One of the most picturesque spots in Southeast Asia, Inle Lake and surrounding region is an outstanding alternative to the historical sites of Bagan and Mandalay. Surrounded by hazy Blue Mountains, this lovely lake is home to the Intha people, who constructed villages on stilts over the surface of the lake and farm floating islands created from mud and reed. The Intha are also known for their unique leg rowing. Although Inle Lake and the leg-rowers are the most famous attraction in the region, there's more.

Some highlights of Inle are Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (home to five Buddha Images, said to have brought back to Myanmar from southern Thailand over 700 years ago), the 150-year-old wooden Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (a place to see the lovely "Jumping Cats"), Shweinnthein pagoda complex and Ywama village (formerly floating market site).