Inle Lake was the second destination of our trip through Myanmar. After spending a few days in the busy and loud Yangon, we found Inle Lake and its surrounding area to be like a breath of fresh air. Its quiet and slow-paced town was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
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First impressions
After a long journey and a sleepless night, we finally arrived in Nyaung Shwe town – the main access point to Inle Lake. It was seven in the morning and the sun has just risen. There was a welcome, freshening morning breeze to remind us that we were 875 meters above sea level.
As we got off the bus and started walking toward our hotel it felt like a drastic change. Nyaungshwe combines the feel of a rural town full of rice paddies and mountainous areas, with a range of conveniences typically found in larger cities.
There are many things to do and see around Inle Lake. Most travelers come to Nyaung Shwe just to visit the Lake, which is a shame. We spent five days exploring Nyaungshwe and I came away thinking that three days is a great amount of time to spend there.
Below, you will find a 3- day itinerary and all the highlights, the places we visited, and other things we did. This post is also full of tips and advice that will help you have the best experience.
The Best Things To Do Around Inle Lake
Or how to spend 3 days in Nyaungshwe
Day One: Take it easy
Treat yourself to a massage
What better way to spoil yourself after an overnight bus trip than to have a massage?
After a little chill at the guest house and a good brunch to recharge batteries, I thought that a good massage would be the perfect treat for my body. There are a few massage salons spread all around Nyaungshwe, but I tried Lavender Spa only and it did not disappoint.
Prices vary per treatment. 1-hour full-body massage starts at MMK13,000
Explore Nyaungshwe by bike
Make an afternoon without any plans and enjoy a cycle ride. You can rent your own bike with a small fee.
One of my favorite moments in Nyaungshwe was when we went cycling the countryside. As we cruised through small villages, we found ourselves in the most picturesque rice fields of this tranquil area. We ventured further into the countryside and arrived at the star attraction of Nyaungshwe: Inle Lake.
It was 6:30 p.m. when we made it back to town. The sun was setting behind the mountains, offering the most beautiful view we could hope to experience during this visit. It was a great ride.
Day 2: Take a boat tour on Inle Lake
The main reason we came to Shwenagon was to visit the famous Inle Lake, so the second day was entirely dedicated to it.
We met our guide at 10:00 sharp and hopped on a narrow boat to explore the lake.
The boat tour lasted around 7 hours and included visits to monastery, market, and workshops.
Now, we had been told that the workshops are a tourist trap and the leg-rowing fishermen are fake and we quickly realized that it was actually true. That being said, it’s fascinating to see how life here revolves around the water. Houses, schools, and places of worship are built on stilts, and the practice of farming is unique. Yes, there are a few things we didn’t like, but we definitely enjoyed our time on the boat.
Boat tour price: MMK17,000 – 18,000 per boat (private tour) or MMK6000/person (shared boat)
Day 3: Go trekking in the mountain
There are many travel agencies offering a selection of trekking experiences. If you skip the 3-day Kalaw to Inle Lake trek, a one day trek in Naungshwe mountains is a great alternative, especially if you prefer to meet more locals than tourists.
I’ve got to admit, I hesitated to go on a trek as it was too hot for me, but it turned out to be one of my favorite things of the whole trip.
We met up with our guide in town before making our way up to the mountain. We started with a cave tour, before coming upon a series of vegetable paddies and teak wood plantations on our way to the village. We met a lot of gracious and friendly locals, and our guide prepared a delicious lunch for us.
If you are not keen on uphill walking or had already done the 3-day Kalaw to Inle Lake trek, then why don’t you try a horse riding trek? You can also include a visit to a French winery to your trekking route.
One day trekking info: This private trek takes around 8 hours. A private tour for 2 persons (Lunch and guide included) costs around MMK30,000 – 32,000.
What else can you do?
Relax, chill out, and enjoy a drink.
What better way to reward yourself after a long day trekking than quenching your thirst while enjoying a beautiful sunset over ricefields. La Riziere Buvette is the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing or a visit to Nyaung Shwe.
Quick Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Inle Lake
Entrance fee: When entering Inle Lake area foreign tourists have to pay an entrance fee. In case you don’t have enough cash, there is an ATM right next to the checkpoint.
The fee is MMK15 000.
Clothing: It can get quite cold at night. Bring a sweater.
Where to stay: Skip staying on or by the lake. It’s filled with noisy boats. Also, if you stay on the lake, you will need a water taxi to get around. Instead, base yourself in Nyaung Swhe. It’s closer to the main attractions and offers a wide range of restaurants and accommodation options. We stayed at Motel Album and had a great stay. the room was basic but offered all the comfort needed. they also offer free bikes.
➵ Book a room here
Activities: Some travel agencies offer a discount if you book two activities with them. Try to book the boat tour and the trek at the same time to get a good deal.
So, there you have it: my 3- day Inle Lake Itinerary post! Don’t miss the rest of my Myanmar posts.
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