Inle Lake - A Spendid Oasis of Myanmar

Inle Lake in Burmese means a large lake, located in the heart of Shan State, 40 km south of Taung-kyi town-the former capital of ShanState. The lake is situated at the altitude of about 889 meters above sea level, surrounded by high mountains, and has an area of approximately 220 km2. The deepest area is about 6 meters, the water level varies seasonally; the difference between the dry season (May), and full water season (August) of about 1.2 m.

Inle Lake - Peaceful Life on the Water

Inle Lake is not only the picturesque beauty but also home to Inthar people (a minority of Myanmar). Inthar in Myanmar language means "people who live on the lake." For thousands of years, Inle Lake is the place where all activities of social life of Inthar take place.

Inthar people live entirely, and build houses on the lake. The initiative considered to be the greatest of Inthar is that they cultivate crops on the water by forming floating rafts from the remains of duckweed, moss and fixing them with bamboos put into the bottom of the lake. Thus, these "floating fields" will rise and fall according to the water level of the lake.

The most common plants of Intha people are tomatoes. Tomatoes grown on this lake are specialty of the region. Burmese people often say "a Myanmar river cruise to Inle Lake without eating tomato salad is not considered to have been here". When daughters become matured, their parents often cut a couple of floating rafts for them as a dowry. In addition to farming, Inthar people also live on fishery resources they catch in the lake.

Scattering in the eastern dawn is the shade of fishermen launching net on the lake. The image of Inthar men sailing with one leg on a small canoe has become a unique cultural characteristic of the region. Inle not only attracts visitors by its wild beauty and eco-friendly resorts, but it is also a destination for many visitors who want to learn about a cultural area with a long history.

Inle Lake - Top Tourist Attractions in Burma

Currently, in the Southern of Inle Lake, there remains a land which is compared as Bagan of the Shan State. That's old city of Indein remaining with buildings built of brick from the 11th century, which was once the capital of King Shan, or the cultural beauty of ethnic minorities as Padaung - long neck people.

If you went through all corners of the lake, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy an impressive sunset. An orange glow from the sun slowly goes down brightening a corner of horizon; the scenery becomes fanciful making visitors jitter in the peaceful and dreamy atmosphere. Bringing something to eat with the music and enjoying brilliant moments with friends are always memorable experiences.

Paddling to Red Mountain which is famous for its vine plantation and winemaking throughout the country is an interesting experience. You are able to release yourself under a large branch of tree, admire panoramic views of Inle below and enjoy a glass of wine under the cool weather, making you feel like you are in a peaceful village in France.

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