Myanmar (Burma) - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 563

between tree-lined banks, is a striking
contrast to the wide-open space of the lake.
Just behind Indein village, at the base of a
hill, is Nyaung Oak , a set of picturesquely
overgrown stupas with carvings of
Buddhas, chin-thé (guardian lions), devas
(female deities), elephants and peacocks.
Head uphill along a covered walkway to
reach Shwe Inn Thein Paya , a collection of
seventeenth- and eighteenth-century stupas
which is being slowly and heavy-handedly
restored. On the way down, look out for a
path on the left which runs through a
bamboo forest back to the riverside.

monastery. On the other side of the lake is
Takhaung Mwetaw pagoda, a tiered
building with dozens of white stupas.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By boat The main entry point to the lake is Nyaungshwe
(see below), from which dozens of boats run during the
tourist season - either depositing tourists in resorts on
the lake, or taking them on day-trips. Bring a jumper for
the cold morning start, and suntan lotion, since the boats
have no cover.

NYAUNGSHWE
As the most convenient base for trips
on Inle Lake, the once-quiet town of
Nyaungshwe has developed into a
flourishing tourist town. hose hoping
for idyllic canal-side lodging and cafés
will be disappointed, but the town has
enough to keep you occupied when you
aren't exploring the lake itself.
Nyaungshwe is particularly busy during
the Balloon Festival in nearby Taunggyi
(see p.531), which takes place in
November, and during the Phaung Daw
Oo Pagoda Festival (September/October).
At these times, boatmen tend to increase
their prices.

7

Further south
For an additional charge, it's possible to
go down to the village of Thaung Tho ,
which is left off most tourist itineraries.
It has a pagoda but is particularly worth
visiting on market day (see box, p.564).
You can also see potters at work in nearby
Kyauk Taung village.
If you really want to get away from other
tourists, then it's possible to arrange a trip
even further south, down a channel and
into the Southern Lake. Sankar village, on
the eastern shore around three hours from
Nyaungshwe, has ruined stupas and a

Shwenyaung, Highway NH4, Kalaw & Yangon

Aqua Lilies
Beauty Parlour

0 200

May Bus Ticket
& Taxi Service Centre

metres Cultural

Museum

Lotus
Restaurant

Lake

Hupin
Hotel

Pick-ups

Win Nyunt
Traditional Massage
Aung Puppet Show

Gallery 19

View Point Lodge
& Restaurant

KBZ Bank

JETT Y R OAD

Pharmacies

Pickup Stand Sunny Day

Tour Services

Mr A Tun Travel Agency
& KKO Internet Cafe

Active &
Authentic
Bike Hire

Comet

iNet

Night
Food
Market

Hlaing Gu Kyaung

AGD
Bank

Shwe Gu Kyaung

PHAUNG DAW S I DE ROAD

Yadana Aung
Man Paya

Myanmar
Travel & Tours

Win Traditional
Intha Family
Massage

Sports
Field

Independence
Monument

School

Kan Gyi
Kyaung

Temple

Fire
Station

N

ACCOMMODATION
Aquarius
Joy Hotel
Min Ga Lar Inn
Princess Garden
Remember Inn

EATING AND DRINKING
Beyond Taste
Dan Nar Yee
Daw Nyunt Yee
Live Dim Sum
Myo Myo

5
2
4
3
1

4
2
3
5
1 NYAUNGSHWE

Inle Lake & Kuang Daing