Inle Lake is a large freshwater lake surrounded by hills in the Shan state of central Burma. The shallow lake that is about 18 kilometers in length is a place of scenic beauty with a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
The lake is known for its floating gardens and “leg rowers”, so called because of their distinctive style of rowing, standing on one leg, attached to the other leg an oar, which they paddle in the waters.
The people that live here are the Intha, who grow crops as tomatoes and flowers in floating gardens on the lake. Their wooden houses are built on stilts because the water level is much higher during the rainy season.
The Intha as well as the Pa-Oh who live in the surrounding hills sell their crops at the “5 day market”, which is held in a five day rotating cycle in five villages around the lake. The rural area surrounding Inle Lake is dotted with small villages, ancient stupas and teak wooden monasteries.
To do & see at Inle Lake
There is plenty to see & do around the lake, like taking a boat trip, cycling around the lake, hiking or visiting a monastery. The fee to visit the Inle Lake is US$ 10 per person. Some places have a separate camera/VCR fee.
Nyaungshwe
The main town of the Inle Lake area is Nyaungshwe, connected to the lake by a kilometers long canal. Its main attractions are the morning market and a number of Buddhist monasteries. One of them is the Shwe Yan Pyay monastery, a 150 years old red painted teak wood monastery on stilts with large oval shaped windows. The Shwe Yan Pyay monastery houses young boys studying the teachings of the Buddha. Another monastery worth a visit is the Yadana Man Aung Paya, with its beautiful golden pagoda topped with a ornamental hti.
Leg rower on Inle Lake