Inle Lake

Introducing Inle Lake

A wonderful watery world of floating gardens, stilted villages and crumbling stupas, Inle Lake is an absolute must. Mountains tumble down towards the lakeshore, blurring the distinction between heaven and earth. For many travellers, Inle is heaven on earth, a place to while away the days canoeing, cycling and walking through the lush countryside. The Intha people are famous for their leg rowing, although these days many just turn it on for the tourists. There is even a monastery where meditating monks have taught the cats to jump – that’s enlightenment for you. Inle deserves to be savoured, not rushed, and many travellers end up staying for longer than they expected.

In September and October, the Phaung Daw U festival runs for nearly three weeks and is followed by the Thadingyut festival, one of Myanmar’s best-known events.

Always cooler, Inle gets downright chilly at night in January and February.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009