Inle Lake: An Introduction
Just over 100 miles south-east of hustling Mandalay, Inle’s tranquil, other-worldly beauty captivates even the most jaded traveller. Despite being densely populated by at least 8 different tribes, the 14 mile long lake is a deeply relaxing place to stay. It’s certainly one of the more popular areas amongst foreign visitors, but this means that hospitality here is well-established. Having ventured into some of Burma’s less luxurious areas, you will probably welcome the chance to enjoy a traditional Burmese massage or five, & flush the trail-dust from your pores in the hot springs that lie beneath the nearby mountains.
Once you have your breath back, you can explore Inle in a traditional longtail boat, visiting craft workshops, stilted villages, markets, temple boats & even floating vegetable patches, created by the Shan tribe to grow their marrows & tomatoes on the lake. Energetic types can hike at In Dein or up into the mountains to visit the little hill station of Kalaw, alongside traditional longhouses & tea plantations.
In October, Inle plays host to two lovely festivals. Hpaung Daw U, the Five Buddha festival, sees five deeply revered & richly gilded Buddha images towed from village to village on a barge, & some fiercely competitive boat races in which local boatmen - whose rowing style is unique to Inle - show off their expertise. Shortly afterwards, the Burma-wide & beautiful Thadingyut Festival of Lights marks the end of Buddhist Lent. Houses are decorated with lamps & lanterns, & everyone comes out to celebrate in their fancy clothes.