Inle Hotel Reservations & Accommodation Guide

Inle Lake Region is a refreshing change to the historical attractions of Pagan and Mandalay. It boasts of the picturesque Inle lake, the fascinating Pindaya Caves and the cool and colourful hill towns of Taunggyi and Kalaw. Another unique and different facet of the Golden Land.

The best time of the year to visit is during September and October. The ceremonial Hpaung Daw U Festival, which lasts for almost three weeks, is closely followed by the Thadingyut festival of lights. Inthas and Shan turn out in their best clothes in great numbers to celebrate the Buddhist Lent. Traditional boat racing, with dozens of leg-rowers in Shan dress in a team on each boat, is a famous event during the Hpaung Daw U Festival.
Floating farm

Inle Lake is a major tourist attraction, and this has led to some development of tourist infrastructure. Many small and large privately owned hotels and tour operations have arisen during the past few years. Local shops are flooded with consumer items, both local and foreign. The nearest airport is Heho which is 35 km away. There are flights from both Yangon and Mandalay. Yangon is 660 km distant by road, Mandalay 330 km.

Inle Lake is in the heart of Shan State, which has been the location of much of the civil and political strife over the last two decades. Political imprisonments and disappearances are common. Significant debate exists regarding the moral implications of spending your tourist dollars or Euros here.