Nestled in Myanmar’s Shan Hills, Inle Lake is a renowned destination for its serene beauty and unique cultural traditions. A full-day boat trip from Nyaung Shwe offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the lake’s vibrant floating markets, observe the iconic leg-rowing technique of the Intha people, and discover local workshops showcasing traditional handicrafts. With a knowledgeable guide, travelers can explore the region’s rich heritage while taking in the breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you’re seeking cultural insights or simply a peaceful day on the water, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- A full-day boat trip on Inle Lake from Nyaung Shwe that costs €161.68 per person, includes an English-speaking guide, lunch, and hotel pick-up/drop-off.
- The tour highlights cultural experiences like visiting Five Day Markets, observing the iconic leg-rowing technique of the Intha people, and exploring floating gardens.
- Includes visits to religious sites like Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and traditional workshops in Inn Paw Khone village, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
- Guests should wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing, as the tour is not suitable for pregnant women and is unavailable during the Water Festival in April.
- The boat trip offers scenic exploration of Inle Lake’s waterways, including floating gardens, remote pagodas, and traditional workshops showcasing local handicrafts.
Overview and Pricing
The full-day boat trip on Inle Lake costs €161.68 per person.
It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve the trip now and pay later to secure their spot without an upfront payment.
The duration of the tour is 1 day. The package includes an English-speaking guide, the boat trip, lunch at a local restaurant, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nyaung Shwe.
However, it excludes entrance fees, air tickets, tips, and travel insurance.
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera, and dress modestly for religious sites.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 07:30 pick-up from hotels in Nyaung Shwe. Depending on the schedule, guests will visit the lively Five Day Markets for a culture. Next, they’ll witness the iconic leg-rowing technique of the Intha people. Floating gardens showcase cultivated fruits and vegetables, while the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery displays ancient Buddha statues. The tour continues to the revered Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, southern Shan State’s holiest site. Finally, guests explore traditional workshops in Inn Paw Khone village and take an afternoon boat ride to the Indein pagoda complex.
| Highlights | Experiences |
|---|---|
| Five Day Markets | Leg-rowing |
| Floating Gardens | Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery |
| Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda | Inn Paw Khone Village |
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes an English-speaking guide, the boat trip itself, lunch at a local restaurant, and hotel pick-up and drop-off in Nyaung Shwe.
However, it excludes entrance fees and the zone fee for Inle Lake, air tickets to and from Heho, tips for the guide and driver, travel insurance, and any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required for religious sites, and shoes and socks must be removed at pagodas.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women and is unavailable during the Water Festival in April.
Important Information
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to this tour.
Visitors are expected to wear modest clothing covering their shoulders and knees when entering religious sites, and they’ll need to remove their shoes and socks at pagodas.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
It’s also important to note that this tour isn’t available during the annual Water Festival, which takes place from April 12-18.
Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the full-day boat trip on Inle Lake.
Customer Reviews
Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants speak to the exceptional quality of this full-day boat trip on Inle Lake. Based on 4 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and informative guide, as well as the seamless transportation and organization throughout the day.
Specific highlights include the scenic beauty of the lake and its surrounding channels, along with the unique cultural experiences like witnessing the leg-rowing technique of the Intha people.
Participants clearly left the tour with a deeper appreciation for Inle Lake’s natural wonders and traditional ways of life.
Boat Trip Experience
The full-day boat trip on Inle Lake immerses visitors in the serene natural landscapes and unique cultural traditions of this renowned destination.
Travelers can observe the iconic leg-rowing technique of the Intha people, who skilfully propel their boats using one leg wrapped around an oar. The tour also showcases the vibrant floating gardens, where locals cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Visitors can explore ancient monasteries, such as Nga Phe Kyaung, and the sacred Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda.
The excursion culminates with a scenic boat ride through channels leading to the Indein pagoda complex, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Cultural Immersion
During the full-day boat trip, visitors enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Inle Lake. The tour offers a glimpse into the unique traditions of the Intha people, known for their distinctive leg-rowing technique. Visitors explore the floating gardens, witnessing the cultivation of diverse fruits and vegetables. The itinerary also includes visits to local workshops, where artisans showcase their expertise in silk and lotus weaving, blacksmithing, and cheroot making. The cultural experience is further enhanced by a stop at the revered Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest site in southern Shan State.
| Cultural Immersion Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Intha Leg-Rowing | Floating Gardens | Local Workshops |
| Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda | Five-Day Markets | Inn Paw Khone Village |
Scenic Exploration
While exploring Inle Lake, visitors are treated to a visual feast as they navigate the serene waterways. The boat tour offers a unique perspective, allowing travelers to witness the floating gardens and the traditional leg-rowing technique of the Intha people.
The journey also provides access to remote pagodas and monasteries, including the centuries-old Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. Along the way, visitors can discover traditional workshops, where skilled artisans craft silk, lotus, and other local handicrafts.
The scenic channels leading to the Indein pagoda complex further showcase the region’s natural beauty, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience for all who embark on this full-day boat trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the boat. However, the tour includes a local lunch, so bringing your own may not be necessary unless you have dietary restrictions.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. Parents should use their discretion when booking.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point in Nyaung Shwe?
The tour includes hotel pick-up in Nyaung Shwe, so you don’t need to worry about getting to the meeting point. The guide will come to your hotel to collect you at the designated time, typically around 7:30 AM.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. You can discuss any changes or additions to the itinerary with the guide when they pick you up from your hotel in Nyaung Shwe.
Is There a Discount for Booking This Tour With a Group?
Yes, there is a group discount available for this tour. Bookings of 3 or more people receive a 10% discount on the per person price. The more people in your group, the more you can save.
Recap
The full-day boat trip on Inle Lake from Nyaung Shwe offers an immersive cultural and scenic experience. Visitors can explore the unique local traditions, floating gardens, and traditional workshops while taking in the breathtaking lake views. With an English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up, and a delicious lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the beauty and charm of Inle Lake.