I felt lucky enough that I had a chance to visit one of the most beautiful lake of the Word, Inle Lake.
Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State. It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an elevation of 2,900 feet (880 m). During the dry season, the average water depth is 7 feet (2.1 m), with the deepest point being 12 feet (3.7 m), but during the rainy season this can increase by 5 feet (1.5 m).
First I would like to mention how to get Inle Lake. From Yangon I took a bus to Taunggyi. Buses to Yangon – Taunggyi are pretty nice. But it was a long ride. It took 10 hrs.
In early morning we arrived at Taunggyi and check in to the Hotel. Then we prepared to continue to Inle. Inle lake is only 12 miles away from Taunggyi.
From Taunggyi we went down to Nyaung Shwe and rent speed baot. We rode through the canal. The canal was around 3 miles.
When we entered the lake, bunch of seagull followed us. We threw some food and they can cough them well.
The lake is so big, unbelievable. We saw some people catching fish in very distinctive way, we can say it is Inle way of catching fish.
I’ve several houses on the lake. There are 5 town on the lake. The people of Inle Lake are called Intha. There are approximately around 100,000 Intha live on the lake.
Most transportation on the lake is traditionally by small boats, or by somewhat larger boats fitted with single cylinder inboard diesel engines.
Their houses are on the water. Most of Intha are fisher men. Some they do floating farm on the lake as well.
People said the best time of the year to visit Ine is during September and October. The ceremonial Hpaung Daw U Festival, which lasts for almost three weeks, is closely followed by the Thadingyut festival of lights.
It’s really worth to visit Inle.
If you want to know more about how to go to Inle lake please check on Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor.