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Inle Lake is a shallow lake in the middle of Myanmar, south-east of Mandalay. The lake is 22km long, and is densely inhabited by many different tribes.

Fishing on Inle Lake

[edit] Get in

[edit] Flights (Domestic)

The easiest way to get into Inle Lake (and the most comfortable) is by domestic flight. The closest airport is in Heho, which is a taxi-ride away from the lake itself (walking down the road from the airport, towards the highway, should see quoted fares drop, if not, try your luck hailing a taxi or passing pickup on the highway itself). Prices for flights are around US$75 from Yangon and US$40 from Mandalay, but unlike buslines, as the government is heavily involved in the domestic air market, a good chunk of your money will be going into their hands.

[edit] Bus

A cheaper, but less comfortable, option is that which most Myanmar people take - the bus. Buses depart daily, and cost around US$16 from Yangon (20 hours) and (unsure of costs or time from Mandalay). The buses will get you there, but they are not really designed for larger westerners, and are quite cramped (passengers picked up along the way often end up sitting in the aisle).

[edit] Pick-Up / Line-ka

A very cheap option from Taunggyi is a pick-up (1 hour and around US$0.40).

[edit] Get around

You can walk around town easily. Many bike rentals available for less than $1 per day, great for also touring the surroundings.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

The Lake - a boat trip on the lake is a must do. Day tours are available for only the top half of the lake (~9000kyat) or including the south of the lake (recommended!) (~15000 kyat). Note that in comparison to other boat trips, this is very cheap - this is because the boat drivers get good commissions for anything you buy at the many shops you visit. If you want to spend more time on the lake and less time shopping, be sure to tell the boat driver clearly. There is a $3 entry fee per person to the lake, charged by the government.

Bike Ride - take a day to ride through surrounding villages. Just check your rental bike carefully before leaving - I had to pump the tyre twice, replace a pedal and fix the brakes on my bike.

Hike - day hikes in the surrounding hills, or 3 day hikes to Kalaw are available, and are highly recommended. Seek out Than The, a local guide who knows the area very well and comes highly recommended. Ask for him at Win's Massage business.

Hot Springs - Rent a bike and cylce the bumpy road towards the mountains to visit the hot springs for a relaxing afternoon. (3000 kyat)

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Golden Kite, Yone Gyi and Myawaddy Road, ☎ +9508129327. One of the best restaurant's in Inle (Yaungshwe), owner Mio personally makes the best hand- and homemade pasta and wood-oven pizza in Nyaungshwe. A great experience.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Gypsy Inn, No. 82, Kann Nar Road, Win Quarter, NyaungShwe (On the canal, to the West of town.), ☎ +9508129084. checkout: 12:00. A growing guesthouse, with a new building (with more expensive rooms, featuring TV & fridge) and an older building (with some rooms without bathroom - shared shower block outside, for cheaper). Room price includes breakfast. Friendly staff. US$4-20.  edit
• May Guesthouse, No. 85, Myawaddy Road, NyaungShwe, ☎ +9508129417. ery friendly, clean and comfortable family run hotel. In the middle of many monasteries. US$12.  edit
• Remember Inn, (In the north of town). Clean rooms and a lovely rooftop relaxation area. Good breakfast and they are happy to help with organising flights, boats and hikes. US$5-25.  edit
• Shwe Inn Tha, Thar Lay Village, ☎ +9501225973. Located on the lake itself, quite close to the floating gardens.  edit

[edit] Get out