Discover the culture of living people in this floating village. This 4 days trip would make you to escape the crowds and busy daily life to experience a more authentic corner of Shan State. Gaze upon the beautiful natural surroundings, mountains, lake, ethnic people and fishermen who are the famous one-legged rowers. Learn about the ways of life of local people and go through the charming water village “Inle Lake”.
- Explore around the floating village “Inle Lake” by bike, boat and kayak
- Experience a fantastic traditional lunch in an exclusive Shan house
- Discover the outstanding scenery & genuine connections
- Adventure through the tribal farmlands of the plateau
- Take part in thrilling boat ride down the weirs of the Indein Waterway
- Experience forest single track
Day 1: Arrival & Normal Sightseeing on boat
You will be picked up at the Heho airport from where a scenic one-hour drive leads to NyaungShwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. Start with a visit to the NyaungShwe morning market where locals gather every morning to buy and sell fresh produce from the lake and its surroundings.
Take a tour by local trishaw the bustling canal and watch the boats unload their produce for distribution to markets around the country. Visit the ‘tomato house’, a warehouse where produce is sorted and priced for sale. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat for a river cruise past Intha villages built on stilts over the lake and floating garden. Also, observe the leg-rowing fishermen. Visit PhaungDawOo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, housing five sacred Buddha images covered too much in gold leaf and make the Buddha Images to disappear its, original shape and form instead become look like a big chunk of Golden Mushroom. Then return to land for your overnight stay.
Overnight in NyaungShwe
Day 2: Inle Lake by Bike, Boat & Kayak Tour(B, L)
Today, you will be brought to take a ride alongside fields of flowers tended by friendly villagers, pass remote monasteries and cycle through peaceful bamboo forests. Afterwards, a long-tail boat takes you to secret cycling destinations and to a traditional Shan House for a sumptuous feast of local cuisine.
In the afternoon, paddle along narrow waterways and through stilt-house villages to gain a new perspective on life in these unique communities.
Overnight in NyaungShwe
Day 3: Cooking Class & Red Mountain Bike (B, L)
After breakfast, you will be picked up. Today, you will learn how to cook the traditional cuisine and go to the market to buy the ingredients you will use in class. You will learn how to bargain with the sellers like a local as you explore the market. After 15min drive, you will reach and start cooking after a short rest.
During this tour, you will create authentic Shan dishes with the help of an experienced chef who will teach you all the secret. After the tour, you can taste and eat your own dishes. And bring home your very own recipe book and recreate the delicious dishes back home.
Then, transfer to the hotel for a short rest. After, your bike will be ready and start biking in Nyaung Shwe around town and visit to the colorful market if it is being held that day. Visit Red Mountain Estate Vineyards and Winery. Tour the vineyard and enjoy views of Inle Lake and its stilt villages as you sample wines in an open air bar. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in NyaungShwe
Day 4: Departure (B)
Today, depending on your departure schedule, you may explore more nearby sights around Inle Lake on your own before our driver pickup you at your hotel to transfer to Heho airport for your departure.
What is included in the tour
• Accommodation inc. breakfast (B)
• Other meals as detailed in the itinerary (L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Local specialized tour guide (English-speaking, other languages available on request)
• All transfers
• Boat tours and air-conditioned car/van transportation as detailed in the itinerary
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary inc. entrance fees
What is NOT included in the tour
• International flights from and to your country of origin
• Travel insurance
• Meals other than those explicitly mentioned, drinks, tips and personal expenses
• Visa fees
