House of travel Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Brochure 2017 | Page 57

Situated near 900 metres above sea
level and surrounded by blue and hazy
mountain ranges, Inle Lake is often
referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’
when going through the canals and
stilted villages by boat.
Heho, a small town in Kalaw Township is
the primary air gateway to this serene lake
area. Offering an idyllic setting, the lake is
22km in length and 10km in the widest place.
The shallow waters are home to the Intha
people, renowned for their floating gardens
and the unique one-legged rowing style of
their fishermen using traditional conical nets.
Life on the lake is captivating and a complete
contrast to the Western world. You’ll find
a number of hotels on the lake to choose
from with their traditional and distinctive Inle
architecture. Most travellers often skip Inle
Lake bound for Bagan but a stay here will
no doubt leave you with a lasting impression.
Amata Garden Resort
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
From
$ 121
With unbroken views of the tranquil yet
soothing backwaters and the emerald green
Shan Hills, this resort sits on the eastern bank
of Inle Lake at Ingyin Gone Village. The only
three storey resort in the area, guest rooms are
designed for comfort and convenience in mind.
Set in the middle of the resort with a delightful
Inle Lake view, the Sunset Bar enjoys an outdoor
setting. Lotus Wellness & Spa offers treatments
that use natural indigenous products sourced
exclusively from Myanmar herbs, salt and pure
essential oils.
Duration: 8 HRS
Price from $198 pp
Magical
Inle Lake
Travel by boat on the
lake, visiting the
famous Paung Daw Oo Pagoda and the nearby
Inpawkhone Village where, in stilt houses,
traditional silk weaving with hand looms and
the processing of lotus blossoms are made
into beautiful fabric. Visit traditional craftsman
such as cheroot (local cigar) rolling and boat
making. Enjoy a boat ride through the Kaylar
Village observing the many houses on stilts. See
the floating gardens up close, then head to the
Ngaphae Chaung Monastery, an interesting old
traditional monastery.
Inle Princess Resort
From
$ 1 58
Admire the beauty of Inle Lake with a stay at
this resort spread over more than 20 acres on the
eastern fringe of the lake. Bungalows at the resort
are designed to harmoniously blend in with the
natural environment featuring hand-selected local
paintings, high wooden ceilings and spacious living
areas. Watch fishermen glide by on the lake, water
buffaloes cooling themselves off and migratory
and native birds picking food in the wet land.
Enhancing the experience is a spa, swimming pool
and pool bar.
Duration: 8 HRS
Price from $215 pp
From
$ 279
Sheltered in a peaceful inlet on the eastern
shore, this resort is a hidden refuge in this long-
secluded region. Nestled into the surrounding
nature, your stay is in a sustainably-sourced
traditional pyinkado, teak and bamboo-thatched
house. Inside are playful accents of Inthar
fabrics, bespoke furnishings, Shan paper lamps
with select rooms offering crackling clay fires
for the cooler months and leafy verandahs.
Unwind with modern comforts alongside culture
and tradition, including a swimming pool and
serene spa.
Duration: 4 HRS
Price from $264 pp
Indein
Boat Excursion
Shan
Cooking Class
Visit Indein and its enchanting 17th century
With a local chef visit the morning Inle Lake
pagodas. To reach Indain and the nearby village,
enjoy a boat ride up a small scenic creek that
runs into Inle Lake, passing villages and water
buffalo bathing in the creek. A few Indein
pagodas are being restored but most of them
still lie in an abandoned ‘Indiana Jones’ type
setting. After lunch, take cruise to Ywama
Village to see Shan traditional paper making
and silversmith craftsmen at work. Continue to
Laeshae Village to see how they make Buddha
images from dried flowers.
*All prices are per person, twin share, based on low season including breakfast
markets and learn about the local produce from
which items will be purchased and taken back to
the kitchen. Under the guidance from the chef,
prepare a typical style Shan lunch. Take pleasure
in the fruits of your labour afterwards as you
sit down to enjoy your Shan culinary repast.
An aperitif is offered to help things along. This
cooking class offers a great experience and an
introduction into the Myanmar cuisine, whilst
teaching you the basics of Shan cooking.
57
INLE LAKE