Experiencing Inle Lake

A Lake Like No Other

The Inle Lake at 880 m altitude in Shan State is one of Myanmar's most iconic travel destinations — and a place that exceeds all expectations. The 22 km long and 11 km wide freshwater lake is home to the Intha — a people of about 70,000 who have organized their entire lives on the water. Stilt houses over the lake, floating gardens built on matted vegetation, weaving and silversmithing on stilts over the water — Inle Lake is a civilization on water.

One-Legged Fishermen — Myanmar's Icon

The famous one-legged fishermen of Inle Lake are Myanmar's most photographed subject — and rightly so. The Intha fishermen wrap one leg around a long wooden oar and steer the narrow boat while lowering the conical net into the water with both hands. This unique technique worldwide allows them to row, steer, and fish simultaneously. The fishermen are best seen early in the morning (6–8 AM) when the lake is still mirror-smooth and mist drifts over the water — a sight of such ethereal beauty that it seems like a dream sequence.

Floating Gardens

The Intha literally build their vegetable gardens on the water: floating islands made of matted water hyacinth and lake grass, anchored to the lakebed with bamboo poles, where tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, flowers, and herbs grow. From afar, they look like green stripes on the water. A boat trip through the gardens is fascinating — the gardeners tend their beds from boats, and the harvest is transported to the market by boat.

Boat Trip — The Heart of the Inle Experience

Most visitors book a full-day boat trip (approx. 15,000–25,000 MMK = 5–8 EUR for the entire longboat). The typical tour includes:

• One-legged fishermen: The morning photo opportunity — some fishermen pose for tips, authentic fishermen can be found in the outskirts of the lake.
• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda: Five small Buddha statues, so thickly covered with gold leaf that they look like shapeless gold lumps. Myanmar's most peculiar religious sanctuary.
• Weaving in Inpawkhon: Traditional silk and lotus fiber weaving on stilts. The lotus fiber silk is an absolute rarity — only at Inle Lake are scarves and shawls woven from the fibers of the lotus plant. Expensive (from 50 USD), but unique in the world.
• Silversmiths: Craft villages where intricate silver jewelry has been made for generations.
• Nga Hpe Kyaung: A historic teak monastery on stilts with a collection of old Shan Buddha statues. Once known as the "Jumping Cat Monastery" (the monks taught cats tricks), the cats are unfortunately no longer there.