Inlay Lake – Lake Inle

Silver Kris cover shot of Inle Lake by LJ’s David Lazar

Inlay Lake – Lake Inle – Shan State
Inle Lake lake is far better known for its fisherman than its fish and other critters, of which more than 9 species (fish) and 20 species (snails) are found only here, and nowhere else on earth. It must be the water! Even with the increase in tourism recently, the lake area remains an alluring and authentic Myanmar travel experience, and is often cited as the highlight of the journey.

Magical Lake Inle! The second largest lake in Myanmar, is reachable best by air to the airport at Heho, and 45 minute drive through the rolling hills to charming Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle.

The Intha live largely in wood and thatch villages built on stilts and are self-sufficient. Floating gardens grow green beans and tasty tomatoes, while cottage industries like umbrella making, cheroot rolling, silk weaving, tofu and pasta making, and silver crafting bring home the bacon. We find taking a break from the engines of the longtail boats by canoeing in silence through waterways and floating villages, meeting the locals, to be an incredibly tranquil and enjoyable experience. Although the word “magic” is overused with Inlay, there truly is something about the place that is uplifting to the soul. Find some time to be absorbed by it, on a canoe, or even a bike around the lake.

Luminous Hotels – Pristine Lotus Spa, Inle Princess Resort, Myanmar Treasure Resort, Aureum Palace Inle. (Golden Island Cottages & Shwe Inn Tha for photography tours). In Nyaunshwe, the subtly named Amazing Nyaungshwe Resort is boutique nice right in town with a wonderful staff. View Point Lodge and Villa Inle are outside of town on peaceful canals, and also rated Luminous.

Luminous Restaurants – Whatever hotel your staying at! No worries, the food at any hotel we recommend is quite good. In Nyaungshwe we like The Green Chili, (Burmese Shan), Star Flower (Italian), and Beyond Taste (Burmese, Chinese, Inter).

Extensions – Indein, Nyaung Oak temple ruins, Red Mountain Winery, Pindaya Caves, Kalaw Trekking, Kakku Pagoda Ruins