Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
By pick-up and motorbike taxi
Those heading west to Thazi (4hr) or east to Shwenyaung
(for Inle Lake; 2hr) could try to hunt down one of the pick-ups that rumble along the Union
Highway. They're also one way to make the first leg of the trip to Pindaya; it takes around
25min to get to Aungban (K700), where you'll have to change, though the distance is far
moreeasilycoveredbymotorbike(K2000).OnceinAungban,findapick-up(K1000)ormo-
torbike (K7000). Aung Yedana runs shared taxis between Mandalay and Inle Lake (around
K30,000), though to book a seat you'll have to call their Mandalay office.
By taxi
The slightly annoying public transport connections to Inle and Pindaya tempt some
tobitethebulletandsplashoutonacab:it'llbeaminimum K35,000toeitherdestination, or
more like K55,000 to visit the caves and head to Nyaungshwe.
By train
Kalaw's station, just over 1km south of the centre, sits on an extremely slow train
lineheadingeastfromThazi,asmalltownonthemainYangon-Mandalayline.Theviewson
thisroutearequite superb-someofthebestintheland,indeed -thoughthewoodenseating
and bumpy journey (how can train lines have potholes?) will leave you with buns of steel. If
you're prepared to trade comfort for this beautiful and truly local experience, there are two
daily trains to and from Thazi (6hr 30min); they're also an alternative way of getting to Inle
Lake, since the line continues east to Shwenyaung (3hr 30min).
GETTING AROUND
Bike rental
Naing Naing
rent out city bikes for K2000 per day, and mountain bikes for
K10,000perday;they'realsoabletosupplydecentmapsofthearea,andevenleadfullcycle
tours.
TOUR AGENCIES
Agencies offering treks to Inle Lake have mushroomed in recent years, but in general it's
still best to go with one of the few long-standing operators - the added security accrued from
years of experience is worth the extra couple of bucks per day.
Holiday
Union Highway 094 2833 8036.
Reliable agency run by the jolly, bearded broth-
ers from the
Golden Lily
guesthouse. Most of their hikes operate off the main routes, which
makes for fewer tourists, and friendlier villagers to boot. Their treks to Inle cost $12 per per-
son per day in a group of five.
NaingNaing
Min St 094 2831 2267.
Agency offering a few nice alternatives to the stand-
ard Inle packages (K14,000 per person per day in a group of five). Their treks to Pindaya are
highly recommended (certainly a lot harder than the Inle stroll, but with even better scenery;
K25,000 per person per day in a group of four), while the energetic manager often runs great
bike tours ranging from half-day to overnight.
Sam's Family
Aung Chan Tha St 081 50377.
Operated from the dining tables of the
eponymous
restaurant
, this is another seasoned Inle Lake trek operator, though the affable
