Inle Lake (Burma)

Inle Lake in Burma was the first AWE that we experienced. That was mostly because I did all other research EXCEPT the temperature.

Transport: To get there, there is an afternoon bus (only one bus) from Yangoon and it costs about 12000 kyats per person, inclusive of the taxi ride to the bus station. It take about 12 hours to 15hours to the junction of Inle Lake. And then to get to the Lake , we had to take a taxi that costs 7000 kyats, for a 20 minutes ride. We would have walked, but it was so cold, almost 0 degrees! So we had no choice.

This wasnt the bus we took to Yangoon but you would
definitely see mostly these kind of old used cars
 and trucks and vans on the streets.

Getting Around: Getting around inle lake is easy! We rented a bicycle and cycled around the small village. Its a relatively small village so exploring it was quite a breeze. We cycled through some villages with huge pigs in the compounds of their houses and then went to a small temple that looked really nice.

Photos of some of the adventuring we did, and what we stumbled upon

Small kids working hard collecting soil!

The cycling paths

Weather: The drastic change of weather in Inle Lake is something we would NEVER forget! Silly me for thinking no way, Burma had a cold season. So when we approached the junction, it just kept getting colder and we didn't come prepared. So we started wearing more and more layers of clothes. I had on two long pants and three layers of tops. Topped by a sweater with a hood. And a hat! When we arrived around 4am or so at the junction, the temperature was about 4degrees. We were shivering all the way up to the inn where we finally decided to stay. When we got to the inn, we quickly got under the covers and tried to sleep the cold away. AMAZINGLY, we woke up to a bright and sunny and cool morning. I could go out cycling with my sleeveless and my three quarters. So thats the drastic weather changes, for Burma at the end of the year. Its usually hot all around starting from February.

Food: AWESOME! Because its so cold in Inle Lake, so all food are hot and steaming and taste absolutely appropriate! We ate by the road side, and in town there was a row of stalls that open at night, about 7pm or 8pm (just when it starts to get chilly again) and they have really good food. A lot of fried bean cutlets and of course noodles. Prices are slightly more touristy than Yangoon. So neals for a whole day for two persons might cost to about 3000 kyats.

They have water EVERYWHERE! for free to drink
! but they do use the same cup though.

Accommodation: Remember Inn. This inn was actually very nice! and the people there were also equally helpful. We got a room for 12 dollars a night inclusive of breakfast. They also have hot water. Good stay!

What to do?: The only main thing to do here is to hire a boat, to take you around the Lake. This costed us about 12000 kyats per person. But walking further down , we could have gotten a boat ride for about 10000 kyats per person. The ride though was amazing! They took us to a few places, and villages , to see silver making, cigarette making, umbrella and paper making, clothes making and a lot others. The ride lasted from morning to evening about 6pm. So it was worth it. And is a must to do! On the way to these places, we saw the one-legged fishermen. They use only one of their legs to row the boat while catching fishes. We also saw miles and miles of tomatoes growing on the lake! The lake itself was huge, felt like a sea!

 Of course more temples, this was when we stopped by the
 floating market. The location of the
 market changes every week

 Things to see on the Lake! Nice structures of
 houses with BOATS in the 'porch'

Lots of people selling vegetables and all, 
good food!! and very cheap!

The one legged boatman.

Silver making. All hand made goods. Earrings and necklaces 
and many others. very intricately made

.

The making of lotus thread. Its about 10times more hardy than silk 
and cotton. They use this thread to make the monks clothes.

The temple by the lake.

 

The jumping cat monastery. The lady there had a hoop and 
when she called to the cats, they all took turns
 jumping into it! The whole place was filled with fatties! 

All Beautiful Photos are the product of Lesly Leon Lee's magic touch: Click for other amazing photos and videos