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Home / Destinations / Inle Lake

Inle Lake

Myanmar · Coast · MMK · 20.550000, 96.917000
Family friendly 4.9/10 · Rank 2211 of 2 709
Best season: November-February

Best for

Inle Lake is an ideal place for unique culture, nature and photography lovers. It is recommended for couples, families and cultural travellers. Least suitable for beach and vibrant nightlife lovers.

Best season

November-February

Daily budget
$58.00 (≈ 4 867 ₽)
For 7 days
$406.00 (≈ 34 072 ₽)
Inle Lake is a scenic freshwater lake in Shan State, surrounded by mountains at an altitude of about 900 metres. This unique place is known for its floating stilt villages, floating gardens, and famous fishermen who row with one leg. Here you can visit floating markets, the Jumping Cat Monastery, and see the traditional lifestyle of the Intha people, making the lake a true gem of Myanmar.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
14.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Inle Lake residents are friendly and hospitable people, preserving a traditional way of life. The atmosphere on the lake is calm and authentic.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique floating villages and gardens
  • Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
  • Monastery with cats
  • Traditional boats with leg rowers
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited nightlife
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
  • Rainy season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
24.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
20.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
26.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
14.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
25.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
—
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
—
Water Entry
Type of water entry
—
Waves
Level of waves
—
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
—
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
—
Beach
Availability of a beach
No
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
—
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
—
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
—
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
—
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
—
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
—
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
—
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Freshwater lake, no sea hazards. Swimming is limited due to severe water pollution and sanitary conditions

Sea urchins — details

  • Inle Lake is a freshwater body where sea urchins are absent, as sea urchins cannot exist in fresh water
  • Inle Lake and associated water systems are home to freshwater invertebrates such as molluscs, crustaceans and insects, but not sea urchins
  • Inle Lake has recorded over 20 species of freshwater snails, about 30 of which are endemic, as well as a small endemic freshwater crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica

Corals and reefs — details

  • Inle Lake is a freshwater body where coral reefs are absent, as corals cannot exist in fresh water
  • Inle Lake is home to freshwater sponges, bryozoans and other invertebrates that may perform an ecological role similar to corals in marine ecosystems, but they are not corals
  • Inle Lake has recorded over 20 species of freshwater snails, about 30 of which are endemic, and 9 species of fish that are found nowhere else in the world

Jellyfish — details

  • Inle Lake is home to freshwater jellyfish of the genus Limnocnida, which have been found in shallow lakes of the Ayeyarwaddy River floodplain, adjacent to Inle Lake
  • Freshwater jellyfish Limnocnida belong to the class Hydrozoa and are small, usually less than 2 cm in diameter, with a transparent umbrella and tentacles that pose no danger to humans
  • In Inle Lake and associated water systems of Myanmar, freshwater jellyfish have been recorded, but they are not common inhabitants of the lake and occur mainly during the rainy season when water temperatures exceed 25°C

Sharks — details

  • Inle Lake is a freshwater body where sharks are absent, as sharks cannot exist in fresh water
  • In Myanmar, 24 shark species have been recorded, inhabiting exclusively marine waters, including the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Mottama, and not occurring in freshwater lakes such as Inle Lake
  • Inle Lake is home to freshwater fish, including carps (Cyprinidae), catfish (Siluridae) and others, but not sharks
Attractions

Floating Villages

Unique villages on water with stilt houses, markets and craft workshops.

Floating Gardens

Water gardens where vegetables and fruits are grown. A unique lake ecosystem.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

One of Myanmar's most revered pagodas on the lake shore. It houses five Buddha statues.

Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery

Monastery with a collection of ancient Buddha statues and cats trained by monks to jump through hoops.

Inle Market

A rotating market held in different villages on certain days.

Boat trip on the lake

Traditional boats with rowers using their legs to row. A unique experience.

Best areas

Nyaung Shwe

The main town on the lake with hotels, restaurants and markets. The best area for tourists.

Floating Villages

Unique villages on water with craft workshops.

Must-try food

Shan noodles

Noodles with chicken or pork in tomato sauce, a popular regional dish.

Mohinga

Traditional Myanmar fish soup with rice noodles.

Lahpet

Fermented tea leaf salad.

Fresh lake fish

Fish grilled or in curry.

Where to go next

Nyaung Shwe

Town on the lake shore with markets and restaurants. 15 minutes away.

Kalaw

Hill town with trekking. 1.5 hours away.

Bagan

Ancient city with thousands of temples. 5 hours away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Хехо (HEH).
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Visa
Visa requirements
e-Visa required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-February
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Inle Lake: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-February. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Inle Lake: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Inle Lake: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +14.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Inle Lake: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Inle Lake: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Inle Lake: is it safe to swim in the sea?
The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Inle Lake: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $58.00 (≈ 4 867 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Inle Lake: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Inle Lake: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.40. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Inle Lake: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Inle Lake: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Floating Villages — Unique villages on water with stilt houses, markets and craft workshops.; Floating Gardens — Water gardens where vegetables and fruits are grown. A unique lake ecosystem.; Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda — One of Myanmar's most revered pagodas on the lake shore. It houses five Buddha statues.; Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery — Monastery with a collection of ancient Buddha statues and cats trained by monks to jump through hoops.; Inle Market — A rotating market held in different villages on certain days.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Inle Lake: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Shan noodles — Noodles with chicken or pork in tomato sauce, a popular regional dish.; Mohinga — Traditional Myanmar fish soup with rice noodles.; Lahpet — Fermented tea leaf salad.; Fresh lake fish — Fish grilled or in curry.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Inle Lake: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Nyaung Shwe — The main town on the lake with hotels, restaurants and markets. The best area for tourists.; Floating Villages — Unique villages on water with craft workshops.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Inle Lake: is a visa required?
Visa: e-Visa required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Inle Lake: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Хехо (code HEH). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Inle Lake: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MMK. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $58.00 (≈ 4 867 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Inle Lake: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Inle Lake: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Inle Lake: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Nyaung Shwe — Town on the lake shore with markets and restaurants. 15 minutes away.; Kalaw — Hill town with trekking. 1.5 hours away.; Bagan — Ancient city with thousands of temples. 5 hours away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.9/10
Overall rank: 2211 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1304

Best season

November-February

Useful information

Currency: MMK
Coordinates: 20.550000, 96.917000