Inle Lake
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- Granada GuillBarcelona, Spain7 contributionswatercraft in a lakevisited there by watercraft in a lake. Even yet, it takes many hours to get to the lake's well-known location. The most well-known location is the Phaung Taw Oo Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine. In the lake, there are numerous boats that resemble floating markets and sell trinkets.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 December 2023
- anita d7 contributionsA must-visit for those seeking a harmonious blend of nature and traditionInle Lake in Myanmar is a gem waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by the Shan Hills, it offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The unique sight of locals skillfully navigating their boats with leg-rowing adds a touch of charm. The lake is embraced by lush greenery, towering mountains, and picturesque villages, creating a serene and picturesque setting.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 January 2024
- FordAuckland, New Zealand5 contributionsOur legs may be tired, but our faces hurt from smiling!The sunrise and sunset views were absolutely breathtaking (cue cheesy couple selfies). The boat tours through the floating villages and vibrant markets were a blast - we even haggled for souvenirs like pros (or at least we think we did!).Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2024
- YorksVietnam2 contributionsSunsets, sunrises, and stilted houses, oh my!We came to Inle Lake for the 'gram and left speechless (don't worry, we found our words eventually). Picture this: misty sunrises over stilted villages, fishermen casting nets like graceful water ninjas, and sunsets that belong on a postcard (or, you know, Instagram). The tranquil atmosphere almost made us forget to take selfies - almost. Highly recommend for couples who appreciate stunning views and aren't afraid of a little early morning romance.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 July 2024
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Fabysuzy
Geneva, Switzerland678 contributions
Nov 2019
Like many working couples who have little time for holiday, we almost cut out this part of trip from our 15d in Myanmar. Were we pleased that we didn't! Though we only spent 2 nights on the lake, an extra night would allow more time to see the surroundings thoroughly.
We spent one FULL Day from 05h45 to 20h00 with our guide and his crew (boat + car). We woke up early to see the sunrise on the lake (not to be missed). Our guide took us around the lake witnessing many activities and meeting interesting locals. Some of the activities were purely touristic (ie. shopping), but people were never pushy and we had a good time! Time flew by as we floated down the canals, walked through markets and ancient pagodas, and got a feel of life on water. It was an eye-opener for us from the city! We ended our long day coming back from Kakku, which was similar to Inn Dein but also had its own character. Get there after 17h30 and you will have the whole place by yourselves!
We had a great experience visiting the lake and Kakku, and would recommend everyone to include Inle Lake when visiting Myanmar. A guide is essential for this area, and we had an excellent one who was a local grew up from Inle Lake (responsible, spoke good English, knowledgeable, presentable and patient). The whole guided trip was not cheap, but we did not care as we walked away with one of our most memorable experiences in our lives! The guide's name is Naing Moe and you could send me a private message if you wish to have his full details. If you enjoy trekking, he could also arrange both short and long trips (ie. 2-3days).
Inle Lake was definitely a highlight for us in Myanmar, and we highly recommend this to all travelers planning to visit this underrated SE Asian country!
We spent one FULL Day from 05h45 to 20h00 with our guide and his crew (boat + car). We woke up early to see the sunrise on the lake (not to be missed). Our guide took us around the lake witnessing many activities and meeting interesting locals. Some of the activities were purely touristic (ie. shopping), but people were never pushy and we had a good time! Time flew by as we floated down the canals, walked through markets and ancient pagodas, and got a feel of life on water. It was an eye-opener for us from the city! We ended our long day coming back from Kakku, which was similar to Inn Dein but also had its own character. Get there after 17h30 and you will have the whole place by yourselves!
We had a great experience visiting the lake and Kakku, and would recommend everyone to include Inle Lake when visiting Myanmar. A guide is essential for this area, and we had an excellent one who was a local grew up from Inle Lake (responsible, spoke good English, knowledgeable, presentable and patient). The whole guided trip was not cheap, but we did not care as we walked away with one of our most memorable experiences in our lives! The guide's name is Naing Moe and you could send me a private message if you wish to have his full details. If you enjoy trekking, he could also arrange both short and long trips (ie. 2-3days).
Inle Lake was definitely a highlight for us in Myanmar, and we highly recommend this to all travelers planning to visit this underrated SE Asian country!
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frappa F
Aurelia20 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We have been joked on our first day in Nyaunshwe...
Once you put a feet out of your hotel start counting, before you reach number 3, someone has already stopped you to offer a boat trip.
You have to know that Myanmar people has learnt very well how to overcharge everything just for white tourists, I'm not kindding if I say that market prices are usually 1/3 of the price they tell you at first try.
On the shores of Inle lake there is much more offer in number of boats available than tourists request, there are thousands of boats in Nyaunshwe canal.
A boat uses about 5 liters (1000mkk each for 5000 mkk total) of diesel for one day and the daily salary for the captain is about 3000mkk.
You will be asked for 20000 to 30000mkk, depending on if you want to go to Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda or not.
Their plan is to sell you a full day trip for 20000mkk that actually is taking you to what they call factories: goldsmith, cigar makers, textyle weaving, restaurant and so on.
Every place has its shop, and for every item overpricely sold to you there is a percentage to the boat owner.
At the end of the day you'll have spent most of the time sailing and shopping, with no time left to visit pagodas and traditional markets.
Nothing of the scarfs, skirts, silver and so on is made in the traditional shops you are visiting, but in infustrial facrories in Yangoon, where you can buy for 1/5 of the price.
No need to say we did our complaints to the woman who sold us the trip and wanted money first (25000mkk), she didn't want to refound part of the money or provide another trip to the pagodas for the following day.
The second day after 3 seconds we went out of the hotel (8.30 a.m.) same story with another trip seller, this time we asked for boat, captain and fuel only, our decision where to go and how long yo stay. Starting from 30000mkk and with only 2 minutes of bargain we got 27000, we were happy because we didnt want to lose time and because we like doing donations to poor people, may be we could obtain a better price, I think 23 or 24 thousands.
The result was a perfect day trip:
Inn Thein Market
Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda
Jumping cats Pagoda
Wooden bridge
Departure at 9.00
Return at 17.00
Once you put a feet out of your hotel start counting, before you reach number 3, someone has already stopped you to offer a boat trip.
You have to know that Myanmar people has learnt very well how to overcharge everything just for white tourists, I'm not kindding if I say that market prices are usually 1/3 of the price they tell you at first try.
On the shores of Inle lake there is much more offer in number of boats available than tourists request, there are thousands of boats in Nyaunshwe canal.
A boat uses about 5 liters (1000mkk each for 5000 mkk total) of diesel for one day and the daily salary for the captain is about 3000mkk.
You will be asked for 20000 to 30000mkk, depending on if you want to go to Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda or not.
Their plan is to sell you a full day trip for 20000mkk that actually is taking you to what they call factories: goldsmith, cigar makers, textyle weaving, restaurant and so on.
Every place has its shop, and for every item overpricely sold to you there is a percentage to the boat owner.
At the end of the day you'll have spent most of the time sailing and shopping, with no time left to visit pagodas and traditional markets.
Nothing of the scarfs, skirts, silver and so on is made in the traditional shops you are visiting, but in infustrial facrories in Yangoon, where you can buy for 1/5 of the price.
No need to say we did our complaints to the woman who sold us the trip and wanted money first (25000mkk), she didn't want to refound part of the money or provide another trip to the pagodas for the following day.
The second day after 3 seconds we went out of the hotel (8.30 a.m.) same story with another trip seller, this time we asked for boat, captain and fuel only, our decision where to go and how long yo stay. Starting from 30000mkk and with only 2 minutes of bargain we got 27000, we were happy because we didnt want to lose time and because we like doing donations to poor people, may be we could obtain a better price, I think 23 or 24 thousands.
The result was a perfect day trip:
Inn Thein Market
Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda
Jumping cats Pagoda
Wooden bridge
Departure at 9.00
Return at 17.00
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucilledowning89
Byron Bay, Australia16 contributions
Jan 2020
It’s nice for a day out and enjoyed our boat trip between locations but we don’t recommend staying on the lake.
The prices for buy at the various locations and the heckling from vendors was enough to put us off buying anything. We were overwhelmed, over quoted, lied to and manipulated, all for the sale which was all quoted in American Dollars. This place is most certainly nothing like America.
The prices for buy at the various locations and the heckling from vendors was enough to put us off buying anything. We were overwhelmed, over quoted, lied to and manipulated, all for the sale which was all quoted in American Dollars. This place is most certainly nothing like America.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oprahfan
portland, or40 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We booked a young man named Naing Moe as our guide for Inle Lake on February 8, 2020. I had been to Inle Lake before but it was my husband’s first visit. I told Naing Moe what we would like to see and he had suggestions as well. He picked us up early from the airport in a nice car with a/c. We began sightseeing right away. His English is excellent and he is very knowledgeable about the area having grown up there. He arranged a comfortable private boat for the day on the lake. He was able to accommodate a change in our schedule to include a boat making shop which my husband enjoyed seeing. He engaged with fishermen, farmers, Temple worshippers and craftsmen to give us an interesting and unique experience. In the evening he took us to the perfect spot on the lake where we could watch sunset, rise of the full moon, and evening fishermen checking their nets. Naing Moe did a wonderful job. Please contact him on WhatsApp +95 9 42837 2125.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
milliesmum2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1,771 contributions
Dec 2019
If you start out early in your longtail you will experience the misty charm of a sunrise over the lake. It's quiet and utterly magical. We boarded at Ngaungshwe, among throngs of boats on the canal just starting their day. The boat trip through the canal was a sightseeing trip in itself and it took quite a while before we actually reached the lake proper. There is such a lot to see as life goes on around the lake much as it does in any ordinary landbased town. It is quite tourist focussed these day, of course, but nevertheless it's a fantastic day out and a fabulous was to experience local life - floating islands full of crops, monasteries, pagodas, silversmiths, teak boat builders, one leg rowers pretending to be fishing (be aware that if you photograph these dudes, they expect to be paid. They aren't really fishing for fish these days - only for tourists), stilit villages built over the water, lotus silk weavers, even a Burmese cat sanctuary! Who knew??
This a a REALLY full day activity and quite a trip highlight. Loved it!
This a a REALLY full day activity and quite a trip highlight. Loved it!
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siyin T
Singapore, Singapore6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We booked a 2 day Inle lake boat cruise with Naing. It was 2 amazing days. We got to see so much things e.g. sunrise, sunset, floating gardens, morning market, the way of Inle lake people’s lives, did some light canoeing. Everything was great and a great experience! Naing was a great guide, explaining to us lots of things including history and he was always helping us to do translation, and he knew some great places to get some amazing shots!
Highly recommend to engage Naing when u visit Inle Lake!
His contact:
Email: Naingmoe.inle@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +95 9428372125
Highly recommend to engage Naing when u visit Inle Lake!
His contact:
Email: Naingmoe.inle@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +95 9428372125
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefania B
Biot, France12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Inle lake is just amazing place to visit. Tiny villages in the water with floating garden, fisherman uses a traditional net for catching fish especially during the sunset time. I found it very poetic. Very interesting temple and stupa in the water as well. Around the lake you can enjoy also lunch and dinner in the local restaurant, very you can eat lake fish and fresh vegetable.
I've really enjoyed to stay here.
I've really enjoyed to stay here.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverley R
Hobart, Australia48 contributions
Dec 2019
We had an excellent guide who was willing to share the stories of the lake people e.g. real fishermen and fake fishermen. I expected Inle Lake dwellers would be like the Cambodian water dwellers but no this is 1500 people actually living on the water with roads marked, water laneways into houses and telephone poles. There are shops, accommodation, lots of restaurants (mostly for the tourists) businesses (an example is a silk weaving factory with the owner now a seventh generation family owner), a cigar factory and boat building (the boat we were in cost $A2500). Drinking water is a problem but people are allowed 20 litres a day and drink bottled water as it is cheap. It is a fully functional community. A highlight for us was lunch on the lake - a stunningly beautiful setting. We clambered from our boat to another boat where a table had been set for for us and a waiter was ready to serve us after offering us wine. An adjacent boat brought over the four courses one at a time. Excellent food. Near the two boats was a toilet boat. We didn't try it but how thoughtful.
The other highlight was a visit to the 1099 pagodas at the Shwe Pagoda - very old and more like Thai temples.
We could have spent more than two days here.
A not to be missed experience
The other highlight was a visit to the 1099 pagodas at the Shwe Pagoda - very old and more like Thai temples.
We could have spent more than two days here.
A not to be missed experience
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Redfox 🦊🐾
Vienna, Austria451 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Having been here 20 years ago, the last time in 2015/16 I was very sad to see how tourism has ruined the place. Only busloads of tourists coming and local people running behind them „souvenirs, souvenirs!!!“ and everyone trying to sell you something.... even the markets have more souvenir junk than ever and everyone selling the same 20 items. The fishermen on the lake also seem to be only staged and nothing is like it used to be. To me it seems like a Disneyland and is worse than I imagined it would be, very sad unfortunately. I am happy that I still saw it when it wasn’t that bad.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anja280613
Hong Kong, China30 contributions
Jan 2020
Many hotels offer tours on the lake but it comes down to a boatdriver, who speaks little to no English, taking you to places.
If you would like to have more information on about the lake and the culture, I highly recommend doing a private boat tour in English with Paing Min That. He was recommended by Naing Moe, also a tour guide with many good reviews. Paing was friendly, patient, helpful and very knowledgeable about the lake. Thanks to him, my boyfriend and I had a much better understanding of the lake and even played a quiz with each other seeing how much we both remembered of what Paing told us :D
You can contact Paing via Whatssapp (+9509258768393) or e-mail (paingmin112233@gmail.com)
Hope you will enjoy your visit to Inle Lake as much as we did :)
If you would like to have more information on about the lake and the culture, I highly recommend doing a private boat tour in English with Paing Min That. He was recommended by Naing Moe, also a tour guide with many good reviews. Paing was friendly, patient, helpful and very knowledgeable about the lake. Thanks to him, my boyfriend and I had a much better understanding of the lake and even played a quiz with each other seeing how much we both remembered of what Paing told us :D
You can contact Paing via Whatssapp (+9509258768393) or e-mail (paingmin112233@gmail.com)
Hope you will enjoy your visit to Inle Lake as much as we did :)
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I hope you can answer this question. I will be in Bagan and Inle Lake in February. I have 5 days. Which area did you prefer or found more interesting? At which would you spend the extra day?
Written 21 November 2019
For Bagan, the first thing you will need to do is to rent an e-bike which you can easily get one on the streets. If you have a bike, then you can easily visit every corner of the area. I visited Bagan for several time and my favorite thing would be watching sunset from the Erawati Raft. You can order just a bottle of beer and enjoy the scenery. If you are visiting the area for the first time, I would suggest to not try Myanmar food at night because your stomach might get sick since it is not familiar with the local food yet. (I had the same experience in last February.)
For Inle Lake, I would not recommend to stay at the hotels in the lake. You'd better stay in Nyaung Shwe - the town right beside the lake. There you can find a lot of hotels with very good value and service. On the first day of your arrival, you should spend a day to visit the lake. Hop in a boat and the driver will take you all the interesting places in the lake. In the following night, you can visit the night market in the town. The next day, don't forget to visit the Tofu Village (Tofu House). I am sure you will not regret it! Also, you might love to watch the sunset from the Red Mountain Vineyard located in the same area. Hope you have a memorable trip!
Written 9 January 2020
Hi. I'm David and I arrive the day after tomorrow to Heho. Do you do pick up from Heho to Kalaw? How much it could be?
Thanks
Written 9 August 2019
Sorry i arrived withtaxi from Mandalay so dont know
Written 9 August 2019
Hello everyone,
I'll be a first timer to Burma end of December, through mid? January. Would like to add Inle Lake to my itinerary, unsure how to go about it or where to place it.
Am doing a Pandaw cruise (Pagan to Mandalay Packet 7 nights) from 4 Jan to 11 Jan. Plan to arrive maybe 30 December (this can be altered if necessary) Yangon, fly to Bagan 2 Jan, have sunrise balloon flight following morning. Then cruise.
After cruise 2 nights Mandalay, 4 nights Ngapali, fly to Yangon return home.
How would you organise the above to include Inle Lake? Where do you stay, and the question that most concerns me, how do I organise tours, where to go, how many nights.
Mobility is a bit of an issue, walking too far is tiring.
Thank-you for your patience.
Written 29 January 2019
We are travelling to myanmar next month and we want to do a trekking tour. Most of the tourists seem to go from kalaw to inle lake. What are the pro and cons going the other way around (from inle lake to kalaw)?
Thanks for the replies!
Written 18 January 2019
Hi,
We came from Kalaw by train up to Nyaung Shwe, then we travelled up to Inle Lake where we spent a few days (a lot to see and very extraordinary place too).
You might do shopping in Kalaw before going trekking if you forgot equipment. You will not have this type of shops in Inle Lake.
We did not went to Myanmar for a trekking tour but for "simply fantastic" tourism trip.
It was very appreciated to start with Kalaw. But do organise your trip as well as you wish;
Hope you will enjoy this amazing beautiful country.
Written 27 January 2019
vorrei sapere se conosci qualcuno locale sul lago ilne grazie
Written 10 December 2018
No, siamo andati al porticciolo ed abbiamo contattato i barcaioli
Written 17 December 2018
I want to purchase scarf made from lotus threads at one of the weaving shops and need to budget ahead of time. What is the average price? Will they take credit card? Will they only take US dollars? Thank you!
Written 19 September 2018
Anywhere between $50-100 but cash only. They may not even accept USD so be sure to have Myanmar Kyats on you.
Written 6 November 2018
In one day can I take a boat ride along the lake and see Inden (Stupas). Basically can I cover Inle lake in one day or two days are required?
Written 12 September 2018
One day is more than enough not only to go around the lake and Indeiin but also the floating fields, the pagoda, lunch somewhere and end it all with a magnificent sunset on the lake on the way back!
Written 6 November 2018
How much is the silk/cotton scarf where we can buy from the longneck women? I'm affraid if it's too expensive.
Written 7 July 2018
Well,You visit Sunflowers Organic Dye Textile & Craft Shop, First floor ,Shan Kone Street, Yangon ,around about 5-10- USD for cotton and 25 USD for silk ,price rate can be negotiated.
Phone 09 45001 1956
Written 10 July 2018
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