Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
equipped with TV, safe and fridge, making them of slightly better value for money than
most.
Myanmar Treasure Resort
HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 081-209 481;
www.myanmartreasureresorts.com
; Maing Thauk; bungalows $310-430; )
The high-season rates here are pretty insane, but we have to admit that Myanmar Treas-
ure is one of the newer and nicer Inle Lake bungalow outfits. The 59 dark wood bunga-
lows, built in 2006 and located over the lake, are handsome and functional, although the
balconies are pretty skimpy. The resort is connected to the mainland via a long bridge.
Hu Pin Inle Khaung Daing Village Resort
HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 081-209 296;
www.hupinhotelmyanmar.com
; Khaung Daing; r/cottage/ste $200/250/300;
)
Edging the western side of the lake, we really like 86 somewhat quaint, old-school
wooden rooms and above-water 'cottages' and 'suites' here, many offering some of the
most fantastic views of Inle Lake of any of the area's accommodation. But given the
equally old-school amenities, the high-season rates are asking a lot.
DON'T MISS
AROUND KHAUNG DAING BY BICYCLE
Just because you've been on a boat doesn't mean you've 'done' Inle Lake. The
country-side that surrounds all that water is also worth a visit, and a half-day cyc-
ling trip to Khaung Daing, located at the northwestern corner of the lake, is an easy
and worthwhile way to experience it. The attractions are admittedly low-key, and
the real reason to come here is the bike ride through some beautiful countryside.
After renting a bicycle in Nyaungshwe, cross Teik Nan Bridge and follow the tree-
lined, bone-shaking dirt track through the rice fields until you reach the sealed
road, then turn left.
The first place you'll reach is Khaung Daing's
hot springs
(Khaung Daing; swimming pool
$8, private bath $5, mixed hot pool $8; 6am-6pm)
, to where hot water from the natural
springs has been channelled into a swimming pool and a series of private bath-
houses for men and women. The springs are also the start or end point of several
trekking routes between Kalaw and Inle Lake.
As you approach Khaung Daing, the road is seemingly lined with gold and white-
washed stupas, some perched on the tall hills to the west of the lake. Perhaps the
most interesting is
Phwar Ya Thay Paya
(Khaung Daing; daylight hours)
, located
roughly behind Pristine Lotus. We were told that the name means 'Lady Monk', and
refers to the temple's lone female resident. Many stairs lead to the top here, and
the temple offers amazing views over the lake and countryside.
