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Fisherman on water on traditional wooden fishing canoe with conical shaped fishing net.
Home Destinations South East Asia Myanmar Inle Lake

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is a magnificent example of the range of beautiful landscapes on offer in Myanmar.

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Ousted from their lands by warring neighbours, the resident tribe of Inle Lake took to the water and developed a culture that has survived for centuries, living in houses built on stilts and cultivating crops of floating seedbeds.

Nestled in a hollow of the Shan Plateau, Inle Lake is the focus of attention for the surrounding area and provides some good opportunities to see local tribes.

Sunset Over Inle Lake, Myanmar
Inle Lake, Myanmar

A little bit more about Inle Lake

Numerous villages surround it and floating markets are held on a rotational basis. Religious deities travel the lake by boat visiting each of the villages with boats being rowed by men using a curious combination of just one leg and an oar. A number of good hotels have been built at the edge of the lake making it a peaceful place to spend a few days.

Considered as heaven on earth by travellers who have visited it, it a perfect place for activity enthusiastic travellers interested in cycling, kayaking and trekking, and new for 2015, hot air balloon rides.

A truly fascinating place and well worth a visit during any tailor-made Myanmar holiday, its cultural and scenic offerings are second to none.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Sunset Over Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake by Hot-air Balloon

Float across the serenely beautiful lake by hot air balloon.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Traditional silks and sarongs, Bagan market, Myanmar
 

Traditional Handicrafts

Learn more above the traditional silk and lotus weaving process, from cultivation to dying and weaving.

C.MM.Fishermen, Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake Leg Rowers

See the famous Inle Lake leg rowers. Their iconic one legged stance allows them to wrap one leg around the oar to guide their boat while keeping both hands free to cast their conical net into the water

Suggested Holiday Idea

Market Woman, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake’s Five Day Market

Visit the five-day market, which travels from village to village based on the lunar calendar.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Red Mountain Wine Estate, Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Red Mountain Wine Estate

Cycle to the Red Mountain Wine Estate on the shores of Inle Lake and enjoy a sundowner.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Wooden boat, Inle Lake, Myanmar
 

Inle Lake Villages

Discover the less visited southern shore of Inle Lake.

Suggested Holiday Idea

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Aureum Palace Resort & Spa, Inle Lake £££££

  • Myanmar

Located on the eastern shores of Inle Lake the Aureum Resort & Spa has 66 spacious villas built on stilts over the lake. Each villas has a terrace from which to enjoy the lake views and even the swimming pool and restaurant ensure they make the most of the vistas.

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Inle Princess Resort £££££

  • Myanmar

Located in a peaceful corner of Inle Lake, each of the 45 free standing wooden chalets have traditional style interiors and a private terrace with lake or mountain views. The restaurant with lake views serves delicious Burmese dishes, the swimming pool is set in the lush gardens and the excellent spa has an emphasis on local treatments.

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Kalaw Hill Lodge £££££

  • Myanmar

Set in stunning forest scenery Kalaw Hill Lodge has 32 rooms, architecturally influenced by the local mud-house style and all with breath-taking views of the Shan Plateau. The Lodge has an intimate and homely feel, complete with roaming chickens and the organic garden provides most of the food for the restaurant. Additional facilities include a wellness centre offering yoga and meditation.

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Sanctum Inle Resort £££££

  • Myanmar

Located close to Inle Lake, Sanctum Inle Resort looks more like a European Monastery than a Burmese Hotel but the renaissance style and verdant grounds provide a lovely base to explore. The 94 rooms are spacious and bright and there are plenty of spots from which to enjoy the lake views including the 20-metre infinity pool, built into the hillside.

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Villa Inle Resort & Spa £££££

  • Myanmar
  • Boutique

Occupying a 20-acre plot on the banks of Inle Lake the Villa Inle Resort & Spa comprises 27 spacious wooden villas. The villas blend with their natural surroundings and offer modern conveniences while retaining their charm and character. High ceilings, spacious living areas, outside seating and king size beds are complemented by hand-selected local paintings and artwork. The views of the lake are superb and the resort has a large swimming pool and spa offering a range of treatments.

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Myanmar holiday ideas.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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