Home to the unique floating gardens and villages comprised of stilt-houses, Inle Lake offers a tranquil view into the lives of the Intha people – who base their existence entirely on water.
Photo © iStock/ugurhan
Trekking from Kalaw
Known as Myanmar’s trekking mecca, and where most travelers begin their journey to Inle Lake, Kalaw offers a variety of options for exploration.
The multi-day treks to Inle Lake put you in the heart of Myanmar’s scenic natural surrounds, and takes you back to the basics – if bucket showers and squat toilets aren’t your thing, then you’ll struggle on this trek.
The Padaung Tribe
Found in the Ywama village on Inle Lake, you’ll meet a group of women from the Padaung tribe – a subgroup from the larger Kayan tribe.
Weaving brightly colored scarves, bags, and selling their handicrafts, these women wear brass rings around their necks to give them the illusion of being elongated. The women are extremely friendly and encourage photographs, just don’t treat this as a trip to the zoo, ask politely before snapping photos, and do your best to say hello in the local language.
Local Fishermen
Dotting Inle Lake are the infamous one-legged fisherman, who steer their boats by wrapping one leg around their oar – their impressive balancing skills will leave you wanting to sign up to a yoga class.
Enjoy their catch-of-the-day at one of the stilt-restaurants that rise above the water lining the lake.
Boats, Bikes and Booze
Hire a wooden long tail boat and discover the magic of Myanmar while floating along the lake, with views of mountain ranges all around.
Biking around Inle is a great way to discover its beauty from a different angle. If hiring a bike, consider a trip to the Red Mountain Estate Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of the mountain rim, and offering stunning vistas down the valley – it’s a worthy half-day activity.
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