Inle Lake Holidays

Home to the Intha people and famous for its stilt villages, floating crops and local fisherman that row in a unique ‘one-legged’ style, the serene waters of Inle Lake are implausibly beautiful. Set in Shan State, surrounded by hills and accessed only by local long-tail boat, this is rural Burma at its best. Visit the small village of Indein and the crumbling 17th century pagodas of Nyaung Ohak Monastery, then travel between floating hamlets to witness silk weaving and cheroot making. For a different perspective, it is also possible to cruise to the southern reaches lake to see the little-visited villages of Sagha and Thakong and the earthenware pottery works in Kyauktaing. Quiet, reflective and alluring, Inle Lake remains a hidden gem that perfectly encapsulates both the diversity and identity of the country.