Inle Lake Adventure
Private Tour
Starting from $949 pp
Vietnam
Land of the Rising Dragon
Overview
There is no better place to kick off the shoes and unwind than spending a few days on the enchanting lake of Inle in Myanmar. Yet again Inle is another photographer’s dream, not only for its beauty but also the fascinating local activities that occur daily on the lake and its banks. The lake itself changes hourly as the sun moves and reflects on the water, with nothing beating the panoramic views of the lake during sunset.
This tour gives you a short introduction to Yangon and its busy but characteristic streets as well as an incredible trip to the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda. On the way to Inle you pause at the wonderful Shwe Yan Pyay, an active and beautiful monastery. Spend the rest of your time in Myanmar’s at the 2nd largest lake, covering an area of 45 square miles and listed on the World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2015.
During your time here you will visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Golden Buddha, the holiest religious site in the Southern Shan State. Witness the local tradition of leg paddling in action and be amazed by these skilled fishermen.
ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 1: Arrive Yangon & Shwedagon Pagoda (Sunset)
On arrival in Yangon you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative and transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon you will enjoy an introduction to Myanmar by visiting the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda which is a stunning gold stupa which symbolises the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar.
Day 2: Yangon to Inle Lake
After taking a short flight to Heho Domestic Airport you will be transferred to Nyaung Shwe, visiting the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery en-route. The monastery is a short walk north of the town and is well-known by photographers for its unique oval-shape windows which serve as eye-catching frames when novice monks stand to look out. From here you continue to the edge of Lake Inle, where you board a private local boat and cruise across the water to your lakeside hotel.
Day 3: Inle Lake
Today you will enjoy a full day boat excursion on Inle Lake. Watch the Inthas tend their lake gardens from long, banana-shaped boats, and row standing up, with one leg wrapped around the oar, leaving both hands free to fish or manoeuvre the nets. You visit a traditional silk weaving factory, a silversmiths and a blacksmith workshop; before stopping at the Inle Lake Cigar Making workshops. Your final stop is at the fascinating Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the golden Buddha’s, the holiest religious site in the Southern Shan State.
Day 4: Inle Lake to Yangon
This morning you will return by boat back to Nyaung Shwe jetty, followed by a flight from Heho back to Yangon where you will enjoy a Yangon city tour. Starting at the Sule Pagoda in Mahabandolla Park your walking tour includes some of the city’s most iconic sites. The Independent Monument, Central Telegraph Office, High Court, Custom House and the Strand Hotel to name just a few. The tour then winds up in Chinatown for a nightlife street food tour that includes dinner and a few local beers.
Day 5: Depart Yangon
Today you are free to enjoy your last day as you wish before your departure. We will then pick you up in plenty of time and transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.
Activities
Cooking Class & Wine Tasting tour:
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 8 hours
Start with a private boat ride to Nyaung Shwe. After being picked up by your chef to visit the local market, you will make your way to a local house where you will learn to perfect Shan traditional cuisine. Visit Mine Thauk Village and the Red Mountain Winery and enjoy some local wine as you watch the sunset.
Indein and Sae Ma Village Day Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 8 hours
Explore the Indein Temple Complex and follow the covered stairway to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. After lunch you will continue past rice fields to the village of Sae Ma Village, home to Pa O and Taung Yoe ethnic tribes.
Inle Trekking Day Tour
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 8 hours
This trek starts from Mine Tauk on the eastern shore of the lake. visit Tawya Monastery and the beautiful seasonal terrace crop plantations. Your lunch stop will be at the traditional Pa O Village before taking a 4×4 up to the mountain of Inne to the villages of Thapyaykone and Thaleoo.
Expat Tips
Top Expat Tips
- Take a trip out to the ‘Red Mountain Estate’ vineyard for a spot of lunch and some wine tasting
- Buy a beautifully decorated old Shan script at the Indein market, perfect as a wall hanging
Challenges:
- Give cigar rolling a go and see if you can make a living out of it
- Have a go at rowing a boat on the lake with your leg, just as the locals do (Prizes awarded for the best picture at the end of each season)
For Families:
- Enjoy a strawberry fruit shake at the restaurant in Indein
Information
Tour Includes:
- Land transportation within Myanmar by private vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation listed
- Breakfasts each morning on the tour
- Excursions as mentioned
- All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
- All taxes
Tour Excludes:
- Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
- International airport departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Other excursions and entrance fees
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
- All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.
Flights
We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Myanmar. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.
Passport
Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.
Insurance
Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.
Currency
US Dollars (USD) are accepted in some places in Myanmar. You can exchange US Dollars for the local currency Burmese Kyat (MMK) once you arrive. For currency conversion please click here.
How to Book
Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.
Responsible Travel
Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.
Please note:
Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.
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