An awesome lake to spend a couple of nights. We stayed at the super luxurious Inle Lake View hotel. Very expensive compared to the rest of the county and in opulent luxury versus the poverty in the surrounding areas but it does make a good retreat to have some peace and quiet. When you need some action take a Lake cruise, visit the Jumping cat monastery and the surrounding countryside, including the local markets, towns and more. Do get a private boat if you're a photographer considering the amount of gear and where you'd like to stop/position/etc. Also you can pick which floating restaurant to have lunch in. There's quite a few.

Having seen more gorgeous settings for lakes, at first I was disappointed. But it's less about just the scenery (which is beautiful nonetheless during sunset and sunrise - especially when you are on an overwater bungalow) than the chance to catch glimpses of local village life that makes it worth it. Most tours visit the same touristy spots, so see if you can find a guide willing to take you to the more remote places (and validate that they are indeed not just the main circuit stops). My favourite part was watching the locals zip around with their one legged rowing technique -- and then trying it myself. :)

This is the type of place that mixes representation with reality...you have seen pictures of buildings on stilts many times, now you can see it in real time. While seemingly remote, its not that difficult, and very reasonable. The government is immune to democracy so do so research so you aren't lining their pockets with dollars. The lake itself has many tours, and is endless...it has a floating temple with cats that jump through hoops, and lots of local crafts. The people are great...they get up with the sunrise and go to sleep after sunset.

over 100 sq. km, only about 7 ft deep, high up (3000 ft), and surrounded by mist covered mountains - one of the most stunningly beautiful and interesting places i've ever been to. hundreds of people live on the lake itself, their entire lives lived on the water - villages, stores, schools, restaurants, monasteries, all floating on the water. ethnically, very diverse, many different tribes, all with their own costumes and culture and languages.

A peaceful place. Nothing can disturb the habitants of the lake. You can go by boat to see the market and the shops, the tour finish by a visit on a temple. the second day, rent a bike to go to the temple at the enter of the town and see young boys. next, you go to the hot water on the other side of the lake.