Explore the Unique watery world of Inle Lake [Japan Text]

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Getting out onto the water is naturally the most popular way to experience Inle Lake. Every morning a flotilla of slender wooden canoes fitted with long-tailed outboard motors surges forth, transporting visitors to various natural, cultural, religious and historic sites. Nyaungshwe, on the northern edge of the lake, is the base for setting out on motorboat trips – every hotel and guesthouse in town can help arrange one, or just wait for a boat captain to approach you in the street.

Floating Village in the Inle Lake

In the unique watery world of Inle Lake, Intha fisherman row canoes with one leg, gardens float, and wooden homes perch above the water on rickety stilts. Take some time to explore one of Myanmar's most iconic destinations with an early-morning cruise, a cycle through the countryside, or sojourns into the surrounding hills and villages.

An Intha fisherman

Trips can be tailored, but tours typically include visits to the famous sights in the northern part of the lake, such as Phaung Daw Oo Paya in Tha Ley, the Nga Hpe Kyaung (Jumping Cat Monastery) in Nga Phe village, and the floating gardens. Make sure to spend time observing the Intha fishermen (most photogenic at dawn) and their unique technique of rowing the boat with one leg while using both hands to fish. Other destinations further afield include villages Thaung Thut, Hmaw Be, and Samkar, and you can also include a visit to Inthein, where crumbing, hilltop pagodas look down on the water.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in the Inle lake

The jumping-off point for Inle Lake is Nyaungshwe, but the town has no bus terminal or airport. If travelling to Inle Lake by air, you'll need to fly to Heho, about an hour away by car (taxis charge K25,000 – US$20 – from the airport). If arriving by land, take any bus bound for Taunggyi and hop off in Shwenyaung, the junction leading to Nyaungshwe, from where thoun bein (tuk-tuk) drivers can take you the remaining 10km.

There is a compulsory K12,500 (US$10) fee to enter the Inle Lake area, which you must pay on arrival at the permit booth located by the bridge at the entrance to Nyaungshwe. Tickets are valid for one week, although you're unlikely to be asked to pay again if you stay longer.