Maing Thauk Village is a small, picturesque settlement located on the eastern shore of Inle Lake in the Nyaungshwe township of Shan State, Myanmar (Burma). It's known for its unique houses built on stilts over the water and a wooden bridge that spans half of the lake, connecting the village to the land.
Visitors can reach Maing Thauk Village either by boat from various locations on Inle Lake or by road from the town of Nyaungshwe. The journey by boat offers stunning views of life on the lake, while the road trip provides scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Main attractions include the stilt houses, the floating gardens, the Maing Thauk Bridge, and the local market. Visitors can also explore the nearby monasteries and pagodas or take a trek into the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the lake.
The ideal time to visit Maing Thauk Village is during the dry season from November to February when the weather is cooler and the skies are clear. However, the village is open to visitors all year round.
Yes, there are a few guesthouses and lodges available for visitors who wish to stay overnight in the village. Staying in Maing Thauk provides a unique opportunity to experience local life on Inle Lake.
Maing Thauk Village participates in the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, which usually takes place in September or October. During this time, four sacred Buddha images are paraded around the lake, including a stop at the village.
Activities include taking boat tours of Inle Lake, visiting the local market for handicrafts, trying traditional Intha cuisine, and hiking in the surrounding hills. Additionally, tourists can rent bicycles to explore the countryside or participate in cooking classes.
Visitors should respect the local culture by dressing modestly and behaving courteously. It's also important to ask for permission before taking photographs of people and to be mindful of the environment by not littering or disturbing the natural setting.
There is no specific entrance fee for Maing Thauk Village itself, but there is a zone fee for the Inle Lake area that visitors must pay upon arrival. This fee covers the maintenance and conservation of the region.
Maing Thauk Village offers a selection of restaurants and eateries, where visitors can enjoy traditional Shan and Intha dishes, as well as some Western food options. Many restaurants offer beautiful views of the lake.