INLE LAKE

Visit the floating markets and floating villages, and have tea in the home of one of the families. Marvel at the floating farms that grow fruit, vegetables and flowers literally on the surface of the lake. Visit the fascinating tribal market and buy local Burmese handicrafts such as teak woodcarvings, pottery and textiles.

Visit the rural but bustling five-day market and observe locals and several minority groups wearing traditional costumes trading farm produce such as vegetables, fruits, dried tea leaves as well as animals. The vibrant atmosphere of the market makes it a jolly experience.

The stunning natural scenery and remote villages surrounding Inle make for excellent trekking destinations. Once you gain elevation, the views of the lake become more impressive. High in the hills, life has remained untouched and hill tribes practice authentic farming techniques. Observe people going about daily farming routine and if you feel like it, get your hands dirty and try some of the farming activities yourself.

Pindaya Caves are a Buddhist pilgrimage site and house thousands of Buddha images. There are three caves on the ridge, which runs north to south, but only the southern cave can be entered and explored. A well-worn path leads to the back of the cave, about 150m deep. There are about 8,000 Buddha statues on display in the cave, left by previous pilgrims. The earliest statues date back to the mid-18th century. Wander around the cave and allow some time to explore the town, which is beautifully situated at a small lake and surrounded by mountains. Visit a Shan umbrella and mulberry paper production home industry and return to Inle.

The hill town of Kalaw is situated a 1.5 hour drive from the capital of the Shan state Taunggyi. The town is a former British hill station and is located at an altitude of 1,320 meters above sea level. The drive winds its way through the mountains surrounding Inle. Visit the Pinmagon monastery and observe the bamboo strip lacquer Buddha Image. The image is believed to be over 500 years old and measures over 2.5 meters tall. Kalaw has some marvelous trekking routes that lead over small paths, offering magnificent views of the rough mountainous landscape. Take a short hike and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. In the afternoon, visit the King church, which is a colonial Catholic church and wander through town to observe the colonial style buildings still standing.

Join a specialized guide for the exploration of the Inle Lake wetland sanctuary which that covers an area of over 1,650 km² and is home to dozens of species of birds. Its waters are also home to 40 species of freshwater fishes, otters and different types of turtles. Learn more about the wetland ecosystem and observe the species of birds that inhabit the area, which include Herons, King Fishers, Cormorants, Egrets, Seagull and Drongos among others. The birds can be observed from the specially built bird watching towers. Enjoy a day with nature surrounded by pure tranquility!