Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar. It’s a unique place where people live and work on the water. Here, fishermen row boats with one leg, locals grow food in floating gardens, and many birds visit in winter.
I’ve been to Inle Lake this 2024 and want to share all the latest that I’ve learned. This guide covers important things to know before you visit. First, we’ll talk about how to get there. Then, we’ll discuss where to stay, what to do, and more tips. Inle Lake is amazing, and this info will help you plan your trip.
Where is Inle Lake and Why Should You Visit?
Inle Lake is a big freshwater lake in Myanmar. It’s located in Nyaungshwe Township, which is part of Shan State. The lake is pretty big – it covers about 44.9 square miles (116 km²). That makes it the second largest lake in Myanmar.
But what’s really interesting is how high up it is. Inle Lake sits at 2,900 feet (880 m) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in the country.
Now, you might be wondering why Inle Lake is so famous. Well, there are lots of reasons! When I first got there, I was amazed by how beautiful it was. The water seems to go on forever, and the hills around the lake are just incredible.
But it’s not just about how it looks. The people who live on and around Inle Lake have a really unique way of life that you won’t see anywhere else.
The Famous Leg-Rowing Fishermen
One of the things that makes Inle Lake so special is the famous leg-rowing fishermen. These guys have an incredible way of fishing that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
These famous fishermen of Inle Lake stand at the back of their small wooden boats on one leg and wrap their other leg around an oar to paddle. It looks like they’re doing a crazy balancing act!
This unique style of rowing developed because Inle Lake is full of reeds and floating plants. Standing up lets the fishermen see over these plants and spot fish more easily.
They also use big cone-shaped nets to catch fish. It’s really something to see, especially early in the morning when the lake is calm and misty.
Floating Gardens and Stilt Houses
Another cool thing about Inle Lake is the floating gardens. People here actually grow vegetables on the surface of the lake! They pile up lake-bottom weeds, water hyacinth, and soil to create these gardens.
The gardens of Inle Lake rise and fall with the water level, so they never flood. It’s pretty amazing to see tomatoes and other veggies growing right on top of the water.
And speaking of living on the water, many people around Inle Lake live in houses built on stilts over the water. These wooden and bamboo houses stand on tall stilts, keeping them safe from rising water levels. Whole villages are built this way, connected by wooden walkways.
Climate and Best Time to Visit Inle Lake
The weather at Inle Lake changes a lot depending on the time of year. They have a wet season and a dry season. Here’s a quick look at what the weather is like throughout the year:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Highest Temp (°F) | Lowest Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 77 | 39 |
| April | 46 | 87 | 59 |
| July | 96 | 81 | 66 |
| October | 110 | 81 | 61 |
I went to Inle Lake in October, and I think it was a great time to visit. It’s part of what people call the peak season, which runs from October to February. The weather was really nice – it didn’t rain much, and it wasn’t too hot. The mornings were cool and fresh. If you’re trying to decide when to go, I’d say this is a good time of year to visit.
But here’s something to keep in mind: it can get pretty chilly at night, especially in the winter months (November to early January). When I was there in October, the temperature dropped to about 61°F (16°C) at night. So if you’re going during this time, make sure to bring some warm clothes!
How to Get to Inle Lake
There are a few different ways to get to Inle Lake, and I’ll tell you about each one. The main town near Inle Lake is called Nyaungshwe, and that’s where most people stay when they visit. So when we talk about getting to Inle Lake, we’re really talking about getting to Nyaungshwe.
Flying to Inle Lake
The closest airport to Inle Lake is in a place called Heho Airport. It’s about 32 km (20 miles) northwest of the lake. Here’s what you need to know about flying to Inle Lake:
Flights to Heho come from Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. These are the main tourist spots in Myanmar, so it’s easy to include Inle Lake in your trip. The flight from Yangon takes about an hour, which is much faster than going by bus or train.
When you land at Heho Airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to Nyaungshwe. The taxi ride takes about an hour and costs around 25,000 kyat (about $12 USD as of September 2024).
I flew into Heho from Yangon, and it was pretty easy. The views as you fly into the Shan Hills are amazing! You can see the mountains and valleys below, and it really gives you a sense of how high up Inle Lake is.
Planning tip: Heho Airport is small, and there aren’t many facilities. So make sure you’ve got everything you need before you land.
Taking the Bus to Inle Lake
Taking a bus to Inle Lake is cheaper than flying, but it takes longer. Buses to Nyaungshwe run from Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. These are overnight buses, which means you’ll be traveling through the night.
The trip from Yangon takes about 12 hours, while from Mandalay it’s about 8 hours. From Bagan to Inle Lake, it’s about a 7-hour journey covering around 190 miles (305 km).
The buses are usually pretty comfortable, with air conditioning and reclining seats. But remember, it’s a long journey on winding mountain roads.
If you get motion sickness, you might want to bring some medicine. A bus ticket from Yangon to Inle Lake costs around 20,000 kyat (about $9.50 USD).
I took the bus from Mandalay to Inle Lake, and while it was a long trip, it wasn’t too bad. The seats were comfortable enough to sleep, and we made a few stops along the way for food and bathroom breaks.
Planning tip: Bring some snacks and a good book or some music to pass the time. Also, dress in layers because the air conditioning can make the bus pretty cold at night.
Taking the Train to Inle Lake
If you want a real adventure, you can take the train to Inle Lake. The nearest train station is in a place called Shwenyaung, about 13 km from Nyaungshwe. Trains run from Yangon and Thazi.
The trip from Yangon can take up to 30 hours! That’s a really long time, but it’s a great way to see the countryside. The train tickets are cheap, but the ride can be bumpy and slow. From Shwenyaung, you can take a taxi or motorcycle taxi to Nyaungshwe.
I didn’t take the train myself, but I met some travelers who did. They said it was a long trip, but they got to see some beautiful countryside along the way.
They also said it was a great way to meet Intha people and other travelers. If you’ve got the time and you’re up for an adventure, the train could be a fun way to get to Inle Lake.
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Where to Stay in Inle Lake
When you visit Inle Lake, you’ve got a few options for where to stay. Most people choose to stay in Nyaungshwe, the main town near the lake. That’s what I did, and I think it’s a good choice. Here’s why staying in Nyaungshwe can be great:
Nyaungshwe has lots of hotels and guesthouses to choose from. You can find places for all budgets, from cheap backpacker hostels to fancy hotels. It’s easy to find restaurants and shops in town, which is handy if you need to buy anything or if you want to try different foods.
You can also rent bikes in Nyaungshwe to explore the area around the lake. And perhaps most importantly, boat trips on the lake start from Nyaungshwe.
When I was there, I stayed at a place called The Green Valley Inn. It was pretty nice and cost about $5 per person per night. That’s a good deal for Myanmar!
The rooms were clean, the staff was friendly, and it was in a good location. But there are lots of other options too, so you can find something that fits your budget and what you’re looking for. Here’s a quick rundown of your options for where to stay near Inle Lake:
| Where to Stay | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nyaungshwe | Lots of choices, cheaper, close to restaurants and shops | Not on the lake itself |
| On the Lake | Beautiful views, peaceful, unique experience | More expensive, isolated from town |
| Nearby Villages | Local experience, less touristy | Limited options, harder to get around |
Staying on the Lake
Nyaungshwe isn’t your only option for staying near Inle Lake. Some, if not most, people choose to stay in hotels that are actually on the lake. These can be pretty fancy and more expensive.
Sure, staying in luxury hotels near Inle Lake gives you amazing views, and you can often see the sunrise right from your room. But they’re more isolated, which means it’s harder to get to restaurants or shops.
One thing to keep in mind if you stay on the lake: yes, there really are houses built on the water! Many hotels on Inle Lake are built in the traditional stilt house style. It’s a unique experience to stay in one of these overwater bungalows.
Staying in Nearby Villages
Another option is to stay in one of the small villages around Inle Lake. This can give you a more local experience, but there are fewer accommodation options and it can be harder to get around.
No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to book ahead, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season (October to February).
What to Do at Inle Lake
Alright, now for the fun part – things you can do in Inle Lake! There’s a ton of cool stuff to see and do here. I’ll tell you about some of my favorite things and some of the must-see sights around Inle Lake.
Take a Boat Trip on the Lake
This is the number one thing to do at Inle Lake. You’ve got to get out on the water! Here’s what you need to know about taking a boat trip on Inle Lake:
Boat trips usually start early in the morning, around 7 or 8 AM. This is a great time to go because the lake is really calm and beautiful in the morning light. You might even see mist rising off the water, which is pretty magical.
A full-day trip costs about 25,000 kyat (around $12 USD) for the whole boat. That might sound like a lot, but remember, you can share a boat with other travelers to split the cost. Most boats can take up to 5 people.
The trip takes you around Inle Lake to see different villages, workshops, and temples. You’ll see the famous leg-rowing fishermen, visit floating gardens, and stop at a few different workshops where people make things like silver jewelry and traditional fabrics.
Visit Indein Village
Indein was my favorite place that we visited on the boat trip. It’s a village on the western shore of Inle Lake, and it’s famous for its ancient pagodas. Here’s what makes Indein so special:
There are over 1,000 stupas (that’s another word for pagodas) here. Some of them are really old, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Many of the stupas are crumbling and overgrown with plants, which makes them look really cool and mysterious. There’s a long covered walkway leading up to the main group of stupas, and it’s lined with souvenir stalls.
Walking among all these ancient structures was like stepping back in time. The stupas come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is a little different.
Some are well-preserved, while others are falling apart. You can climb up to a viewpoint to see them all spread out below you. It’s a photographer’s dream – I took so many pictures here!
Explore the Floating Gardens
One of the coolest things about Inle Lake is the floating gardens. People actually grow vegetables on the surface of the lake! Here’s how these amazing gardens work:
The local people gather weeds and water hyacinths from the lake to make floating beds. These beds are anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles.
Over time, these beds become solid enough to walk on. People grow all kinds of vegetables, but tomatoes are the most common. The soil in these gardens is incredibly fertile because it’s constantly getting nutrients from the lake water.
I got to walk on one of these gardens, and it was such a weird feeling. The ground moves under your feet! It’s a really clever way of farming in a place where land is scarce. These floating gardens cover about 25% of the lake’s surface area.
Visit Local Workshops
There are lots of workshops around Inle Lake where you can see people making traditional crafts. Some of the ones I visited include:
Silversmith Workshop
Here, we watched people making beautiful silver jewelry. They use traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. The silver comes from mines in the hills around the lake.
Weaving Workshop
At this place, we saw women weaving traditional Shan bags and longyis (the skirt-like garment that many people in Myanmar wear). They use both silk and lotus fibers for weaving. The lotus fabric is really special – it’s made from the stems of lotus plants that grow in the lake.
Cheroot Making Workshop
Cheroots are a type of cigar that’s popular in Myanmar. We watched women rolling these cigars by hand, using tobacco and other natural ingredients.
These workshops are interesting to visit because they show you traditional crafts that have been practiced in this area for hundreds of years. But keep in mind that they’ll usually try to sell you stuff at the end. Don’t feel pressured to buy if you don’t want to.
Try the Local Food
The food around Inle Lake is really good! The Shan State, where Inle Lake is located, has its own unique cuisine that’s different from what you’ll find in other parts of Myanmar. Here are some dishes you should try:
- Shan noodles: This is a popular noodle dish from Shan State. It’s made with thin rice noodles in a light tomato-based broth, topped with chicken or pork, peanuts, and sometimes pickled vegetables.
- Htamin jin: This is a kind of rice ball salad. It’s made with rice that’s been boiled and pounded into a paste, mixed with potato, tomato, and fish. It’s then formed into a ball and served with crispy fried onions on top.
- Inle carp: This is the most common fish from the lake. You can try it grilled, fried, or in a curry. Unfortunately, the numbers of this fish have been declining in recent years due to overfishing and pollution.
- Tomato salad: The tomatoes grown in the floating gardens are delicious. They make a simple but tasty salad with these tomatoes, mixed with peanuts, sesame seeds, and a light dressing.
Go Trekking
The area around Inle Lake offers some great trekking opportunities. You can go on day hikes from Nyaungshwe or multi-day treks if you’re up for a bigger adventure.
A popular route is the trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, which usually takes 2-3 days. On these treks, you’ll pass through beautiful countryside and small villages. You might even get to stay overnight in a monastery or local home.
You’re usually required to go hiking at Inle Lake with a guide. This is for safety reasons and because the trails aren’t always well-marked. Plus, a good guide can teach you a lot about the local culture and nature.
Costs for guided treks vary but expect to pay around 30,000-40,000 kyat ($14-19 USD) per day for a guide.
Visit the Red Mountain Estate Vineyard
Did you know there’s a winery near Inle Lake? I was surprised too! The Red Mountain Estate is located on a small hill about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Nyaungshwe. Here’s what you should know about visiting:
The winery was set up in 2002 and they grow grapes imported from France and Spain. You can take a tour of the vineyard and see how they make the wine.
The best part of visiting the Red Mountain Estate Vineyard and Winery, though, is the tasting. For a small fee, you can try several of their wines. They make red, white, and rosé wines.
Even if you’re not into wine, it’s worth visiting for the views. The winery is on top of a hill and has amazing views over the lake and surrounding countryside. A lot of people go there to watch the sunset.
Swimming in Inle Lake
Now, you might be wondering if you can go swimming in Inle Lake. Well, technically you can, but it’s not really recommended. The water isn’t very clean due to pollution and the lake is quite shallow in many parts.
Most locals don’t swim in Inle Lake, and there aren’t really any designated swimming areas. If you do decide to take a dip, be very careful and aware of boats.
The Depth of Inle Lake
Speaking of the lake’s depth, let’s talk about how deep Inle Lake actually is. The lake is surprisingly shallow. During the dry season, the average depth is only about 7 feet (2.1 meters) or 84 inches. At its deepest point, it reaches about 12 feet (3.7 meters) or 144 inches.
During the rainy season, the water level rises by about 5 feet (1.5 meters). So at its deepest point in the wet season, the lake could be up to 17 feet (5.2 meters) deep. But remember, these are just averages and maximums – much of the lake is much shallower.
Environmental Concerns at Inle Lake
While Inle Lake is beautiful, it’s facing some serious environmental problems. As visitors, we must be aware of these issues when we visit. Understanding these problems can help us be more responsible visitors.
Shrinking Lake Size
One big problem is that Inle Lake is getting smaller. Between 1935 and 2000, the lake lost about one-third of its surface area. That’s a huge change in a relatively short time!
A lot of this shrinkage is because of the floating gardens. While they’re amazing to see, they take up a lot of space on the lake. Over time, these gardens can actually become solid ground, permanently reducing Inle Lake’s size.
Climate change is also causing Inle Lake to shrink. There’s been less rain in recent years, which means less water flowing into the lake. At the same time, more water is evaporating because of higher temperatures.
Pollution and Water Quality
Pollution is another serious issue at Inle Lake. Some of the main sources are:
- Sewage from homes and hotels often goes directly into the water without being treated.
- Chemicals from farms, including pesticides and fertilizers, wash into the lake when it rains.
- Waste from a nearby coal mine and power plant is finding its way into the lake.
All this pollution is harming the plants and animals that live in and around the lake. Some studies have shown that the water quality in Inle Lake is pretty poor. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Water Quality Factor | Status in Inle Lake |
|---|---|
| Dissolved Oxygen | Lower than needed for fish |
| Nitrite Levels | Unusually high |
| Nitrate Levels | Unusually high |
| Phosphate Levels | Unusually high |
These high levels of nutrients can lead to algal blooms, which use up oxygen in the water and harm fish and other aquatic life.
Invasive Species
Some plants and animals that aren’t native to Inle Lake are causing problems. Water hyacinth, a plant from South America, is spreading quickly in the lake. While it looks pretty, it can cause big problems.
Water hyacinth grows really fast and can cover large areas of the lake’s surface. This makes it hard for native plants to grow and can use up a lot of oxygen in the water.
Other species that cause problems in Inle Lake are non-native fish species that have been introduced to the lake, either accidentally or on purpose.
These fish might be harming native fish populations by competing for food or habitat. For example, the grass carp and the rohu, which aren’t native to the lake, are now found here.
Wildlife at Inle Lake
Inle Lake is home to many animals, even though it faces some problems. In 1985, the government made the lake a wildlife sanctuary to protect these animals. This decision has helped preserve the lake’s diverse ecosystem.
Birds at Inle Lake
If you like watching birds, you’ll love Inle Lake. There are over 255 types of birds in the woods around the lake, and 90 kinds of birds live in the wet areas.
From November to January, about 20,000 birds from other places come to visit. During this time, you might see rare birds like the Jerdon’s Bushchat and the Sarus Crane.
The best time to see birds is from November to February when the visiting birds are here, making the lake a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Fish and Other Aquatic Life
Inle Lake also has some special fish. There are over 35 types of fish in the lake, and amazingly, 17 of these fish are only found here.
People at Inle Lake have been eating Inle carp, called nga hpein locally, for a long time. Other unique fish include the Inle snakehead and the Lake Inle danio.
Sadly, some of these fish are in danger because of too much fishing and dirty water. One type of fish, the Inle swamp eel, might not exist anymore, which shows how important it is to protect the lake.
The lake is also home to 45 types of snails, with 30 of these found only in Inle Lake. There’s even a small crab species that lives nowhere else in the world.
Festivals at Inle Lake
If you’re lucky, you might see a festival at Inle Lake. These festivals are a great way to learn about local culture and see special events.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival
The biggest and most important festival at Inle Lake is the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival. It happens in September or October and lasts for 18 days.
During Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, people take four sacred Buddha statues around the lake on a golden boat. One of the most exciting parts of the festival is the boat races, where teams of leg-rowers compete against each other.
Other Festivals
While the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is the main event, there are other festivals at Inle Lake too. In October, there’s the Thadingyut Festival of Lights, where people put candles and lights around the lake.
Then in November, a nearby town hosts the Tazaungdaing Festival, which includes a famous hot air balloon festival. These festivals are great times to visit Inle Lake because you can see local traditions and join in the celebrations.
Local Culture and Ethnic Groups
One of the things that makes Inle Lake so interesting is the diverse mix of people who live in the area. Here’s a quick overview:
| Ethnic Group | Known For |
|---|---|
| Intha | Leg-rowing, floating gardens |
| Shan | Traditional crafts, agriculture |
| Pa-O | Colorful headdresses, farming |
| Danu | Mountain villages, tea cultivation |
| Taungyo | Traditional weaving |
The Intha are the main group living on and around the lake. They’re the ones famous for the leg-rowing technique and the floating gardens. But each group has its own unique traditions and ways of life.
For example, the Pa-O people are known for their dark clothing and bright turbans. They mainly live in the hills around the lake and are skilled farmers. The Shan people, who are the majority in Shan State, have a rich tradition of craftsmanship and are known for their delicious cuisine.
Responsible Tourism at Inle Lake
With all the environmental challenges facing Inle Lake, it’s super important to be a responsible tourist when you visit. Here are some ways you can help:
- Use biodegradable sunscreen and soap: Regular products can harm the lake’s ecosystem.
- Don’t litter: Take your trash with you or dispose of it properly.
- Conserve water: The lake’s water level is decreasing, so be mindful of your water use.
- Support local businesses: This helps ensure tourism benefits the local community.
- Be respectful when taking photos: Always ask before photographing people, especially in villages.
- Choose eco-friendly tour operators: Some companies are working to minimize their impact on the lake.
Remember, every small action helps. By being a responsible visitor, you’re helping to preserve Inle Lake for future generations to enjoy.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a really special place. From the unique way people live on the water to the beautiful scenery and rich culture, there’s so much to see and experience here.
Yes, it has some problems, like pollution and environmental issues. But it’s still an amazing place to visit.
Visiting Inle Lake was one of the highlights of my trip to Myanmar. I hope this guide helps you plan your own amazing trip there. I’m sure you’ll have an unforgettable experience at Inle Lake.
