Home
Myanmar
PLAN MY VISIT
Myanmar Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Myanmar
  3. Destinations
  4. Eastern Highlands

Inle Lake, Myanmar

Nestled in the high Shan Hills of eastern Myanmar, the breathtaking natural wonder known as Inle Lake serves as the center of a bustling boating community. Although a few things around the lake can be reached by car, the only real way to experience this lake culture is to hire a boat and immerse you.

Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
Inle Lake Myanmar
←→

Cruising around by the diesel-powered propeller of the longboat, you’ll see how these waterborne people have made their home here. Sturdy stilts support bamboo and teak houses just above the lake. Women scrub laundry near on the lower decks near the water. Villages are scattered around the lake and the waterways between houses create an almost Venetian aesthetic.

The local school bus is a longboat packed with a dozen kids. Goods such as bamboo poles, tomatoes, or any other supplies are taken to market by boat. In some places, dilapidated pagodas are partially submerged while in other places well-kept gold-leafed spires shine in the sun. On shore, villagers overturn fields of red-clay using oxen as thick bamboo forests tower above from the hillside.

As one passes through tighter waterways, fuchsia colored lotus flowers bloom. The lake is a sanctuary for bird life and often seagulls or white cattle egrets will be flying above. It has been named as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which represents a balance between people and nature.

Sunset and sunrise are some of the most beautiful times to be out on a boat on the lake. The orange hues are reflected in the glassy lake surface and make for stunning photographic opportunities. Temperatures around the lake can be quite chilly in the morning and night, so it is recommended to bring a few heavier layers to keep warm until midday.

Long boats in Inle Lake measure about sixty feet long, and while under power the bow can raise several feet above the water. The longboat construction is a narrow, teak wood hull that can seat up to ten people in a single row. These boats have delicate centers of gravity.

Be sure to wear warm clothing during early morning rides, and umbrellas to protect from the blistering midday sun. Earplugs may also be helpful, as the engines are quite loud.

Fishermen teeter on one leg at the ends of longboats as they cast their nets into the still water. To keep their hands free, the fishermen carefully row with one leg to position the boat. Instead of the popular longyi-style pants, they wear a special Shan pant that is tailor-made for their leg rowing techniques. These days, fishermen are used to tourists and will allow boat captains to get right next to them for photos. They are not only fishing for carp — they are also looking for tips from onlookers.

The edges of the lake are lined with rows upon rows of floating gardens. In the absence of farmland, the locals use an agricultural technique that allows them to plant tomatoes, peppers, and fruits right in the nutrient rich water. Using weeds from the lake bottom, farmers create beds that are held in place by bamboo poles.

In the many villages around the lake, workshops and studios churn out a variety of items from woven material to silversmiths to cigarette rolling.

You'll see Kayan women in several of the souvenir stores weaving scarves. They have traveled from their home in order to generate income from tourists since their native region is often closed to outside visitors by the government.
The brass rings are a tradition and sign of beauty in their culture. Women begin putting the brass rings on as young as 8 years old. The maximum amount of rings they can wear is twenty-five, which they build to overtime. Together these rings can become quite heavy, weighing up to 8 lbs.

Inle Lake Personalized Trips

Our Love Amidst The Gems of Burma, Myanmar
Myanmar
Our Love Amidst The Gems of Burma

Expert Choice Celebrate your love with a luxurious journey for two exploring the gems of Burma. Become entranced by the beauty of Myanmar — and each other. Romance and adventure await you.

9 days $$$View Trip
Lovin' & Livin' in Myanmar, Myanmar
Myanmar
Lovin' & Livin' in Myanmar

Expert Choice This itinerary combines all the highlights that Myanmar has to offer, paired with premium accommodations to give you plenty of time to rest and relax during your Burmese getaway.

11 days $$$View Trip
Our Vacation in The Past & Present, Myanmar
Myanmar
Our Vacation in The Past & Present

Expert Choice Zip back and forth between the lakes, temples, and beautiful beaches of Burma with an active adventure. The journey is part of the action as you boat, bicycle, and walk.

11 days $View Trip
Solo Temple Expedition, Myanmar
Myanmar
Solo Temple Expedition

Expert Choice This itinerary is an economic way to see a lot of the country and enjoy a variety of interesting tours. Meet other travelers along the way, or enjoy the beauty of Myanmar in peace.

9 days $$$View Trip
Myanmar, Meet ME - My Trip to Burma, Myanmar
Myanmar
Myanmar, Meet ME - My Trip to Burma

Expert Choice Treat yourself to a solo adventure of Burma’s best when you book this Signature Trip. You’re going to hit all of the nation’s highlights. *Spoiler Alert*: There are a lot!

11 days $$$View Trip
See More Trips

Inle Lake Things to Do

Inle Lake and Inn Dein Pagoda Tour | MyanmarInle Lake and Inn Dein Pagoda Tour
←→
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Will use them again!
Communicative, helpful and honest. They stuck to my budget and accommodated my changes. My kids and I had such a good ti...
Dec 01, 2022
– Kayla C.
Trustpilot Rating
100 Stars!!
If I could give 100 stars, I would wholeheartedly. All the booked activities were excellent and pricing was unbeatable. ...
Nov 30, 2022
– Ravi D.
Trustpilot Rating
One of the best I have ever used
Having traveled a lot, I have used many travel companies. The responsiveness and efforts to meet our needs were unmatche...
Dec 08, 2022
– A. Hershe.
Trustpilot Rating
Above & Beyond in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, & Laos
Thank you to the entire team that made this trip so memorable for us. We appreciate your warmth and going above and beyo...
Jun 20, 2022
– Sapna
Trustpilot Rating
Best way to travel!
I trusted Harold from Anywhere.com to plan my family's vacation. Harold went above and beyond in making sure that our tr...
Oct 04, 2021
– Shivani P.
Trustpilot Rating
Profesionalism at its Best
My experience with Anywhere.com in Costa Rica was perfection. All of the drivers were punctual and pleasant; and all of ...
Aug 02, 2021
– Natasha I.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere is OUTSTANDING!
My family & I have used Anywhere to organize 3 vacations- Costa Rica, Peru, & now Ecuador. I would not hesitate to use t...
Jul 29, 2021
– Kara V.
Trustpilot Rating
Awesome vacation, everything went smoothly
Our agent (Erick) planned a great trip for our family of 5. All the tours were excellent, all the transport and lodging ...
Mar 17, 2020
– David
Trustpilot Rating
Everything Anywhere said they would do…
Everything Anywhere said they would do they did. Very professional and friendly staff.
Mar 16, 2020
– Darrell
Trustpilot Rating
We were very reassured in constructing…
We were very reassured in constructing our trip using Anywhere.com as the team responded promptly to our questions in a ...
Mar 16, 2020
– Michael
Trustpilot Rating
Great service!
Great service!
Mar 15, 2020
– Kyle K
Trustpilot Rating
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
If I could give 100+stars, I would.
Mar 15, 2020
– Jerry Pos.
Trustpilot Rating
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time…
I gave Anywhere a 48hr turnaround time before our departure to provide an itineary based on what we already researched a...
Mar 14, 2020
– Thomas hi.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with
Anywhere.com was so easy to work with. They made booking my transfers a pleasant experience. And I even had some last ...
Mar 14, 2020
– Ashley Ba.
Trustpilot Rating
Perfectly planned
Perfectly planned. The trip went off with all (5) transfers on time and all our accommodations meeting or exceeding our...
Mar 14, 2020
– John C.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Myanmar Vacations
  • Rakhine Coast
  • Central River Valley
  • Ayeyarwady Delta
  • Yangon
  • Began
  • Inle Lake
  • Mandalay
  • Ngapali Beach
  • Old Bagan
  • Shwedagon Pagoda
  • U Bein Bridge
  • Mingun Pahtodawgyi
  • Mergui Archipelago
Myanmar Travel
  • Places to go
  • Things to do
  • Hotels
  • Maps
  • Getting around
  • Safety
ANYWHERE'S TOP SPOTS
  • Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Beaches
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Galapgos, Ecuador
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, Belize
GET INSPIRED!
  • Our Safest Pick!
  • Family Vacations Made Easy
  • Best Tropical Beaches
  • Best Islands
  • Best Hot Springs
  • Cloudforests & Rainforests
  • Get into Nature
  • Mystical Destinations
  • Best Swimming Holes
  • Best Ruins
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy