Inle Lake
Southeast Asia, Myanmar
Daily Budget
~US$35
per day
Best Months
Climate
Tropical / Summer
Vibe
Off the beaten track
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.
Editor's Pick
Inle Lake stands out for: The leg-rowing fishermen of Inle are an iconic Southeast Asian image; Floating gardens, stilt villages, and monasteries create a unique waterworld; Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake (2-3 days) is one of Myanmar's best hikes.
Things to Do
View all 9 activitiesExplore the five-day rotating market
Explore the five-day rotating market (check schedule; different lakeside villages host it on different days)
Rent a bicycle and ride through the villages and rice paddies around Nyaungshwe
Rent a bicycle and ride through the villages and rice paddies around Nyaungshwe
Top Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
9 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Inle Lake?
- Budget around US$35 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 **BaobaBed Hostel Nyaungshwe**, **Inle Hostel**, **Remember Inn**. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from US$20 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. There are 9 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
