Destination Myanmar: Inle Lake

The spectacular Inle is a immense lake located in the heart of Shan State, which shares borders with Thailand and Laos. Located in a mountain range over 900 metres above sea level, the Inle Lake region is an amazing area that is home to more than 30 hill tribes living in the mountains. Nature-lovers will be awed by the vast landscape and enjoy activities such as trekking and relaxing at the natural hot springs there.

Places on interest include the Phaungdawoo Pagoda, which is an amazing floating pagoda situated in Inle Lake. When planning your trip, see if you’re able to catch the Phaungdawoo Pagoda festival or Taunggyi hot air balloon festival, two festivities visitors will enjoy. And if you haven’t visited one before, the floating markets will be an eye-opening experience.

INLE LAKE

WHAT TO DO AND SEE

Inle Lake Due to its unique geographical location and nutrient-rich waters, Inle Lake is one of the most unique ecosystems in Myanmar and is home to mollusc and fish species not found anywhere else. Visitors will enjoy the amazing scenery and lush flora and fauna, which can be explored on foot.	Aung's Puppet Show Puppet shows are common entertainment in Myanmar, but Aung is a true master at his craft. One of only eight licensed puppeteers in all of Myanmar, Aung and his marionettes will charm and entertain you with their fun and clever show. Be sure to make reservations to avoid disappointment.	Pindaya Hot Springs Hot springs are a natural feature of the Inle Lake area, and visitors can relax at several hot springs establishments at Inle Lake or further up towards the mountains. Do note that most of the establishments offer hot spring water channeled into man-made pools to relax in, and not the actual hot spring itself.
Ywama Village Ywama Village is the largest village on Inle Lake and situated on the Western bank. The houses sit above the water on thick wooden poles that are driven into the riverbed. Residents navigate through the village on small boats via a web of canals. Check out the impressive floating market and goldsmith workshops.	Shan Cooking Class Sharing borders with Thailand and Laos has heavily influenced the cuisine in Shan State. For those who want to try their hand at local dishes, local chefs conduct half-day excursions in which you visit the market to buy ingredients, then head to their restaurant for the cooking lesson and food tasting.	Kalaw Trekking Inle Lake offers a plethora of hiking trails to discover, and the most recommended is the three day trek between Inle Lake and Kalaw, which will bring you through forests, rural villages and rice paddies. Along the way you’ll get to meet the local people and get a glimpse into everyday life there.
Shwe Indein Ruins There are 1600 ancient stupas surrounding the Shwe Indein Pagoda. A Buddha image has enshrined at a whitewashed stupa, which is on the summit of a hill. The pagoda hill is quiet and calm. One could feel the pleasant cool breeze with the sweet rings of the bells hanging at the umbrella of the stupa.	Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images, which are much revered by the lake-dwellers. Once a year, in late September - early October, there is a pagoda festival during which, four of the five Buddha images tour around the lake in a colorful.	Ayetharyar Vineyard Located high up in the mountain in Taunggyi, this is the site of the first vineyard in Myanmar. The vineyard provides a great view of Ayetharyar town especially during sunset.
Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon festival is an annual festival that takes place on the last week of October and early November. (Photo Credit to: https://www.facebook.com/tazaungdinepage)

INLE LAKE

WHAT TO DO AND SEE

Inle Lake

Due to its unique geographical location and nutrient-rich waters, Inle Lake is one of the most unique ecosystems in Myanmar and is home to mollusc and fish species not found anywhere else. Visitors will enjoy the amazing scenery and lush flora and fauna, which can be explored on foot.

Aung's Puppet Show

Puppet shows are common entertainment in Myanmar, but Aung is a true master at his craft. One of only eight licensed puppeteers in all of Myanmar, Aung and his marionettes will charm and entertain you with their fun and clever show. Be sure to make reservations to avoid disappointment.

Pindaya Hot Springs

Ywama Village

Shan Cooking Class

Kalaw Trekking

Shwe Indein Ruins

There are 1600 ancient stupas surrounding the Shwe Indein Pagoda. A Buddha image has enshrined at a whitewashed stupa, which is on the summit of a hill. The pagoda hill is quiet and calm. One could feel the pleasant cool breeze with the sweet rings of the bells hanging at the umbrella of the stupa.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images, which are much revered by the lake-dwellers. Once a year, in late September - early October, there is a pagoda festival during which, four of the five Buddha images tour around the lake in a colorful.

Ayetharyar Vineyard

Located high up in the mountain in Taunggyi, this is the site of the first vineyard in Myanmar. The vineyard provides a great view of Ayetharyar town especially during sunset.

Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival

Taunggyi Tazaungdaing Balloon festival is an annual festival that takes place on the last week of October and early November. (Photo Credit to: https://www.facebook.com/tazaungdinepage)