Inle, Myanmar (Burma)

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. 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!) (~13000 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. A wonderful watery world of floating gardens, stilted villages and crumbling stupas, Inle Lake is an absolute must. Mountains tumble down towards the lakeshore, blurring the distinction between heaven and earth. For many travellers, Inle is heaven on earth, a place to while away the days canoeing, cycling and walking through the lush countryside. The Intha people are famous for their leg rowing, although these days many just turn it on for the tourists. There is even a monastery where meditating monks have taught the cats to jump – that's enlightenment for you. Inle deserves to be savoured, not rushed, and many travellers end up staying for longer than they expected.In September and October, the Phaung Daw U festival runs for nearly three weeks and is followed by the Thadingyut festival, one of Myanmar's best-known events.Always cooler, Inle gets downright chilly at night in January and February.