Inle Lake – The Paradise on the Land of Myanmar

Inle lake travel is famous for its mighty lake situated in the centre of the Shan Plateau. There are many ethnic groups scattering around the region, especially the Inthar people who are known for their unique culture and one-leg-rowing technique.

Inle Lake – Beauty of Tranquility

People and Culture in Inle Lake

The Inthar is the major group in this area. They live around the lakeside with the population of 70,000 people and almost Inthar people are Buddhists. In addition, you can find other minorities in somesmall villages along the lakeshore including Shan, Taungyo, Pa-O (Taungthu), Danu, Kayah, Danaw and Bamar.

An Inthar Fisher Man in Inle Lake

The living conditions influencethe local transportation. Traditional vehicle is small long tail boat due to the shallowness of the lake. The distinctive feature here is the way the local fishermen controlling their boat. They just need to use one leg to row the boat, the other one used to balance, and their two arms for fishing. It takes a quite long time to master this unique rowing skill.

Fisher Men in Inle Lake Are Very Skilful in Rowing Boat by One Leg

Apart from fishing, the locals support their life by planting floating gardens to grow many kinds of vegetables and fruit. This strange garden is built from hyacinth, mud, and bamboo frames. Depending on the changes in the water level, these gardens rise and fall. These gardens play an important role in providing food to the natives in this region.

Inle Lake Floating Garden

In addition to agriculture, they are also known for their hand-made products. Some typical products can be found in the region including tools, carvings, textiles, and cheroots, and ornamental objects. A local market is also established for the locals and surrounding area people to exchange their goods.

Silk weaving is a highlight of the manufacturing in the lake area with various products throughout the country such as the Shan-bags. There are some other famous silk-weaving products only produced here, including Inle longyi or lotus robes…

The Looms Are Always Ready for Weaving Art in Inle Lake

Cuisine to Enjoy in Inle Lake

Differ from Shan cuisine, Inle cuisine is a collection of local natural products. There are some outstanding Inle dishes such as Htaminjin, Chinese chives roots, fried whole dried chili, and grilled dried fermented bean cakes.

Once Visiting Inle Lake, Don’t Forget to Try Its Flavour

Inle Lake Travel

Exploring the region during September and October, visitors have great chances to visit the Phaung Daw Oo Festival where the locals wear their colorful traditional costumes to celebrate the Buddhist Lent. Travellers can also see various events taking place during the Hpaung Daw Oo Festival such as traditional boat rowing competitions, Buddha images ceremony, etc.

Inle Lake Boat Race – An Interesting Activity in Festival Here

As the most tourist attraction in Shan State, tourism here is now invested to develop the facilities and services to suit local and foreign customers. With the domestic Heho Airport, located 35 km from the lake, visitors can easily move from Shan State to Mandalay to discover the beauty of this verdant area.

Things to See in Inle Lake

1. Nampan village with Floating Gardens

2. Maing Thauk village

3. Ywama village

4. Indein Temples

5. Nga Hpe Kyaung monastery, Inthar Heritage House and cats!

6. The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

7. Red Mountain Estate Vineyard

Things to Do in Inle Lake

Inle Lake is also where you can enjoy many interesting activities which will be memorable even when you came back home.

1. Inle Lake Kayaking Adventure

2. Boat Trip Around Inle Lake

3. Kalaw Trekking from Inle Lake

4. Balloon Over Inle Lake