in Myanmar

Inle Lake weather

Inle Lake has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate as per the Köppen-Geiger classification. The annual average maximum temperature is around 27°C, with temperatures ranging from 24°C in December to 32°C in April.

Between January and March, the weather is ideal, with a record temperature of 36°C and minimal rainfall, accounting for only about 1% of the time in March. April has favorable weather with an average temperature of approximately 32°C. Conversely, from June to September, the climate turns for the worse, characterized by the least favorable conditions, with an average temperature around 20°C. Come October and November, the climate becomes favorable again. This is also the peak season for traveling to Inle Lake, Myanmar.

Tribes in Inle Lake, Myanmar

The Intha people, one of Myanmar's ethnic groups, have developed a distinctive way of life around the lake. The stilt houses and floating villages showcase their adaptability to the aquatic environment. One of the most fascinating aspects of Inle Lake's culture is the traditional leg-rowing technique employed by the fishermen. Balancing on one leg, they skillfully paddle their small wooden boats using the other leg to guide the oar.

Villagers in Inle Lake are also widely known as prominent silversmiths who still use the traditional way of extracting silver as well as crafting and selling silverware and trinkets to tourists. They also produce and sell exquisite silk-woven fabrics, scarves, and bags that can only be found in the region. Handmade tools, trinkets, and souvenirs could be found in the floating markets at Inle Lake, where locals would trade and sell their items to other locals and tourists. The villagers are also expert farmers who are highly self-sufficient due to the fertile environment of the lake.

Intha people have developed a distinctive way of life around the lake

Inle Lake Famous Places: Exploring Myanmar's Water World

Discover The Well-Known Pagodas: A journey beyond the lake

Inle Lake is home to numerous pagodas and temples, which are important for the locals, particularly the Buddhists. These religious sites provide an excellent introduction to the country's main religion and allow visitors to appreciate the remarkable architecture of these sacred landmarks.

Inle Lake may not have as many stupas - dome-shaped structures as the city of Bagan, yet it offers various religious sites along the lake's shores to immerse yourself in Myanmar's Buddhist culture.

Hpaung Daw U Pagoda is among the most famous places in Inle Lake. Inside the pagoda, five small Buddha images are covered in layers of gold leaves to the point of being unrecognizable in their original form. However, travelers can admire old images of the original Buddhas decorated on the monastery walls. Although the monastery is open to locals and tourists, the application of gold leaf onto the images is restricted to men.

Next, let's venture to the Shwe Indein Pagoda, which is comprised of two groups of stupas in Shwe Indein village and dates back to the 8th century. Accessible through a 2,300-foot covered walkway from a jetty on Indein Creek to the Shwe Indein temple, these ancient structures offer a captivating historical experience. In Indein village, tourists can also discover a white-washed stupa featuring a Buddha image.

Discover religious sites in Inle Lake

Take a boat trip: A must-try activity in Inle Lake

Naturally, the most favored way to explore Inle Lake is by taking a boat. A fleet of slender wooden canoes equipped with long-tailed outboard motors sets out each morning, taking tourists to different natural, cultural, religious, and historical attractions. Nyaungshwe, situated on the lake's northern periphery, is the launching point for motorboat excursions. Every hotel and guesthouse in the town can assist in organizing such trips, or you can wait for a boat captain to approach you on the street.

Additionally, tourists can engage in various activities in and around the lake. Enjoyable boat rides are a highlight, where local men showcase their unique one-legged rowing technique. Inle Lake features distinctive floating gardens or islands where tourists can observe the locals cultivating and harvesting vegetables. The fertile soil surrounding the lake, combined with the continuous flow of lake water, creates an ideal environment for paddy cultivation.

Inle Lake is also a haven for nature enthusiasts as it preserves many species of woodland and wetland birds, diverse aquatic animals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. Some of the rarest orchid species can be found in the vicinity. Generally, the magical landscape of Inle Lake will leave you in awe!

Take a boat trip to Inle Lake

Visit Float Market

This floating market's unique location on a lake distinguishes it from typical river-based floating markets. Vendors row their boats across the lake, selling vegetables and rice that they cultivated and harvested. Additionally, some fishermen sell freshly caught fish from the lake. Tourists have the opportunity to peruse and buy handmade souvenirs from local artisans.

Floating Gardens

The floating garden within Inle Lake is an incredibly beautiful place in Inle lake. The Inthas people, who excel as farmers, cultivate squash and tomatoes in artificial floating gardens constructed from lake-bottom weeds and other organic materials. Taken by the boats at low speed through passageways between gardens, tourists will be fascinated by the unique farming methods locals employ on the lake.

During the monsoon season floods, these gardens rise above the high waters. This is made possible by bamboo poles driven into the lakebed, which secure the gardens in place while allowing the islands to fluctuate in height based on the water level.

Inle Lake is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a cultural experience unlike any other. Its shimmering waters, surrounded by lush landscapes and inhabited by the gracious Intha people, create a harmonious blend of nature and culture. Are you wondering about the next destination for your upcoming vacation? Then Inle Lake is a captivating attraction for you to put on your travel bucket list. Get your travel ticket to Myanmar today to explore this hidden Southeast Asian gem.