Explore the scenic beauty of Inle Lake with a full-day boat tour that takes you across its tranquil waters. During this trip, you'll witness the unique leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilted houses that epitomize life on the lake. A visit to Ywama Village lets you see local artisans at work, including silversmiths and weavers at the lotus and silk weaving factory. The tour will also take you to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which houses five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Enjoy the panoramic views, serene environment, and insight into the Inthar people's way of life, providing a memorable day out on one of Myanmar's most iconic destinations.
The Ywama Village Floating Market is a must-visit for an authentic local shopping experience. As part of certain Inle Lake tours, you'll encounter the bustling atmosphere where local traders sell fresh produce, handcrafted items, textiles, and souvenirs from their boats or along the stilted structures of the village. This immersive experience not only allows you to shop for unique items but also provides a window into the daily lives of the local people. The market operates on a 5-day rotation with other villages, and visiting on a market day promises an extra layer of vibrancy and activity. Remember to bring small notes for purchases and be prepared to haggle for the best deals.
Include a visit to the Inle Heritage Stilt Houses as a part of your Inle Lake adventure to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history. Standing over the water, these traditional wooden homes show the adaptation of the Intha people to their lake environment. Many houses are still inhabited and some have been converted into workshops or small-scale factories where you can watch the production of crafts like weaving or cheroot making, a local cigar. A guided tour through these stilt communities offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the residents and their ancestral practices, while also granting you the chance to support the local economy through the purchase of authentic, handmade goods.
For the more adventurous traveler, kayaking through the calm waters of Inle Lake provides a serene and intimate encounter with nature. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the narrow waterways between the floating gardens, approaching wildlife and birds with minimal disturbance. Paddling around Ywama Village allows you sight fish farms and the peculiar leg-rowing fishermen up close, and even navigate your way to parts of the lake less frequented by tourists. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or trying it for the first time, the experience promises to be both peaceful and exhilarating, giving you control over where and when you explore the lake's hidden treasures.
Join a cooking class in Ywama Village to delve into the culinary world of the Inthar people. During this immersive experience, you'll venture to a local market (possibly floating) to pick fresh ingredients before being welcomed into the kitchen of an Inthar home. Under the guidance of local cooks, you'll prepare traditional dishes, learning techniques and recipes that have been passed down for generations. A cooking class is a perfect way to understand the cultural significance of food in the local community, and you'll conclude with a feast of your creations, enjoying flavors that are as rich in taste as they are in heritage.
Venture on a cycling tour around the beautiful landscapes of Inle Lake and get a different perspective of life in and around Ywama Village. These cycling tours can cater to various fitness levels and usually involve routes that take you past rice fields, mountain vistas, and local villages. A guide will be able to show you the backroads and hidden gems of the area, and tell you stories of the local life and traditions. Some tours may include stops at local workshops or monasteries, and even provide an opportunity to combine the cycling with a boat ride, ensuring that you experience the best of both land and lake.
In Ywama Village, handicraft workshops abound, presenting an excellent opportunity to witness traditional crafting techniques firsthand. These workshops are often family-run establishments where generations have honed their skills in silversmithing, weaving, and woodcarving. During a visit, you can observe the intricate process of creating beautiful handmade products, from weaving textiles on wooden looms to the delicate carving of wood or the meticulous steps involved in crafting silver jewelry. These workshops provide visitors with unique souvenirs to take home, as well as the satisfaction of directly supporting local artisans and their age-old crafts.
Elevate your Inle Lake experience by taking a hot air balloon flight over Ywama Village and the surrounding area. There's nothing quite like watching the sunrise over the Shan Hills as you gently float above the lake, stilted villages, and floating gardens. This activity provides an incomparable view and photo opportunities, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Typically operating during the cooler, dry months from October to March, balloon flights are subject to weather conditions. Make sure to book in advance, as this popular activity has limited spots, and be prepared for an early start to catch the tranquil beauty of dawn over Inle Lake.
As the day winds down, partake in a tranquil canoe trip through the waterways of Ywama Village. Canoeing is an eco-friendly way to explore and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Inle Lake as dusk sets in. Often led by local guides, this gentle paddle takes you across the still waters, allowing for up-close encounters with birdlife and a unique perspective on the village as it settles for the night. The sunset colors reflecting on the lake surface offer a magical experience and a chance to photograph the stilted houses and their water-bound gardens in a beautifully soft light.
Engage with the Intha fishermen of Inle Lake by embarking on a fishing experience where you can learn about their distinctive leg-rowing technique and traditional fishing methods. Using conical nets and a one-of-a-kind paddling style, the fishermen have adapted their practices to the environment of Inle Lake. This hands-on activity not only teaches you about their fishing tactics but also supports the local community by directly participating in their daily routine. The ability to catch a glimpse of their age-old traditions, while surrounded by the natural beauty of the lake, makes this a culturally enriching and unforgettable outing.
Religious Places (13)
Historical Places (26)
Museums (5)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (1)
National Parks (1)
Villages (4)
Zoos (1)
Gardens (4)
Waterfalls (2)
