Inle Lake

Inle Lake is the second-largest natural lake in Myanmar. It is located on the Western Shan Plateau, about 2,950 feet above sea level. The lake is roughly 14 miles long and 4 miles wide. Its average depth is about 5 feet, with a maximum depth of around 10 feet.

The lake is home to the Intha people, who are famous for their unique way of rowing boats. They stand at the back of their boats and row using one leg wrapped around the oar. They also fish using large cone-shaped traps, which they push into the water with their foot.

Many Intha people make a living from the lake. They grow crops on "floating gardens," which are made from water plants, compost, and soil. These gardens are held in place with bamboo poles.

Local Life and Culture

The lake is also well-known for its rotating market, which moves to different villages on a five-day cycle. Here, you can find Shan ethnic people selling local goods. There are also workshops that produce hand-woven silk, traditional Shan bags, jewelry, metalwork, and cheroots (local cigars).

The scenery around the lake is peaceful and beautiful. You'll see thatched wooden houses built on stilts above the water. Floating gardens are separated by bamboo fences, and their reflections shimmer on the calm lake surface.

Top Attractions Around Inle Lake

· Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda – One of the most sacred sites on the lake. The Buddha images here have been covered with so much gold leaf that they now look like golden eggs.

· Hand-woven Silk Workshop – See how traditional silk fabrics are made by local weavers.

· Blacksmith Shop – Watch local craftsmen make metal tools and items by hand.

· Cheroot Factory – Learn how local cigars are rolled and made.

· Silversmith Shop – View beautiful handmade silver jewelry and items.

· Ngaphechaung Monastery – Also known as the "Jumping Cats Monastery." It also has a collection of old religious artifacts.

Festivals and Surrounding Sites

The Intha people are mainly Buddhist. The most important festival at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda takes place in late September and early October. During this time, four or five Buddha images are taken on a tour around the lake in a grand procession.

Another interesting site is Indein Pagoda, located on the western side of the lake. It is surrounded by ancient stupas hidden in the bushes. You can reach the pagoda by boat through a narrow creek. Along the way, you can see local farms, water buffaloes, and children swimming and playing in the water.