Inle Lake

Overview

Inle Lake lies at 880 metres and is the second largest lake in Myanmar, home to Intha fishermen famous for rowing with one leg. The lake has distinctive floating gardens where tomatoes and beans are grown on floating islands, along with waterborne villages, temples and traditional craft workshops. Boating through the lotus beds and the floating market is the core experience, and photographers particularly love the silhouettes of fishermen at work at sunrise.

History

The Intha people are believed to have migrated to the lake from the south in the 14th century, bringing with them the technique of rowing with one leg while the hands are free to manage fishing nets. The lake and its communities have since developed a distinctive way of life built on floating agriculture and the water itself, and the annual Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival draws pilgrims from across the country.

Highlights

• •Leg-rowing fishermen
• •Visiting the floating gardens
• •Village markets on the water

Practical tips

• •The best light is early morning
• •A boat tour is the main way to see the lake

Practical information

Best time

November to February

Tickets

About USD 10 lake entry fee

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

Shan noodles, tea leaf salad and tofu noodles

Getting around

Reached by road from Mandalay or Taunggyi; the mountain roads are best driven in daylight

Visa

A visa or e-visa is required. Check border area and safety advisories before travelling.

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