Things To Do in Inle Lake, Myanmar

This article provides information on things to do in Inle Lake, how to visit Inle Lake, where to stay in Inle Lake and how to go from Inle Lake to Naypyidaw.

Inle Lake, our resting point after a two day hike from Kalaw. We were looking forward to rest our feet and to explore the lake and its surroundings by boat. Nyaung Shwe, (where most people stay when they visit the Lake) is a quiet village, with dirt roads and street foods. The perfect bucolic stay.

Houses on the Water, Inle Lake ooaworld Rolling Coconut

On our first day of walking around Nyaug Shwe, we met a local lady who showed us her village, introduced us to the local temple she goes to and invited us to meet some of her neighbors who make the local cigars (cheroots). She informed us that her nephew has his own boat and takes tourists on day trips. We decided to meet her nephew, discussed the itinerary and agreed on a tour for the next day.

Women making Cigars or Cheroot, Inle Lake, Myanmar

Over a couple hundreds cheroots are rolled every day, Inle Lake, Myanmar

How to get to Inle Lake

The popular attraction is to trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. If you are not trekking from Kalaw, you can get to Inle Lake by bus from the following places :

Mandalay : 10,000 Kyats (about USD $10), 8-10hrs

Bagan : 11,000 Kyats (about USD $11) , 12hrs

Yangon : 15,000 Kyats (about USD $15), >15hrs

You can also fly in from Yangon (roughly USD $75) or Mandalay (roughly $35)

Samosas and Local Snacks Lady in Inle Lake, Myanmar

Lunch in Inle Lake, Myanmar

Where to Stay in Inle Lake: Hotels in Inle Lake

Nanda Wunn Hotel, where our bags were dropped off by Golden Lily Guesthouse after our trek. We did not have to stay at Nanda Wunn though they watched after our bags, but after the room visit and price check, we agreed it was a good hotel for two nights.

Cost :USD $18 per night for a double room with private bath

Amenities : big, clean double room with a big private bathroom, fan, free WiFi, breakfast included.

We were extremely satisfied with this hotel, it was the best accommodation we’ve had during our entire trip in Myanmar.

Streets of Inle Lake, Myanmar

Getting around Inle Lake

We did everything by foot, we saw some people rent bicycles (see below) and motorbikes.

Gas Station in Inle Lake, Myanmar

 Things to Do in Inle Lake: Activities in Inle Lake

Inle Lake Boat Tour Itinerary, Myanmar

We always prefer to visit the surroundings by foot though you can easily rent bicycles for the day (see below).

Boat Tour on Inle Lake : 14,000 Kyats (about USD $14) for the day including stops at morning market, temple on water, visit the ladies from the Kayan Lahwi tribe, and a couple of mandatory stops at local shops. Each stop should be discussed and agreed upon before you are taken for a ride.

Morning Market, Inle Lake, Myanmar

Fish and Meat Stand at the Morning Market Inle Lake, Myanmar

Shops on Boats, Inle Lake, Myanmar

A tour on the lake will take most of the day. You can either schedule a tour with your hotel or by walking around town, you will be asked from one of the boat owners. Most lake tours will include stops at local shops to incite you to purchase goods. We requested to skip most of the shops and our boat guide kindly respected our demand.

Scarf Shop on Inle Lake Myanmar

Bicycle ride: rent a bicycle and ride along the old town and visit the neighbor villages. Renting a bicycle in Inle Lake should cost under 1,500 Kyats per day (under USD $2). See Another Traveler’s bike adventure in photos.

One of the best things to do on Inle Lake is to watch the local fishermen do their flawless fishing moves; though be warned: some pose for tourists and will ask for a donation

Fishermen casting Nets in Inle Lake

From Inle Lake to Naypyidaw by Bus

By bus : booked with our hotel for 10,000 Kyats per person, night bus to reach Naypyidaw by morning time

Memorable experience shared with the ladies from the Kayan Lahwi Tribe

Inle Lake is the perfect place to rest and get away from the “big cities” like Mandalay and Yangon. As we’ve mentionned before, Myanmar is a country to visit sooner than later, especially if you’re looking for that local charm.

How long did you stay in Inle Lake? Share you travel stories with us !

Read more about Myanmar, here.

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