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Inle Lake

Temperate and picturesque, Inle Lake is one of the nation's top attractions. Ringed by mountains and dotted by stupas and monasteries, the lake supports a remarkable, water-based culture, where floating farms grow fruit and vegetables, and many depend on fishing for their livelihood. The neighboring villages are populated by some 70,000 Danaw, Danu, Intha, Kayah, Taung-yo and Shan peoples, who live in houses on stilts over the lake's 45 square-mile (117 square-kilometer) surface.

Inle Lake is a pleasant, relaxing addition to any trip; popular activities include bicycling, hiking, boating, and a visit to a series of floating markets and villages.

EXPERIENCES

Indain

Explore Indain, a village on the west side of Inle Lake, home to a veritable forest of small stupas lining the shores of the lake. These figures are in various stages of decay and some of them date back to the 11th century. Many contain small images of the Buddha. Together they create a wonderfully atmospheric setting.

Inle Lake Cruise

Board a basic motorboat (a long, narrow outboard-motor vessel with comfortable chairs) for an cruise on Inle Lake. You’ll pass by tribal villages, floating farms, most likely some migratory birds, and centuries-old pagodas dotted among the paddy fields.

Inpawkhon Village

Visit Inpawkhon Village and discover a local silk and lotus-weaving factory, where you can observe the various methods of weaving, dyeing, and extracting thread from lotus stems.

Inthar Heritage House

Visit the Inthar Heritage House, which is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Inthar culture. It also serves as a center focusing on the re-introduction of the Burmese cat into Myanmar, which have vanished from the country over the years due to industrialization and the introduction of other breed

Local Family Visit

Explore the lake's floating villages, stopping to have tea in the home of a local family. Through your guide as interpreter, learn about the locals' lives in one of the world's most unique habitats.

Pa-O Village Hike

Go on a moderate hike (three hours round-trip) to a village of the Pa-O ethnic people, whose traditional culture is little known and gradually disappearing. Many Pa-O still farm according to age-old methods, and they are particularly known for growing the best tobacco and mustard leaves in the country. Visit a local market, meet local Pa-O residents and learn about their lives.

Phaung Daw U Pagoda

Visit Phaung Daw U Pagoda on the lake, which is one of the three principal shrines in all of Myanmar. Named after a sacred mythological bird, the pagoda dates from the 18th century and houses five 12th-century Buddha images, which devotees coat with fresh gold leaf on a daily basis. To the right of the main shrine there are two golden pedestals used to transport the images during the pagoda’s annual eponymous festival.

Vineyard Tour and Tasting

Visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting session and tour. This pioneering winery, situated near Inle Lake, is one of the only winegrowers in the country. The wines are made using traditional Western wine producing methods, new technologies and modern equipment.Although the winery may be a long way off catching up with its international competitors, visiting allows a unique insight into the beginnings of a young winery in a country that isn’t generally associated with such epicurean delicacies.

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Aureum Inle Resort & Spa

Opened in 2010, the Aureum Inle Resort & Spa is perched on the edge of Inle Lake with villas surrounding its banks. Each of the 66 units comes with separate sleeping and living areas, satellite television, private balconies and outdoor terraces. Dine at either one of the hotel’s restaurants (both indoor and outdoor options are available). Other on-site facilities include a spa and beauty parlor, a swimming pool and a boutique shop. Water sport activities are also available through the hotel.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min

Positioned on the east bank of the peaceful waters of Lake Inle, Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min hotel is an ideal retreat from the non-stop action of the modern world; yet it’s a short drive to the lively attractions of Nyaung Shwe town center for guests looking for the perfect combination of splendid isolation spliced with more metropolitan delights. Tranquillity is at the heart of the hotel’s philosophy, and this is reflected in the cubic buildings, wood-panel walls and vast windows of the hotel’s architecture - designed to bring calm to restless minds. All of the rooms are decorated with dark wood flooring, complimented by royal blue and charcoal gray furnishings. Whether guests opt for an airy suite overlooking the resort's lush gardens, or a spacious villa right on the water, both are enhanced by a choice of either an elegant balcony or a scenic patio. Along with the picturesque surroundings, guests can find further relaxation by slipping into the infinity pools for a cooling dip or reinvigorate tired limbs with a trip to the on-site spa.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Sanctum Inle Resort

Inspired by the serenity of Lake Inle’s waters, Sanctum lnle Resort is designed to promote contemplation through its off-the-beaten-path position, and the architectural flourishes that invoke monastic traditions, such as Spanish-style arches and the minimalistic room designs. The arched windows and graceful cloisters might be modest in their approach, but there is nothing simple about Sanctum Inle Resort. Lofty and bright, the hotel’s rooms come outfitted with the comforts of home, with natural wood floors, plush beds and cable television - all set off by the solid teak wood furniture, handcrafted by local Myanmar artisans. Here, guests are encouraged to rise early for meditation in the gardens and contemplative walks by the lake.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Constructed between 20 acres of rice fields and floating gardens, guests of the Sofitel Inle Lake can experience world class luxury in this hotel that merges Myanmar style with the latest technologies. Guests can catch stunning views of the surrounding natural scenery from the terraces of their spacious rooms or from any of the hotel's two restaurants and two bars. The restaurants serve a range of local and international dishes and there are ample opportunities for guests to relax, whether that be at either of the opulent bars, temperature-controlled pools, or by enjoying a professionally administered massage.

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses

Located in the heart of Inle Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Myanmar, Inle Heritage Stilt Houses offers six bungalows that are beautifully integrated into their surroundings, affording fantastic views of the lake's breathtaking sunsets. Furnished with locally woven fabrics and Shan paper designs, the rooms merge relaxation with aesthetic wonder. Traditional charm is matched with modern comfort, as the rooms are equipped with solar-powered hot water, Wi-Fi, and other modern amenities. Surrounded by organic vegetable gardens, each of the structures satisfies the highest of environmental standards with such materials as teak and bamboo. Wooden walkways connect the rooms to the resort’s famous restaurant and lounge where guests can experience flavors of traditional Inthar and Shan cuisine infused with modern twists served three times a day, or relax over an afternoon tea. Through a combination of ecotourism and social business models, the Inle Heritage organization that oversees the stilt houses seeks to both promote and preserve the unique culture of its region.

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