The Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is famously known as the 'Jumping Cat Monastery' because the monks used to train cats to jump through hoops. Although the cat shows are less frequent these days, the charm of the monastery remains. Visitors can explore the ancient wooden monastery built on stilts over the Inle Lake, which houses an impressive collection of Buddha images made of different materials like teak, bamboo, lacquer, and alabaster. The atmosphere is serene, and the monastery offers a picturesque view of the lake and its surroundings. The architecture reflects the typical Shan style, and the peaceful setting makes this site a perfect location for meditation and reflection, providing a rare glimpse into the monastic life on Inle Lake.
Photography enthusiasts will find Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery a gold mine due to its rich wooden interiors and captivating views of the lake. As you wander through the historic monastery, you can capture the delightful play of light and shadows, the intricate wood carvings, and the peaceful monks in prayer or daily activities. The scenic backdrop of the lake also provides a perfect canvas for exquisite sunrise or sunset photos. Engaging a local guide can help in identifying the best spots and times for photography to ensure your session captures the monastery's essence.
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is not just a tourist attraction but also a place of spiritual retreat. You can participate in meditation sessions led by the monks who reside here. The serene ambience of the monastery, set amidst the calming waters of Inle Lake, provides the perfect setting for mindfulness and meditation. As you sit in the quiet halls or by the lake, you can immerse yourself in the practice of tranquility and seek inner peace. It's an insightful way to blend with local culture while enhancing personal well-being. The duration of meditation retreats can vary, and it's recommended to arrange your visit in advance if you wish to participate.
Visitors to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery can engage in meaningful cultural exchanges with the resident monks. These interactions provide an opportunity to learn firsthand about the Buddhist way of life, the monastery's history, and the unique traditions of the Inle Lake region. Conversing with monks is not only enlightening but also helps support and sustain the monastery's educational needs. Such engagements often leave lasting impressions on travelers, as they walk away with a deeper understanding of the local culture and spirituality.
Throughout the year, Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery hosts various traditional ceremonies and religious festivals. Visitors have the chance to witness these special occasions, such as the Phaung Daw Oo Festival which features a procession on the lake. During these events, the monastery comes alive with chanting, music, and the vibrant community participation, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the people in Inle Lake. It is advisable to check the local calendar for event dates and plan your visit accordingly to ensure you don’t miss this unique cultural experience.
After visiting the monastery, take a boat trip to explore the unique floating gardens around Inle Lake. These gardens are created by local Intha farmers who cultivate a variety of vegetables and flowers on floating beds of water hyacinth and mud, anchored by bamboo poles. This centuries-old practice is not only fascinating but also represents the sustainable agricultural methods of the local community. As you glide between the rows of greenery, you can learn about this ingenious farming technique and enjoy the organic bounty of Inle Lake.
Combine your visit to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery with a comprehensive tour of Inle Lake. Board a traditional wooden boat and make your way to see the unique leg-rowing fishermen, a trademark of the Inle Lake community. You will also visit stilted houses and get an up-close look at daily life in a local fishing village. These tours often include visits to local handicraft workshops, such as silk weaving and cheroot-making factories, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the Intha people. The scenic beauty and the cultural insights gained during this lake excursion are not to be missed.
Experience the ethereal beauty of Inle Lake at the break of dawn or at dusk with a canoe trip that starts or ends at Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery. As the sun rises or sets, the sky and the lake take on breathtaking hues, providing opportunities for both contemplation and photography. You'll paddle quietly across the water in a traditional canoe, getting a glimpse of the lake's wildlife and observing the stunning reflections on the water’s surface. This activity is a fantastic way to appreciate the natural beauty of the lake in a peaceful and unobtrusive manner.
After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, visitors can involve themselves in exploring the various handicraft workshops scattered around Inle Lake. Engage with local artisans as they demonstrate traditional crafts such as weaving with lotus fibers, silver making, and cigar rolling. It's an excellent opportune moment to purchase souvenirs while supporting the local economy. Each workshop offers a different experience, teaching guests about the dedication and skill involved in creating these authentic Burmese artifacts.
A visit to the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery is not complete without sampling the local Shan cuisine. Nearby restaurants and floating eateries offer traditional dishes made with fresh produce from the floating gardens and catch from the lake, including the famous Shan-style rice and Inle fish in tomato sauce. Foodies will relish the chance to sit by the water and enjoy these culinary delights, freshly prepared and seasoned with local herbs and spices. Moreover, it's a perfect way to conclude a day of cultural exploration, savoring the flavors that make the Inle Lake region unique.
Religious Places (13)
Historical Places (26)
Museums (5)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (1)
National Parks (1)
Villages (5)
Zoos (1)
Gardens (4)
Waterfalls (2)
