Inle Lake Myanmar – Top 6 Best Attractions and Sights

Inle Lake was one of our all time favourite destinations in Myanmar. We were worried that it would be as touristy as Bagan and somewhat lacking in charm, but they've managed to create a laid back, hippyish atmosphere that feels genuine and enjoyable regardless of the hoards of travellers. It's a breath of fresh air away from the chaotic cities but there's a lot more to keep you entertained than in Bagan, and far less pagodas if you've seen enough of those by now!

Most people stay in Nyaung Shwe, a small town just outside Inle Lake and, whilst there's plenty on offer for tourists to enjoy, the key attraction is inevitably the lake itself.

1. The lake – Explore it by boat

At least one full day should be dedicated to exploring the lake to see all of the main highlights. Just book a tour at one of the many agents’ offices in town – compare a couple of prices if you like but most seem to be a similar sort of price. The boat tours start from around USD10 for a boat for the day on a basic itinerary going up to nearer USD25 for a more exclusive set of stop offs. Somewhere in the middle was perfect for us, we paid USD15 for a tour that took in all the main attractions as well as including a stop off in Indein Village which is a real must do.

2. Traditional fishermen – Unbeatable Photo Opp

Expect to start early at between 7am and 8am, ready for the full day trip. First stop will be watching some of the local fisherman on the lake using traditional boats and nets. They exist almost exclusively as a tourist attraction now but are well worth seeing.

If you visit between December and February, whilst the morning is likely to be chilly most of the time you'll be rewarded with perfect blue skies over the clear waters of the lake, with a beautiful mountain backdrop. This is one of the most instagrammable locations in Myanmar without a doubt!

3. Floating villages – Unique Style of Living

The boat tour will then take you through a small floating village, of which there are many dotted around the lake. You'll get to see local schools, businesses and even post offices and witness how the community lives in stilted houses above the water.

4. Local handicrafts – Scarfs, Fishermean Trousers and More

It's at this point that unless you've agreed otherwise with your tour agency you'll spend time at a number of different small businesses showcasing various local handicrafts where you will of course have the opportunity to make some purchases! Don't let this put you off as we had no intention of shopping but a polite ‘no thank’ you was all it took to ensure no further sales attempts ensued, and it was really interesting to see the craftspeople at work.

Some of the highlights you can expect to see here include a silversmithing workshop, a lotus and silk weaving workshop, a cigar making factory and various markets.

Tip Do take care if you are taken to a market where the ‘longnecked women’ are on display – they are not indigenous to this area and are just brought to the villages to earn tips from tourists and many sustainable travel initiatives disapprove of this.

5. Indein village – Pagodas and Some More Pagodas

The final stop of the day will be at Indein Village, a truly spectacular site where thousands of pagodas are situated. From old crumbling wrecks to shiny new ones it's an impressive place to wander round.

6. Cat monastery & Hpaung Daw U Pagoda – Cats, Anyone?

On the way back to Nyaung Shwe you'll have an opportunity to stop off at a monastery famous for the many cats that live there alongside the monks, followed by Hpaung Daw U Pagoda - a large temple complex on the lake that's a centre of prayer for local communities.

All in all it's a very long day but packed with amazing things to see and do, and by far the best tour on offer in the area!