Ywama Village is one of the many small villages located on the shores and stilts of Inle Lake, in the Nyaungshwe township of Myanmar (Burma). It is best known for its floating gardens and traditional stilt houses.
The common way to reach Ywama Village is by boat from Nyaungshwe, the main town by Inle Lake. You can hire a boat and a guide for a day trip that includes other sites around the lake.
Visitors can explore the floating markets, visit local silversmith and weaving workshops, and marvel at the traditional houses built on stilts over the water. There is also the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with its five revered Buddha images.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to February when the weather is cooler and less rainy. Visiting during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, usually in October or November, is particularly interesting due to the boat races and festivities.
Ywama Village itself has limited accommodations, but there are numerous options available in the surrounding areas of Inle Lake, particularly in Nyaungshwe town, ranging from guesthouses to luxury resorts.
Yes, all tourists are required to purchase an Inle Zone entrance fee/permit upon arrival in the Nyaungshwe area. This fee is used for maintaining and preserving the area.
Visitors to Ywama Village can witness the Intha people's unique leg-rowing technique, where boatmen navigate their vessels using one leg. Additionally, the village's traditional crafts and the local way of life can be observed up close.
There are a few local eateries in Ywama Village where you can sample traditional Burmese and Intha cuisine. However, for more variety, the nearby town of Nyaungshwe offers a wider range of dining options.
Yes, Ywama Village and Inle Lake are suitable for families with children. The boat trips and sightseeing can be an exciting adventure for kids, and it's an opportunity to learn about a different culture and way of life.
Certain workshops or handicraft centers in Ywama and around Inle Lake may offer visitors the chance to learn about local crafts such as weaving, silversmithing, or cigar making. It's worth asking around or arranging such experiences in advance.