Things to Do in Inle Lake
7 activities and experiences for backpackers.
Culture
Visit the Shwe Indein Pagoda complex
Visit the Shwe Indein Pagoda complex — hundreds of crumbling stupas in an atmospheric cluster
Food & Drink
Explore the five-day rotating market
Explore the five-day rotating market (check schedule; different lakeside villages host it on different days)
Nature
Trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake
Trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake (2-3 days, $30-40/person guided, through Shan and Pa-O villages)
Tours
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
Visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monasteryon the lake
Visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (the "Jumping Cat Monastery") on the lake
Watch sunset from Red Mountain Estate Vineyard & Winery
Watch sunset from Red Mountain Estate Vineyard & Winery (wine tasting $3-5, 20 min by bike from Nyaungshwe)
Water Sports
Take a full-day boat trip on Inle Lake: floating gardens, leg-rowing fishermen, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, weaving and silversmith workshops
Take a full-day boat trip on Inle Lake: floating gardens, leg-rowing fishermen, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, weaving and silversmith workshops ($15-20 shared, $10 zone entry fee)