INLE LAKE : A very shallow lake, only 2 to 3 meters deep, surrounded by high plateaus and overlooked by the misty Shan mountains. The lake is home to the Intha people, among others, who have adapted to their watery environment by building whole villages rising in stilts from the shallow waters. Lake dwellers have become famed for their unique leg rowing technique, and grow an array of flowers and vegetables in picturesque floating gardens and fields, tended by workers in canoes. Inle Lake is 22 kilometers long, about 11 kilometers wide and lies a comfortable 875 meters above sea level.
(General Admission to Inle Lake: US$ 5)

After arriving in Heho and being picked up by our tour guide, we will drive one hour to Nyaung Shwe - where you will board a motorboat and be ferried to your designated hotel - the trip offering a taste of the charms this famous lake has in store. Enjoy the sunset over the lake from the terrace of the hotel.

On the next morning we will begin our sightseeing tour of the lake. Please discuss with your tour guide the places you would like to visit from those mentioned below.

Sights to be seen at Inle Lake:
Indaing Village : Half way along the western side of the lake, this is a very interesting village with its 1094 stupas surrounding the main Pagoda, Indaing Pagoda. This Pagoda is the original home of the five famous Buddha images of Inle Lake. Some of the stupas are from the 11th century and feature beautiful stone carvings. It also plays host to one of Inle Lake's famous bustling markets. From Indaing you can hike two hours to a Pa-O tribe village.

 Phaung Daw U Pagoda : The holiest religious site in the southern part of the Shan State. It hosts five goldleaf-covered statues, of which three are Buddha images and two are reportedly Arahats (historical disciples of the Buddha). The goldleaf on the figures has become so thick that the images have become almost unrecognizable. The ceremonial barge sets off from here to carry four of the five Buddha images around the lake, from village to village, to bless the village monasteries, over the 18 days of the famous Phaung Daw U Festival. This festival takes place every year around September/October.

 Five-Day-Market : These bustling markets around Inle Lake are mostly of interest for the variety of different products offered, mainly grown on the floating gardens. Additional local color is added by the presence of the different tribal groups such as the Pa-O, who come from far and wide to sell their wares. The market rotates between different villages over five days, and visits Indaing, Ywama and a site next to the Phaung Daw U Pagoda.

Nga Phe Monastery : Also called the "Monastery of the jumping cats", since the monks have trained their cats to jump through hoops (!). The different ancient Buddha images inside make this monastery a worthwhile stop.

Traditional Handcrafts:

- Silk weaving: at Inbawkhone

- Gold & Silver Smithing: at Ywama

- Boat Making: at Nam Pan

- Cheroot Making: at Nam Pan

Kaung Daing Village : Located on the northwest shore of the lake, this village is famous for the making of rice crackers, tofu snacks and fried beans. There is also a hot spring water source about 40-minutes walk from the village, which is a popular bathing place for locals and tourists alike.

On the way to or from Heho we can stop in Nyaung Shwe to visit the following sights:

Shan Palace Museum : This was the "haw" (palace) of the last Shan Sawbwa (leader). Sao Shwe Thaike, the 33rd Shan Sawbwa became the first president of Myanmar in 1948. The building itself rather than the Shan regalia and photos inside is worth a visit.

Shwe Yaunghwe Monastery : Features a venerable wooden consecration hall with unique oval windows.

We suggest another nice daytrip from Inle Lake to Sagar (Samkar). This fascinating boat ride leads you down the river leading out of Inle Lake in the south, between green, brown and yellow fields, along old Nat shrines and lonely pagodas.

Sagar (Samkar) : The name is said to be taken from the Sagarbin (Frangipani tree - the champak). King Asoka is said to have built a pagoda in the center of Sagar with an image made of Saga wood (Frangipani wood) and built a town around it. Since the mid 1600's the area has been home to complex irrigation and agriculture systems. There are a few ancient pagodas, which are simple but beautiful nonetheless. The valley is entirely given over to paddy cultivation and the slopes have long since been cleared of all large tree growth for hill crops. It is worth visiting the area on the market day when people from local tribes come together. Although a bit longer boat ride, the trip to Sagar is a beautiful one that passes a number of tribal villages and is a perfect daytrip for the traveler wanting a relaxing day away from other tourists.