Inle Lake — Discovering the peaceful way of life of the people of Inle Lake, Burma
Inle (or Inlay) — which means “big lake” in Burmese — is one of the country’s two largest freshwater lakes. The lake is in Shan province, 600 kilometers from Bagan. The lake has a surface area of approximately 220 km2 and a depth of approximately 6 m.
Inle Lake is accessible by bus from Bagan. To fully appreciate the beauty of the lake, the best time to visit is between 8 p.m. the previous day and 4.30 a.m. the following day. The bus ticket costs 11,000 kyat per person. The admission fee to the lake is 12,500 kyat per person. The boat is not included in this ticket. A full-day boat rental costs 12,000 kyat. Each boat can accommodate approximately four visitors.
5.30 a.m. is the best time to visit Inle Lake. It’s about 15 degrees Celsius outside. The cold, combined with fog and wind, makes you feel as if you’re going to freeze.
The sun rises at 6 a.m. The first rays of the sun shine through the mist, creating sparkling light that is both beautiful and strange.
In addition to its natural beauty, Inle Lake’s traditional fishing method — one-legged rowing — wowed visitors.
They encircle the remaining leg in a cage. This cage will be lifted and lowered into the water. A thin membrane net surrounds the mesh cage, preventing fish from escaping. Some turn their boats around, thrashing their oars into the water in an attempt to scatter the fish to the available rows of nets.
The traditional fishing method is thought to be safe for the lake’s ecological system.
Seagulls…
When mist evaporates from the lake’s surface, a fisherman goes fishing. The view of the lake is as lovely in the morning light as it is in the watercolor painting.
8 a.m, the sun rises up. The quiet houses reflect themselves on the lake.
Inle Lake is home to the Inthar people, one of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. Inthar means “people who live on the lake” in Burmese (lake-dweller).
A baby for sale Thanaka is a traditional powder that has a long shelf life among the people of this country. Thanaka is said to cool your skin, shrink and minimize your pores, and protect you from sunburn.
Thakana powder comes in a variety of shapes. When applying Thakana to the face, people rub it on Kyauk Pyin (a special stone plate), then mix the dough with water and apply a thin layer to the face. Thakana was used by all Burmese people and is regarded as a source of pride.
While people rushed about their daily lives, the cat sunbathed quietly on the campus of a temple.
Further information
How to get to Inle Lake from Bagan
Inle Lake is accessible by bus from Bagan. To fully appreciate the beauty of the lake, the best time to visit is between 8 p.m. the previous day and 4.30 a.m. the following day. The bus ticket costs 11,000 kyat per person.
Ticket & boat price
The admission fee to the lake is 12,500 kyat per person. The boat is not included in this ticket. A full-day boat rental costs 12,000 kyat. Each boat can accommodate approximately four visitors.
Inle Lake best time to visit
5.30 a.m. is the best time to visit Inle Lake. It’s about 15 degrees Celsius outside. The cold, combined with fog and wind, makes you feel as if you’re going to freeze.
