Inle Lake, a mesmerizing natural wonder in Myanmar, beckons travelers to enjoy its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. A full-day private tour promises an enchanting experience, where visitors can explore the enchanting floating gardens, discover traditional stilt villages, and visit significant Buddhist sites. Guided by a knowledgeable professional, this captivating adventure offers a personalized experience, allowing guests to engage with the unique leg-rowing technique and savor a delicious lunch. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour ensures a memorable journey that leaves one eager to uncover more of Inle Lake‘s captivating allure.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Inle Lake.
Good To Know
- Full-day private cruise on Inle Lake, Myanmar, showcasing floating gardens, stilt villages, and Buddhist sites with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- Includes boat trip, lunch, hotel pick-up/drop-off, and bottled water, with optional extras like personal expenses, drinks, and tips.
- Explore the unique leg-rowing technique of the Intha people and learn about their sustainable agricultural practices in the floating gardens.
- Visit significant Buddhist monasteries like Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, gaining insights into the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
- Priced at $70.77 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, and a 5.0 rating from previous travelers.
Tour Overview
The full-day private Inle Lake cruise provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the unique culture and natural beauty of this iconic Myanmar destination.
Guests will visit floating gardens, stilt villages, and Buddhist sites, experiencing the local "leg rowing" technique firsthand.
The tour includes stops at the renowned Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the charming Inn Paw Known Village, and the historic Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.
Throughout the day, travelers will be guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking professional, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience on the serene waters of Inle Lake.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Inle Lake
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the Inle Lake full-day tour are a professional English-speaking guide, a boat trip on the serene lake, hotel pick-up and drop-off from selected accommodations, a midday lunch, and bottled water.
However, the tour excludes personal expenses, drinks, tips, and Inle Lake zone fees.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The child rate applies when sharing with 2 paying adults, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.
The tour is operated by BCFamilyTour.com, offering a 5.0 rating from 1 review on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Meeting and Pickup
The Inle Lake full-day tour meeting point is in Taunggyi, Shan State, and guests are picked up at their hotel in the Inle Lake area.
The tour starts at 9:00 am, with the guide ensuring a seamless pick-up process. This convenient arrangement allows travelers to begin their exploration of Inle Lake without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.
The tour is designed to accommodate a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, allowing ample time for guests to plan their journey.
This efficient meeting and pickup logistics set the stage for a memorable day on the serene waters of Inle Lake.
Exploring Floating Gardens
After departing the meeting point, the tour embarks on its exploration of the renowned floating gardens of Inle Lake.
These unique and visually striking gardens are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local Intha people.
The tour will:
- Witness the intricate process of cultivating crops on the lake’s surface using hydroponic techniques.
- Observe the skilled "leg rowers" propelling their wooden boats through the serene waters.
- Explore the vibrant markets where local farmers sell their fresh produce grown on the floating gardens.
- Learn about the sustainable agricultural practices that have sustained this way of life for generations.
The floating gardens offer a captivating glimpse into the harmonious relationship between the Intha people and their remarkable natural environment.
Discovering Stilt Villages
Next, the tour explores the remarkable stilt villages that dot the shores of Inle Lake.
These ingenious settlements are built entirely on wooden stilts, rising above the water’s surface. Visitors can wander through the village’s narrow lanes, observing the daily lives of the local Intha people.
Artisans showcase their traditional weaving, blacksmithing, and cigar-making techniques.
The tour also visits the famous "leg rowers", whose unique and graceful rowing style using their legs is a sight to behold.
These floating communities offer a glimpse into the traditional ways of life that have endured for centuries on this serene and picturesque lake.
Visiting Buddhist Monasteries
As the tour moves from the captivating stilt villages, it now shifts its focus to the numerous Buddhist monasteries that dot the shores of Inle Lake.
Visitors will have the chance to explore these sacred sites, which have played a significant role in the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The tour highlights a few key monasteries, including:
-
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most revered Buddhist sites on the lake, housing five ancient Buddha images.
-
Inn Paw Known Village, home to the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, also known as the "Jumping Cat Monastery" for the trained cats that once performed tricks here.
-
Other notable monasteries that may be visited, offering insights into the local Buddhist practices and traditions.
Local Leg-Rowing Experience
One of the highlights of the Inle Lake tour is the opportunity to witness the unique leg-rowing technique practiced by the local Intha people.
These skilled fishermen and farmers use their legs to row their boats, leaving their hands free to cast nets or tend to the crops on the lake’s floating gardens.
Visitors can observe the graceful leg-rowing maneuver, where the rowers stand on one leg and wrap the other around the oar, propelling the boat effortlessly across the tranquil waters.
This centuries-old tradition is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the Intha people, making it a captivating cultural experience for tour participants.
Pricing and Reviews
The Inle Lake full-day tour is priced from $70.77 per person, with the rate varying based on group size.
The tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for travelers.
With a 5.0 rating from 1 review on Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour has received positive feedback.
The reviewer highlights include:
- "Amazing day at Inle Lake"
- Praised the guide’s clarity and experience
- Enjoyed the local leg-rowing technique
- Appreciated the visit to floating gardens, stilt villages, and Buddhist sites
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as stated in the additional information. However, it may still be suitable for some travelers with disabilities, depending on their needs and mobility. It’s best to check with the tour operator for more details.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour operator allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on the traveler’s preferences. However, major changes may not be possible as the overall tour structure and inclusions are pre-determined. Additional charges may apply for customizations.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the experience. If you need to reschedule, you can do so without penalty as long as you provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
Are There Any Tips or Suggestions for Making the Most of the Tour?
The tour provides several tips to make the most of the experience, such as wearing comfortable shoes, bringing sun protection, and being prepared to interact with the local communities. The guide’s expertise can also help maximize the sightseeing and culture.
Can I Book This Tour Directly Through the Tour Operator?
Yes, you can book this tour directly through the tour operator, BCFamilyTour.com. They offer online booking and provide confirmation within 48 hours, making it a convenient option for securing your Inle Lake tour.
Sum Up
The Inle Lake full-day tour provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to discover the tranquil floating gardens, traditional stilt villages, and significant Buddhist sites. The guided boat trip, delicious lunch, and opportunity to witness the captivating leg-rowing technique make this tour a must-do for those seeking to explore the enchanting culture and natural beauty of Inle Lake.