Inle Lake in the Shan Hills of Myanmar is home to one of the world’s most unique communities of lake-dwellers and fisher-folk. For travelers in Myanmar, taking an Inle Lake boat trip is by far the best way to experience the charm and beauty of this incredible region.

From leg-rowing fishermen to ancient monasteries and vibrant floating markets, Inle Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Myanmar!

Here’s a full guide to help you book and understand what to expect from an Inle Lake boat tour from Nyaung Shwe.

Where to Book the Best Inle Lake Boat Tour

Okay now that you know what to look for, where can you actually book an Inle Lake boat tour?

I can only recommend this boat tour, here’s why.

During my time solo traveling at Inle Lake, I went on two boat trips with completely different stops. The first was a spontaneous agreement between myself and a local boat driver, which in all honesty, wasn’t that great (I’ll explain). The second was one that I booked on Klook based on great reviews.

The Klook boat tour that I went on is run by local Inlay residents and includes a private boat and a tour guide who speaks adequate English. This boat trip was advertised to take 6.5 hours but they agreed to leave a little earlier and in all went for about 9 hours at no extra charge.

This Inle Lake boat trip included all of the highlight stops listed above. Having a guide explain the cultural and historic significance of the sites was much better than my first trip, where I was left a little confused.

My first trip was with a local boat driver who was very friendly but spoke almost no English. I think he took advantage of this fact by not stopping at most of the sites that I wanted to see but instead took me to three different silversmiths. Here he tried his best to pressure me into purchasing silver products (clearly in hopes of a commission on sales).

I completely understand that this is livelihood, and I still had a great time. However, since I missed most of the highlights on my list of things to see, I decided to book the second trip – and I’m glad that I did.

Book: Best Inle Lake Boat Tour

Tips For an Awesome Boat Trip On Inle Lake

You’re likely already aware that boat trips on Inle Lake are the most popular things to do in the area. This is due to the fact that life at Inle Lake is largely built on the lake itself.

While you could walk down the main street in Nyaung Shwe and find an eager boat tour salesperson within minutes, I’ve provided a few tips below on how to score the best trip.

For more tips and Myanmar travel ideas, I’d highly recommend downloading the Lonely Planet eBook. Combining blog research with their detailed guides is probably the best way to prepare for any trip.

Pick a Sunrise Boat Excursion

If you can help it, I’d highly recommend an Inle Lake sunrise boat trip. Leaving early will mean you will catch the best light as you visit the pagodas and spot the authentic Intha fishermen on their morning trips.

Also, starting early will mean you will avoid the hot Burmese sun, which is anything but pleasant on an uncovered wooden boat in the middle of the hot season.

Book in Advance

Since you’ll be wanting to leave at first light, it helps to have a boat tour booked and ready to go. The day before is fine.

Recognize Authenticity

You know those iconic photographs of the Intha basket fishermen standing on one leg at the edge of their boats? I’m sorry to inform you but these guys earn their dues from tourist tips, not catching fish.

Of course, you can’t blame them if they can earn up to ten times more from posing than actually fishing. And in a way, I’m glad that the age-old tradition gets to live on, albeit in a different sense.

Regardless, if you want to catch a glimpse of the authentic Intha fishing lifestyle, let your boat driver or guide know in advance and they won’t pull up in front of the posing fishermen.

Then again, if you really want to catch a snap, a 2000 to 5000 kyat tip is more than enough, and trust me, they’ll ask.

Support Local Inle Lake Boat Tours

Due to the recent tourism boom at Inle Lake, large hotel chains and Chinese-run tourism businesses have taken advantage of the new demand.

It goes without saying that tourism dollars should go straight back into the pockets of the local people. Research a book a tour that is run by and delivered by locals.

Check What’s Included In the Trip

Before you lock in and agree to an Inle Lake boat trip, make sure you ask what is included in the trip in advance. It helps a bit with bartering when you know what to expect in advance. Popular and worthwhile stops that I recommend are:

• Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda – a beautiful monastery
• Ywama Village – local floating market
• Inn Dein Pagoda – ancient Buddhist site
• Maing Thauk  – bamboo-stilted village
• Silk and lotus weaving shops
• Cigar rolling shop
• Pa Daung Women – longneck tribespeople’s weaving shops
• Nga Phe Kyaung – jumping cat monastery

I’ll go into detail on most of these stops in the Inle Lake boat trip itinerary section below.

Inle Lake Boat Trip Price

Inle Lake boat trips are always paid per boat, not per person. Expect to pay between 18 000 to 25 000 for a regular Inle Lake boat tour on the street.

However, as I mentioned above, these can be a little hit and miss and typically do not include an English speaking guide.

Instead, I can recommend booking the tour mentioned above for a little more money, which went a long way in terms of tour quality for me.

Most boats are small, traditional-style Burmese lake vessels with an inboard engine. These can vary in size but most tourist boats accommodate 6-8 people.

Inle Lake Boat Itinerary

Leaving at first light, boats depart from the river inlet near the Tai Nan Bridge. This is where most of the boats are docked and it’s where you’ll want to head if you prefer to negotiate a boat tour in person.

Firstly, boats depart the docks and head down the Nyaung Shwe canal before entering the broad, Inle Lake.

Once you’re out on the lake, you’ll spot several fishermen and local boats as they conduct their daily business on the water. From here, it will depend on your particular tour for an exact itinerary.

Nevertheless, here is a typical Inle Lake boat itinerary with a bit more insight into each stop.

Note that this probably won’t be in order, as every tour is different.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

The Phaung Daw Oo is one of the largest Inle Lake pagodas and is located on a river stream connected to Inle Lake. Even if your tour doesn’t stop to wonder inside, it’s still a notable site on the boat trip.

Ywama Village

While Nyaung Shwe is now mostly a tourist hub, there are several small bamboo-stilted villages on Inle Lake that have retained their local heritage.

Ywama village is a great stop worth checking out from the boat, or by wondering into the vibrant lake market.

Inn Dein Pagoda

Nearby to Ywama village is the famous Inn Dein Pagoda. This particular pagoda contains a series of remarkable golden spires. It’s said that the original Buddhist site was built by King Ashoka as early as 220 BCE.

Maing Thauk

Maing Thauk is another notable village which is a popular spot on most Inle Lake boat tours. Complete with a monastery, stilted houses, bridges and markets, it really does showcase what life is like for the Inlay people.

Here, you’ll also often find local people selling traditional Burmese goods and fruits from their boats.

RELATED: Exploring the Best of Bagan’s Temples and Pagodas

Myanmar Cigar Rolling

An interesting highlight of my Inle Lake boat trip was a stop at a traditional Myanmar cigar rolling factory. By now, you’ll no doubt have already spotted them having from the mouths of nearly every man in Myanmar.

A fun fact is that these cigars are nearly exclusively crafted by women using banana leaves.

Visiting The Pa Daung Women

The Shan State in Myanmar is home to large populations of Kayan tribespeople. At Inle Lake, many boat drivers stop to visit the weaving shops of The Pa Daung.

These women are known as the “long-neck” women, due to the ancient custom of using brass rings to elongate the neck. Speaking to these shop owners about their unique customs and their Kan Khwan heritage was one of the most interesting experiences I had during my time at Inle Lake.

The Kan Khwan religion dates back to people who migrated from Mongolia. The origin story of these people tells the tale of a meeting between an angel and a dragon, who gave birth to the Kayan.

At first, many people seem to be against the idea of stopping by to meet these people as they might see it as taking advantage of their culture. While it might seem like that superficially, I believe that tourism has given these women a renewed, lucrative means of sustaining their livelihood. Yes, the brass rings are really interesting. But, giving the Pa Daung people, who have experienced horrible oppression from Burmese conflict the opportunity to keep their history and culture alive by sharing it with foreigners is at least in my opinion, a good thing.

The Five Day Market

Inle Lake’s Five Day Market is a floating market which changes locations and runs for most of the week (hence the name). Ask your guide or boat operator about visiting the Five Day Market to check out the real Intha trading practices.

Nga Phe Kyaung – Jumping Cat Monastery

A quirky stop at one of Myanmar’s most unique monasteries. Here, you’ll find out why this monastery has been named the “Jumping Cat Monastery”. The buddhist monks who live here have trained their cats (who look like the most well-cared-for cats in Myanmar) to jump through hoops and perform other tricks.

Silk Weaving and Silver Smith Workshops

Honestly, unless you’re in the market for some jewelry, I’d ask your guide or driver to skip the silver workshops. In my opinion, they are not really culturally significant and more of a souvenir stop. However, the boat-sheds and silk weaving shops are pretty interesting.

Getting to Inle Lake

If you’re still in the planning stages of your upcoming Myanmar trip, then I’ve written a comprehensive guide to getting around in Myanmar.

This guide is actually focused on getting to Inle Lake, but will be useful for most tourist destinations in the country.

Where to Stay At Inle Lake

Wondering where to stay at Inle Lake? Below is a quick rundown of the current best accommodation options.

• Viewpoint EcoLodge – This amazing floating hotel is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Inle Lake and the beautiful river town of Nyaung Shwe.
• Spring Lodge Inle – This is one of the best-reviewed hotels in Inle Lake. Super close to Mingala Market, this hostel is great for larger rooms with aircon and good Wifi.
• Sanctun Inle Resort – For those wanting the best of the best, you can’t really beat the Sanctun Inle Resort. This is ranked as one of the best resorts in Myanmar and it’s not hard to see why.

More Myanmar Travel Guides and Blogs

I hope that this guide to planning an Inle Lake boat tour or trip has been useful. For more travel guides and articles in Myanmar, make sure to check out some of the blog posts from the list below.

If you have any questions or any updated information that would help other travelers, leave a comment below!

• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE
• Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay – Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar
• Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar

MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

• Mirrorless Camera: Canon R5
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360 Action Camera: Insta360 One X2
• Landscape Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
• All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
• Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-7.1 L
• Long Action Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Camera Backpack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Favorite Photography Accessory: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

If you’d like to use any of the photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional fine-art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs prints of any images on We Seek Travel.

On Pinterest?

Why not save this guide to Inle Lake boat trip for later? While you’re at it, if you follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest, then you’ll be able to stay in the loop with all the new travel guides and blogs.

PIN IT

FOLLOW ME

The post Inle Lake Boat Trip – Everything You Need to Know appeared first on We Seek Travel.

There are so many useful guides on the internet for finding the best Bagan Temples and Pagodas. However, I found that the best experience was to just grab a scooter and explore on your own. With over 4000 pagodas to discover, why not go off-the-map in this instance and embrace your inner Indiana Jones.

Rather than writing a complete guide to Bagan’s Temples and Pagodas in the Archaelogical Zone, I’ll give you some quick tips on how to make the most of the experience. The rest is up to you!

Oh, and of course you’ll find some photos and videos of these ancient wonders to inspire your trip!

Getting to Bagan

The best way to get to Bagan and pretty much anywhere else in Myanmar is to take long-distance overnight buses. There are well-connected bus routes between Bagan and other tourist hubs including Yangon, Mandalay, and Inle Lake.

Since bus providers and timetables change constantly, it’s best just to use BookAway in Myanmar for your long-distance travel needs.

I’ve written a separate article on how to get around in Myanmar which focuses on Inle Lake, but you’ll get useful tips for Bagan there too. Check it out here.

Bagan Pagodas and Temples – Video

Here’s a quick 50-second video of some of the highlights of Bagan’s Archaeological Zone.

Where to See Pagodas in Bagan

The Bagan Archaeological Zone is a huge area centered around Old Bagan, just a couple of kilometers from New Bagan. This area covers a 13 x 8 flat plane where you will find over 4000 Bagan temples and pagodas and up to 10 000 religious monuments (when including monasteries and statues).

You can hire an electric scooter from almost anywhere in New Bagan and explore the archaelogical zone at will.

Bagan Archaeological Zone Fee: 25 000 Kyat
This fee is payable upon arrival in Bagan at the ticket station just outside New Bagan. Make sure to keep your ticket on you while exploring as guards sometimes ask to see your ticket.

Bagan Electric scooter price: 6000 Kyat per day ($4USD)
You’ll find rental places all over New Bagan and Nyaung U. I stayed at Lux Pillow, and these guys organized a bike for me for a good price without even trying to haggle. I’d highly recommend staying here if you’re a backpacker or budget traveler in Myanmar.

Sunrise on a Rooftop Pagoda

By far, the best way to experience Bagan’s temples and pagodas is to find a spot to watch the sunrise over the ancient planes.

Unfortunately, due to restrictions, many pagodas are locked off and climbing them for sunrise is no longer possible.

With that said, it is still possible to find a few select spots. Since these are changing all the time, I’d suggest downloading the Maps.me app and finding up-to-date pins and comments for where to find the best sunrise spots in Bagan.

Going to Mandalay? Don’t miss: Dee Doke Waterfall and Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall

Tips for Visiting Bagan

• Hot Air Balloons only operate in the cool season between October and February.
• If you’re in Bagan in the hot season, plan to explore in the early morning and late afternoon, temperatures get as high as 50 degrees Celsius at midday
• Rent an electric scooter to explore or hire a guide (below)
• Respect archaeological restrictions
• Explore freely – there are some must-sees, but the best Bagan temples and pagodas I saw were on spontaneous outings

Worthwhile Tours in Bagan

Since I visited Bagan in the hot season, I chose to just rent an ebike and explore all of Bagan’s temples and pagodas by myself.

However, if you’re visiting in the tourism season, then taking a hot air balloon ride would be incredible! Also, there are some very well reviewed local guides. Below is a list of a few high-value tours and activities in Bagan:

Half-day Bagan tour for under $12 – Good for finding some great pagodas and temples

Full-day cultural tour with guide – Local guide who shows you the very best of Bagan and explains everything you need to know about the ancient Buddhist sites

Best-reviewed Bagan balloon experience – Good value and excellent reviews for a full Bagan hot air balloon experience – one for the bucket list!

Find and compare more tours using Klook and Viator.

Photos of Bagan Temples and Pagodas

Here’s a photo set of some of my favorite snaps from Bagan, Myanmar.

Where to Stay in Bagan

Where I stayed: Lux Pillow
Budget hostel with really clean rooms + AC. Free breakfast, free washing, and good vibes. You can also rent an eBike or electric scooter from these guys

Mid range: Bagan Hotel River View
A pool, breakfast and one of the best river views in Bagan. There’s a reason why this hotel is rated one of the best in Bagan.

Luxury in Old Bagan: The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate
Located in Old Bagan, this luxury hotel is ranked the best luxury hotel in Bagan. Complete with an outdoor spa and wellness center to recoup after a long day of exploring Bagan temples and pagodas.

More Myanmar Travel Guides

I hope that you enjoyed this quick photo-blog of Bagan’s temples and pagodas. For my Myanmar travel guides and articles, take a pick from the list below.

• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE
• Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay – Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar
• How to Get to Inle Lake and Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar
• Inle Lake Boat Trip – Everything You Need to Know
• Mingun Day Trip – Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Myanmar

MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

• Mirrorless Camera: Canon R5
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360 Action Camera: Insta360 One X2
• Landscape Lens: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
• All-Round Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L
• Telephoto Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm f/f/4.5-7.1 L
• Long Action Pole: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landscape Lens Filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Camera Backpack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Favorite Photography Accessory: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

If you’d like to use any of the photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional fine-art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs prints of any images on We Seek Travel.

On Pinterest?

Why not save this guide to exploring Bagan temples and pagodas for later? While you’re at it, if you follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest, then you’ll be able to stay in the loop with all the new travel guides and blogs.

PIN IT

FOLLOW ME

The post Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar appeared first on We Seek Travel.

A day trip to Mingun from Mandalay is a popular call for those wishing to see the spectacular Hsinbyume Pagoda (white pagoda) and the Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun Pagoda).

However, did you know that there are even more Mingun attractions and historic sites to check out? In this guide, I’ll detail everything you need to know from booking a boat to planning all of the things to do in Mingun on a day trip!

How to Get to Mingun:

Before I get into the list of things to do in Mingun, here are your options for how to get here.

Mingun Tourist Fee: 5000 Kyats payable near the jetty at Mingun.

2. Mandalay to Mingun by Boat

Another option is to just jump on the public ferry to Mingun from Mingun Jetty in Mandalay. I've pinned the location for the jetty on the map below.

Remember: You need to bring your passport to book a ferry ticket. Don't forget it!

The boat from Mandalay to Mingun takes roughly 1.5 hours and is typically a very calm journey up the Irrawaddy River.

Mingun Boat Price

The cost of a Mingun boat is 5000 Kyat ($3 USD) per person, each way. Most boats on the jetty schedule will fill up with enough passengers to depart. However, in low season the boats don't leave unless they have at least six passengers.

In this case, you'll have to split 30 000 Kyat total cost to depart.

Mingun Jetty Schedule

Unfortunately, the only public boat heading for Mingun leaves at 9 AM. This same boat will dock at Mingun and you'll need to be back onboard for the return trip at 12:30 PM, which gets back to Mandalay at around 2 PM.

I'd recommend getting there at least 20 minutes before departure.

Private Boat to Mingun from Mandalay

If you'd prefer a private boat to Mingun, you can speak to the agents at the Mingun Jetty, who will organize one for you for 30 000 Kyat each way.

Don't Miss: Getting to Inle Lake from Mandalay

3. Taxi or Grab

Another option for getting to Mingun on a day trip is to pay a taxi driver or grab driver to take you to Mingun.

35 000 Kyat should cover an entire day's taxi or grab hire, just make sure to ask the driver to wait for you once you get to Mingun.

Getting a taxi is a good bet if you're not confident riding a motorbike and would prefer to get to Mingun for sunrise or stay for sunset.

Tip: Use BookAway to find the cheapest bus routes and deals in Myanmar.

4. Rent a Motorbike

For the most freedom exploring Mingun and other Mandalay attractions, renting a motorbike is a good option. Mandalay streets are much more relaxed than other large cities in South East Asia, so if you're confident, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

To rent a motorbike in Mandalay, ask your hostel or hotel staff and they should be able to point you in the right direction. For car rentals, check out RentalCars.com.

Mingun Map

Below I've pinned all of the must-see Mingun attractions on an easy-to-use map.

Travel Hack: Click on the map above and it will load on your Google Maps app. You can save it by clicking the grey star at the top, which will add it to "Your Places" on your Google Maps account. This way, you have a handy digital app on the go with all the attractions pinned– just refer back to this article (or bookmark it) for the explanations!

Things to do in Mingun - Best Sites

Alright, with that out of the way, let's get into the list of things to do in Mingun. Most of these sites are within walking distance so you can explore Mingun by foot and at your own pace.

1. Hsinbyume Pagoda

The Hsinbyume Pagoda, also known as the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda or "White Pagoda" is one of the most unique and beautiful pagodas in Myanmar, and that's saying something.

This unique pagoda is painted completely white, and shaped in a round pattern to resemble the holy Buddhist mountain; Mount Mera.

You are free to explore Hsinbyume Pagoda without a guide, just remember to leave your shoes at the entrance.

2. Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun Paya)

In my opinion, the Hsinbyume Pagoda is more beautiful than the main attraction at Mingun; the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, or Mingun Paya. However, the latter tends to receive more attention due to the fact that if it were to have been completed, it would be the largest stupa in the world.

Regardless, visiting the Pahtodawgyi Pagoda is one of the best things to do in Mingun.

The Mingun Pagoda is a ruined structure that was started by King Bodawpaya in 1790. It has been badly damaged by a huge earthquake roughly 180 years ago.

Unfortunately, only the base was completed, which stands at around 50 meters tall, a mere third of the 150-meter intended height.

You can walk up the steps and enter the face of the building, where a small tribute box can be found.

Related:

Guide to the Bagan Temples & Pagodas

3. Lions of Stone

Another worthwhile ruin to see on a Mingun day trip is the Chinthe ruins colloquially termed "the Lions of Stone".

These huge lion sculptures were originally built to guard the Hsinbyume Pagoda. Due to erosion and earthquake damage, the Lions of Stone are now nearly unrecognizable. However, it's still possible to make out some fine carved details.

4. Mingun Bell

Another one of the best things to do in Mingun is to go check out the Mingun Bell. This 90-tonne bronze bell was the heaviest bell on earth until 2000, and is still one of the largest and heaviest uncracked, ringing bells on earth.

The weight of the bell is 55 555 in viss, a traditional Burmese measurement. This number is significant in Buddhist numerology and is written on the side of the bell.

For those visiting Mingun, you can admire it from afar, or even stand underneath it (you just wouldn't want someone to ring it whilst you're under there).

5. Pondaw Pagoda

If you want a rough idea of what the Mingun Pahtodawgyi would have looked like if it were seen to completion, then you can stop by at the Pondaw Pagoda. This small, white pagoda mimics the structure of the Pahtodawgyi.

6. Sat Taw Yar Pagoda

Another Mingun attraction and one of the things to see on a Mingun Day trip is the Sat Taw Yar Pagoda.

This is another white pagoda, complemented by beautiful golden spires.

You'll find the Sat Taw Yar pagoda just north of the Mingun docks.

Where to Stay in Mandalay

• Where I stayed: Ostello Bello Mandalay - Ostello Bello is a chain of Hostels in Myanmar that I personally love. Great prices, good vibes and always clean rooms and comfortable bunks.
• Budget Hotel - Aurora Hotel - Great value hotel in a good location, which makes it easy to explore Mandalay. Free breakfast is also a bonus here.
• Best Luxury / Value Mix: Hilton Mandalay - If you've always wanted to stay at a Hilton hotel but prices in other Asian cities have been too high, here's your chance. Luxury hotel experience for a low price!

More Things to do Near Mandalay

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Mingun has been useful in planning your Mandalay day trip! For more Myanmar travel guides and articles, take a pick from the list below.

Enjoy!

• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE
• Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay - Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar
• Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar

The post Mingun Day Trip – Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Myanmar appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Located in the Shan Hills of Myanmar, Inle Lake attracts visitors from far and wide for its unique and authentic cultural charm. From the principal town of Nyaung Shwe, visitors can explore vast floating communities and admire the stilted bamboo houses and stunning floating gardens.

Inle Lake is truly a cultural gem of Myanmar that is also home to one of the world’s most unique lake-dwelling communities. The Intha fisher-folk practice their bizarrely-efficient leg-rowing techniques as they propel their boats across the lake, passing vibrant floating markets and fields of golden spires that dominate the distant shorelines.

Backpackers and travelers in search of an authentic South East Asian destination will relish in the fact that Myanmar is still a relatively unexplored wonder that is yet to fully feel the pressure of mass-tourism. However, you might have noticed that as a result, getting from A to B isn’t as easy or convenient. Well, at least if you don’t know where to start.

How to Get to Inle Lake

So, what are the best options for getting to Inle Lake? The cheapest and easiest option is to take an overland bus. Luckily, there are several well-connected bus routes to Inle Lake departing from popular hubs all across Myanmar.

The option is to take a domestic flight to Heho Airport. However, this airport is a 1-hour taxi-ride from Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake. Airport taxis are also typically expensive and will cost an additional 25 000 Kyats.

So, unless you’re strapped for time or simply not a fan of long rides, then I’d recommend taking a bus.

RELATED: Inle Lake Boat Trip – Everything You Need to Know

Backpacker Option: Getting Around in Myanmar by Bus

Again, the best way to get to Inle Lake, and around Myanmar in general for that matter, is to take overland buses. I’d highly recommend taking the night buses on “VIP” liners for a cheap and comfortable trip.

In this guide, I’ll be detailing how to get to Inle Lake from most of the popular entry-ports in Myanmar using one of the best online transport resources; BookAway.

BookAway partners with local transport agents and networks to list and compare the best land-transport options. This means that I was able to find the best prices for buses and also plan my route flexibly without the risk of getting stamped with a “tourist-tax” from any opportunistic booking agents.

A perk of using BookAway in Myanmar is that they can connect you with local buses, meaning that you’ll always get the local price and get to share the ride with locals as well as other tourists.

You guys know me by now, I’ll always prefer local transport over-organized tours. So, having the ability to check, compare, and independently book local transport online in Myanmar was a no brainer for me.

Private Transport to Inle Lake

Honestly, I found that most overland buses in Myanmar were surprisingly comfortable and spacious. This was especially true when compared to some in India and Sri Lanka.

But, if you’re still not convinced, you can also use BookAway to find private transfers to Inle Lake as well as to many other destinations in Myanmar.

These private transport options are typically minivans which accommodate up to 9 people. These can also be pretty affordable if shared in a large group.

I found that private vans are typically less comfortable compared to Myanmar long-distance buses. This is certainly the case if you choose the “VIP” buses for the extra couple of dollars.

Domestic Flights in Myanmar

If you’re not up for long bus rides, then another option is to take domestic flights. Usually, flights from one city to another in Myanmar cost between $70 – $120 USD.

However, you’ll need to consider that airports are typically a fair distance away from the main tourist hubs. This means that you’ll also need to consider additional airport buses, taxis, or a Grab to reach your final destination.

Bus Routes to Inle Lake

Below I’ve outlined everything you need to know about how to get to Inle Lake from most tourist and transport hubs in Myanmar.

While there are several options to choose from, make sure to check what is included in your fare before making a booking. You can typically expect the following to be included in most long-distance and overnight buses in Myanmar:

• Reclining seats
• Air conditioning
• Blankets (sometimes – bring warm clothes in case)
• Water bottle
• Luggage allowance (usually not too strict on limits, with ample undercarriage storage for backpacks and suitcases)

Getting to Inle Lake from Yangon

Yangon is one of the first destinations in most Myanmar trips due to it being well-connected to several international airports in Asia.

As a result, there are several overnight and day-buses heading to Inle Lake from Yangon’s Aung Mingalar Bus Station. This trip usually takes around 12 hours covering an overland distance of 570KM to reach Inle Lake.

One thing that you’ll need to consider when planning a trip to Inle Lake from Yangon is that this depot can take up to one hour to reach from the city and sometimes even more in rush hour.

Remember that if you’re taking a night bus leaving at 7 or 8 PM, allow at least 2 hours to get to Aung Mingalar station.

Tip: There are local, shared minibusses that depart from Sula Pagoda to Aung Mingalar for approximately 2000 Kyat.

I had a good experience with JJ Express. The bus was clean, the seats were wide and the aircon was cool. I paid roughly 26 000 Kyat for the trip.

Getting to Inle Lake from Mandalay

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and the old royal capital of the Konbaung dynasty is another must-visit destination close to several waterfalls and unmissable pagoda wonders.

Getting to Inle Lake from Mandalay is another popular Myanmar travel route that departs from Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Highway Station. While this bus station is much closer to most hotels and hostels in Mandalay than the one in Yangon, I’d still allow at least an hour to get here by taxi, grab, or motorbike-taxi.

Most buses run overnight and take approximately 11 hours, covering a total distance of nearly 300 KM.

I actually completed this leg of the journey in the opposite direction, again with JJ Express, which cost me approximately 23 000 Kyat.

Getting to Inle Lake from Bagan

Bagan is perhaps the most scenic and most epic place to explore in Myanmar.

A common Myanmar travel itinerary is to go from Mandalay > Bagan > Inle Lake > Yangon, meaning that there are ample overland options for how to get to Inle Lake from Bagan.

All long-distance buses from Bagan depart from Bagan Shwe Pyi Highway Bus Terminal, just 10-15 minutes from New Bagan. It’s possible to walk this distance, but most get a cab or motorbike-taxi.

The trip from Bagan to Inle Lake takes approximately 7 hours over 330 KM. Also, there are usually both night and day options to choose from.

If you can’t tell, I had great experiences with JJ Express buses and have no trouble recommending them. Again, I decided to book one of their overnight buses to Inle Lake from Bagan.

Tip: The bus trip from Bagan to Inle Lake is a little shorter than the others. This can spell a very early arrival at Nyaung Shwe. Remember to book accommodation that includes early check-in or one that will let you crash in the common area.

Inle Zone Tourist Fee

Similarly to Bagan, entering the Inle Lake area requires the payment of a tourist fee. This is collected at a check-point just outside of Nyaung Shwe. Your bus driver will stop here, and a collector will board the bus and prompt you for payment to enter.

INLE ZONE FEE: all International tourists are required to pay 15000 Myanmar Kyat (± $10USD) Inle Zone Fee.

Remember that this fee goes a long way to support the communities of Inle Lake.

Where to Stay in Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake

So, now that you’ve arrived in Nyaung Shwe, it’s time to book accommodation. Below are some of the best places to stay in Inle Lake.

• Viewpoint EcoLodge – This amazing floating hotel is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Inle Lake and the beautiful river town of Nyaung Shwe.
• Spring Lodge Inle – This is one of the best-reviewed hotels in Inle Lake. Super close to Mingala Market, this hostel is great for larger rooms with aircon and good Wifi.
• Sanctun Inle Resort – For those wanting the best of the best, you can’t really beat the Sanctun Inle Resort. This is ranked as one of the best resorts in Myanmar and it’s not hard to see why.

More Myanmar Travel Guides and Blogs

I hope that this guide has been helpful in answering your questions about how to get to Inle Lake. If you have any questions, or updated information, please help other travelers out by leaving a comment below.

For now, why not check out more Myanmar travel and adventure guides from the list below.

• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE
• Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay – Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar
• Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar

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If you’re visiting Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin, then I highly recommend committing to the half-day trip to this must-visit Myanmar waterfall. In this guide, I’ll detail how to get here and what to expect once you arrive.

How to Get to Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls)

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall is located along the road from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin near a small village known as Anesakhan. As usual with Burmese to English translations, there is a multitude of ways to spell these names with the English alphabet. To reflect its home village, this waterfall has earned a more commonly used nickname: Anisakan Falls. You might notice, however, that somehow the waterfall got a different spelling.

Regardless, finding this waterfall is easy if you plug in: Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall, in Google Maps. Or alternatively, just follow the directions to the pin below.

Rent a Motorbike

The best way to explore the region between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin is to rent a motorbike and ride here yourself. You can rent a motorbike in Myanmar by speaking to your Hotel staff or owner. They usually will point you in the right direction.

Anesakhan and Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall is located only a short 9 km south from Pyin Oo Lwin, along Highway 3 (road to Mandalay). Therefore, it makes the perfect short half-day trip from Pyin Oo Lwin. The ride is fairly easy, along a single-lane highway with little traffic.

For those coming from Mandalay, you'll have a much longer 1.5-hour ride. However, if you're confident, then I recommend taking the challenge to see this epic waterfall.

For those adventurous readers looking for a full-day waterfall trip, I'd recommend also visiting Dee Doke waterfall. You can cram both waterfalls in from Pyin Oo Lwin on a big day trip.

Tip: If you're planning to stay in Pyin Oo Lwin, then I'd recommend staying at The Tha Ha Zar Ta Hotel. These guys will sort you out with your set of wheels.

Take a Taxi or Grab to Anesakhan

Since Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall is only a short hop from Pyin Oo Lwin, it's possible to get a taxi or Grab to drop you in Anesakhan Village. The Google Maps pin below is a good point to get dropped at, since you'll need to walk the rest of the journey to the waterfall.

The Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall Hike

After parking your motorbike or getting dropped at the top car park, it's a 40-minute downhill hike to the base of the canyon to reach the waterfall. Apparently, there are a few small food stalls and vendors on the way who sell snacks and water. However, they were abandoned when I visited in the hot, dry season.

The path down to Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall is clearly marked and winds its way down the steep cliffside before finally arriving that the waterfall.

The walk is not too strenuous, but make sure you save some energy on the return, uphill hike!

What to Expect at Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall was one of the best highlights for my trip to Myanmar. Three beautiful cascades gush down the limestone cliffside to form one large waterfall. Below, you'll find a deep swimming pool with milky, turquoise water comparable to the famous Kawasan Falls in the Philippines.

There is a large rock alongside the swimming pool that makes for a great basking spot. The water in the waterfall pool is deep enough to swim, but not quite deep enough for any cliff jumping opportunities.

Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall Height

Anisakan Falls, or Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall towers up over 120 Meters at the base of the jungle gulley.

Dat Taw Gyaint Buddhist Temple

Beside the waterfall is a small Buddhist temple. After seeing Dat Taw Gyaint waterfall first hand, I know why they chose this site for their temple location.

When I visited in the hot season, the monks told me that I was the first foreigner for months! It just goes to show what a unique and underrated gem Myanmar truly is!

More Myanmar Travel Guides & Blogs

I hope that you enjoyed this guide to Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall in Myanmar. If you're looking for more information or travel inspiration in Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin, check out the links below.

• Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay - Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar
• How to Get to Inle Lake and Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar
• Inle Lake Boat Trip - Everything You Need to Know
• Mingun Day Trip - Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Myanmar
• Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar

The post Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Getting here takes a little bit of effort but if you’re cut out for the ride, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best swimming spots possibly in all of Myanmar!

It’s possible to visit Dee Doke Waterfalls from both Mandalay and from Pyin Oo Lwin. Since I wanted to also visit the nearby Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall, I decided to stay in Pyin Oo Lwin for a few days.

Dee Doke Waterfall Location

Dee Doke Waterfall is located southeast of Mandalay city near a mountainous section of the Mytinge River. The journey takes over one hour from both Mandalay and from Pyin Oo Lwin, with stretches of highway driving and riverside gravel sections.

I've pinned the exact location of Dee Doke Waterfall below to help you locate it. The Google Maps pin is named: Deedote Blue Lagoon. This variance in spelling when translating names to English is common in Myanmar, which makes it difficult when you're doing independent research.

Don't make the mistake of directing your Google Maps to "Dee Doke Waterfall Elephant Camp". This is found 10-15 minutes before the actual waterfall car park.

How to Get to Dee Doke Waterfall

There are a few options for those looking to get to Dee Doke Waterfall from Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. Below I've outlined the best ones.

Rent a Motorbike

For independent travelers who are after the full experience, I'd recommend renting a motorbike and riding here yourself.

From Mandalay:

Mandalay isn't a huge tourist hotspot - yet. Therefore, finding a motorbike for rent isn't as easy as in other parts of South East Asia. However, if you ask at your hotel or hostel, they should be able to direct you to one.

Once you've got your set of two wheels, plug in the GPS pin above and head towards Highway 3, or Mandalay Lashio Rd heading South. When you arrive at an intersection with multiple petrol stations, turn right and continue down the much less maintained but scenic road along the Mytinge River for 23KM.

Here are the GPS coordinates for the turn-off if you get lost: 21°51'14.0"N 96°15'26.3"E

From Pyin Oo Lwin:

Finding a motorbike to rent in Pyin Oo Lwin was a little harder than in Mandalay. However, I was able to get a good rate from my accommodation: The Tha Ha Zar Ta Hotel, which also had the best rates for a shared dorm with breakfast in the city.

Leaving Pyin Oo Lwin, you'll need to take the same Highway 3; Mandalay Lashio Rd, this time towards Mandalay. Keep riding until you reach the same intersection with GPS coordinates above. From here, you'll follow the same road for 23M until you reach the Dee Doke Waterfall.

Tip: Don't pay more than 10 000 Kyat per day for motorbike rental in Myanmar.

Grab Taxi

Probably the easiest and quickest way to get anywhere in Myanmar is to just use Grab Taxi. If you're looking for a Dee Doke Waterfall Taxi, then you can just download the Grab app on your mobile and enter the location above.

Note this will probably be the most expensive option and getting a Grab back to Mandalay could be difficult.

Dee Doke Waterfall Tour

If you're looking to skip the highway driving and you'd prefer a guided tour, it's possible to book a Dee Doke Waterfall tour from Mandalay.

This tour is the only one I've been able to find online and also includes Mandalay City sightseeing. Note you can also get discounts per person if you have a larger group.

Book the Dee Doke Waterfall tour online in advance to secure the trip.

Dee Doke Waterfall Parking Lot and Entrance

There are no signs for this waterfall, so it's best to program in the directions on your phone before you leave.

After following the directions above, keep an eye out for a small turn off exactly at the Google Maps pin above. Soon, you'll arrive at a dirt carpark with a small restaurant where you. can drop off your bike and start the short hike to Dee Doke Waterfall.

What is the Entrance Fee at Dee Doke?

There is no entrance fee to visit this waterfall. However, some people have been asked to pay 300 Kyat to leave their motorbike at the gravel parking lot and waterfall entrance.

I visited this epic waterfall and swimming lagoon in the dry season, and as a result, I was told that I was the only foreigner that had been here for months. Nobody asked me to pay money to leave my bike or to visit the waterfall.

Hike Down to Dee Doke Waterfall

Once you've finally reached the Dee Doke Waterfall parking lot, you've got a short 20-minute hike until you actually reach the waterfalls and blue lagoon pools.

The walk is easy, passing bamboo huts and smiling faces along the way. Along the trail, you'll eventually come to an intersection. From here, take the right path up the hill towards the Blue Lagoon swimming spot, or turn left down the hill to reach the main Dee Doke Waterfall and swimming area.

Dee Doke Waterfall - What to Expect

I highly recommend that you visit both the main lower waterfall and the upper Blue Pool Lagoon. Both spots are an absolute oasis, especially in the extreme heat of the Burmese dry season.

Truthfully, the waterfalls themselves aren't mind-blowing in terms of size or power. The main drops are fairly small, but it's the incredible milky-blue water of the swimming holes and lagoons that makes this place a must-visit!

At the bottom, main waterfall level, you'll find a large swimming hole, mildly gushing falls and a makeshift bamboo decking area. There are interesting rock paintings on the limestone walls and surrounding rocks. When I visited, I only met a handful of local residents who were looking to escape the 45-degree (C) smelting sun!

You can also walk further down from this swimming location, where you'll find some shallower pools to swim in and explore.

RELATED: Exploring the Best of Bagan's Temples and Pagodas

Blue Lagoon Swimming Area

Truthfully, when I first arrived at Dee Doke Waterfall Mandalay, I didn't even know about the upper Blue Lagoons. It wasn't until I sent the drone up and got an aerial view of this oasis that I saw what a true gem this is.

As mentioned above, turning right up the hill at the trail intersection leads to an epic blue lagoon. This spot also has more small waterfalls.

This place seemed to attract a few more locals. These visitors were swimming and enjoying the peaceful and refreshing neon mountain water.

Visiting Dee Doke Waterfall in the Dry Season

Myanmar's hot and dry season runs from October through to May. Not knowing if the waterfall and swimming pools would be dried out, I still decided to take a gamble by visiting the falls in April.

To my surprise, although the surrounding landscapes were desert-like, the waterfall and swimming hole were still topped up and flowing. So, if you're looking for a place to escape the heat, this is definitely the place.

More Myanmar Travel Guides & Blogs

Enjoy this guide to Dee Doke Waterfall Mandalay and looking for more Myanmar travel inspiration? Why not check out the other guides listed below?

• Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall (Anisakan Falls) COMPLETE GUIDE
• How to Get to Inle Lake and Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar
• Inle Lake Boat Trip - Everything You Need to Know
• Mingun Day Trip - Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Myanmar
• Photos of the Bagan Temples and Pagodas in Myanmar

The post Dee Doke Waterfall in Mandalay – Epic Blue Pools & Waterfall in Myanmar appeared first on We Seek Travel.