Getty Images/Moment RM

Inle Lake Region

The Inle Lake region is one of Myanmar's most anticipated destinations, and all the hype is justified. Picture a vast, serene lake – 13.5 miles long and 7 miles wide – fringed by marshes and floating gardens, where stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rise above the water, and Intha fisher folk propel their boats along via their unique technique of leg-rowing. Surrounding the lake are hills that are home to myriad minorities: Shan, Pa-O, Taung Yo, Danu, Kayah and Danaw, who descend from their villages for markets that hopscotch around the towns of the region on a five-day cycle.

Nyaungshwe is the area's accommodation and transport hub. It's a scrappy place, but once you've experienced the watery world that sits right by it and explored the environs of Inle Lake, that won't matter. Few people leave here disappointed with what they've seen and done.

Explore Inle Lake Region

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Inle Lake Region.

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Inle Lake Region with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.