8 Things to Do in Inle Lake on a Budget

Burma can be expensive.  Any traveler will tell you that it is the most expensive Southeast Asian country to travel.  But Inle Lake is one place to save some precious kyats.  Here are 8 things to do in Inle Lake that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

1. Boat Trip

Yes, everyone and their mother go on the boat trip at Inle Lake.  Yes, you should go too.  I know that touristy things are often unenjoyable, but at Inle Lake the boat trip cannot be avoided.  And it’s cheap.  Gather up some other people from your trek or your hotel to make the cost even less.  It should be 15,000 kyat for a whole day for up to 5 people.  3,000 kyat for a day of fantastic scenery, relaxation, and shopping for overpriced souvenirs is a great deal in Burma.

2. Canoe Trip

Photo courtesy of Elliot Pelling

If you aren’t feeling up to the above mentioned boat trip or are looking for something different to do, a canoe trip is an authentic option.  A local will take you through smaller canals on the west side of the lake using a dugout canoe.  On the way, you can see two local villages and learn how to leg row like the fishermen.  At 10,000 to 12,000 kyat for 3 hours, the canoe trip is decidedly more expensive than the boat trip.  To be honest, we were not entirely thrilled with our canoe experience booked through Lion Travel.  If you want to give this option a try, be sure to shop around.

3. Drink

Thankfully the prevalent Southeast Asian tourist drinking culture doesn’t yet exist in Burma.  We did however encounter more of these drunk and disgraceful backpackers in Nyuang Shwe than elsewhere in the country.  Perhaps this is caused by the ubiquitous happy hour deals throughout the city.  Most places offer 700 kyat draft beer and 1500 kyat cocktails from 5 until 9.  In addition to the availability of cheap alcohol, Nyuang Shwe boasts one of only two wineries in Myanmar.  At Red Mountain Estate, only a half an hour cycle from town, tourists can taste four local wines for 2,000 kyat.  Whatever your preferred drink, we found Nyuang Shwe to be the cheapest place in Myanmar to imbibe.  If you do choose to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly.

4. Roller Skate

Photo courtesy of Elliot Pelling

One of the best and weirdest things we did while in Myanmar was roller skate.  On the largest street of Nyuang Shwe, you can find an old-fashioned roller skating rink where local boys and girls come to show off their moves to bass heavy Western music.  At only 1,000 kyat per hour including skate rental, it’s the most entertaining evening activity in the area.  The rink is open from 10AM until 9PM every day of the week and the guy running the show can help you translate your Western sized shoes into Burmese sized skates.

5. Rent bicycles and explore

The most economical form of transportation in Myanmar is definitely the bicycle.  For 1,000 to 1,500 kyat per day, you can explore using your own two wheels.  A great day can be made cycling half way down the west side of the lake, stopping at the hot springs and then crossing the lake by boat with your bicycle (6,000 to 7,000 kyat).  Finish the day by cycling up the east side of the lake, taking a break at Red Mountain Estate for a round of wine tasting.

6. Eat at the night market

The best meal we had in Nyuang Shwe was at the night market.  The second stall from the street offers delicious potato curry with chapati that will only set you back 700 kyat.  The owners are lovely and speak English.  For the taste and value, the night market can’t be beat as a budget food option.

7. Get a massage

There are several reputable massage places around the town of Nyuang Shwe.  Most of them cost only 3,000 kyat for a half hour massage and 6,000 kyat for a full hour.  In a country where massages haven’t really taken off yet, relaxing with one near Inle Lake is your best option.

8. See a traditional puppet show

Photo courtesy of Elliot Pelling

Marionette theater was an important part of Burmese culture in years gone by.  Unfortunately since colonialization, this form of entertainment has been dying a slow death.  Now it has been relegated to a tourist trade, but fortunately for travelers, Inle Lake is home to one of the most passionate puppeteers still in existence.  Aung works out of his small theater at the eastern end of the main road and charges only 3,000 kyat for an entertaining half hour show, a bargain compared with other shows in Bagan and Mandalay.