Inle Lake
Southeast Asia, Myanmar
5.0
Overview
A vast freshwater lake in the Shan Hills of eastern Myanmar, Inle Lake is famous for its leg-rowing Intha fishermen, floating gardens, stilt-house villages, and serene beauty. The gateway town of Nyaungshwe sits at the lake's northern end and serves as the backpacker base. A boat day trip on the lake, gliding past floating tomato farms and visiting weaving workshops, is one of Myanmar's quintessential experiences.
Daily Budget
~$35
Best Months
OctNovDecJanFeb
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
7 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Top Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Things to Do
View all 7 activitiesExplore the five-day rotating market
food
Rent a bicycle and ride through the villages and rice paddies around Nyaungshwe
tours
Take a full-day boat trip on Inle Lake: floating gardens, leg-rowing fishermen, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, weaving and silversmith workshops
water sports
Trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake
nature
Visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monasteryon the lake
tours
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Inle Lake?
- Budget around $35 USD per day in Inle Lake, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Inle Lake?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Inle Lake are Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Inle Lake?
- Top-rated hostels in Inle Lake include **Ostello Bello Nyaungshwe**, **BaobaBed Hostel Nyaungshwe**, **Inle Hostel**. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from $20 USD per night.
- What are the top things to do in Inle Lake?
- Must-do activities in Inle Lake include Explore the five-day rotating market, Rent a bicycle and ride through the villages and rice paddies around Nyaungshwe, Take a full-day boat trip on Inle Lake: floating gardens, leg-rowing fishermen, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, weaving and silversmith workshops. There are 7 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.