Inle Lake

Inle Lake is one of Myanmar's most stunning natural landmarks. This vast, serene body of water sits at an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet and covers roughly 45 square miles in Shan State. What makes this place truly special is the unique way of life that has developed around it.

The Intha people who call this lake home have created a fascinating cultural ecosystem. They're famous for their distinctive leg-rowing technique - a mesmerizing sight where fishermen wrap one leg around an oar while standing at the stern of their wooden boats. This traditional method allows them to keep both hands free for fishing while navigating through dense patches of floating gardens.

Speaking of floating gardens, these are another remarkable feature of Inle Lake. Local farmers grow tomatoes, flowers, and other crops on these buoyant gardens that rise and fall with the water level. The lake's surface is also dotted with stilt houses and entire villages built right over the water.

The lake's ecosystem is incredibly diverse, with several endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The rotating markets that move between villages around the lake offer a glimpse into the area's trading traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. And while tourism has certainly increased over the years, Inle Lake maintains much of its tranquil atmosphere and cultural authenticity that makes it such a treasured part of Myanmar.