The Serene Waters of Inle Lake
Discover the enchanting beauty and unique culture of Inle Lake, Myanmar's serene destination, renowned for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating markets, and ancient pagodas.
Inle Lake, nestled in the heart of Myanmar, is a captivating destination for tourists seeking tranquility and adventure. Stretching over 116 square kilometers, this freshwater lake is surrounded by verdant hills and dotted with charming stilt villages. The unique way of life on Inle Lake, where locals live in symbiosis with the water, offers an immersive cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere. One of the highlights of Inle Lake is the traditional leg-rowing fishermen. These skilled fishermen have perfected a unique technique of paddling with one leg while balancing on their boats, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the shimmering lake. Visitors can also explore the bustling floating markets, which move around the lake, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts. These markets provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the lake's inhabitants and are a must-visit for any traveler. The lake is also home to several ancient pagodas and monasteries, such as the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, known for its jumping cats. These religious sites add a spiritual dimension to the visit, allowing tourists to connect with the rich heritage and traditions of the region. Additionally, the surrounding area is perfect for trekking and cycling, offering stunning views and a chance to interact with the local Shan, Intha, and Pa-O communities. Inle Lake is not just about scenic beauty; it is also a hub for sustainable tourism. Many eco-friendly resorts and initiatives are in place to preserve the lake's natural environment and promote responsible travel. This makes Inle Lake an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a serene escape while contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Inle Lake.
- Visit the floating markets early in the morning to experience the vibrant atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
- Hire a local guide to navigate the lake and gain insightful knowledge about the culture and traditions of the Intha people.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Try the local Inle Lake cuisine, including dishes made from fresh fish caught from the lake.
- Bring a good pair of binoculars for bird watching. Inle Lake is home to many rare and migratory bird species.
- Consider staying in an eco-friendly lodge to support sustainable tourism practices.
The Serene Waters of Inle Lake
Inle Lake, nestled in the heart of Myanmar, is a captivating destination for tourists seeking tranquility and adventure. Stretching over 116 square kilometers, this freshwater lake is surrounded by verdant hills and dotted with charming stilt villages. The unique way of life on Inle Lake, where locals live in symbiosis with the water, offers an immersive cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere. One of the highlights of Inle Lake is the traditional leg-rowing fishermen. These skilled fishermen have perfected a unique technique of paddling with one leg while balancing on their boats, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the shimmering lake. Visitors can also explore the bustling floating markets, which move around the lake, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts. These markets provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the lake's inhabitants and are a must-visit for any traveler. The lake is also home to several ancient pagodas and monasteries, such as the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, known for its jumping cats. These religious sites add a spiritual dimension to the visit, allowing tourists to connect with the rich heritage and traditions of the region. Additionally, the surrounding area is perfect for trekking and cycling, offering stunning views and a chance to interact with the local Shan, Intha, and Pa-O communities. Inle Lake is not just about scenic beauty; it is also a hub for sustainable tourism. Many eco-friendly resorts and initiatives are in place to preserve the lake's natural environment and promote responsible travel. This makes Inle Lake an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a serene escape while contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
Explore the best of what Inle Lake has to offer
When is the best time to go to Inle Lake?
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
Explore the serene beauty and cultural richness of Nga Phe Chaung Monastery in Myayni Gone, a must-see spiritual haven in Myanmar.
Novotel Inle Lake
Experience luxury and tranquility at Novotel Inle Lake, where breathtaking views and exceptional amenities await your arrival.
Sanctum Inle Resort
Discover luxury and tranquility at Sanctum Inle Resort, a serene getaway on the shores of Inle Lake, blending comfort with the rich culture of Myanmar.
Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle
Discover the serene luxury of Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle, where traditional Myanmar charm meets modern comfort amid stunning lake views.
Paramount Inle Resort
Discover the enchanting Paramount Inle Resort, where luxury meets nature on the serene shores of Inle Lake in Myanmar.
Hupin Khaung Daing Resort Inle Lake
Experience the magic of Inle Lake at Hupin Khaung Daing Resort, where luxury meets nature in stunning surroundings.
Myanmar Treasure Hotel & Resort Inle
Experience serene luxury at Myanmar Treasure Hotel & Resort Inle, nestled by the breathtaking Inle Lake, a true gem of Myanmar's natural beauty.
The Serenity Inle Resort
Discover tranquility and luxury at The Serenity Inle Resort, a perfect retreat by Inle Lake offering breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences.
Inle Princess Resort
Experience serene luxury and breathtaking views at Inle Princess Resort, your ultimate retreat in the heart of Myanmar's stunning landscapes.
Inle Lake View Resort
Discover tranquility at Inle Lake View Resort, where stunning landscapes meet exceptional hospitality in the heart of Myanmar.
Ananta Inlay
Experience tranquility and comfort at Ananta Inlay, your perfect retreat for exploring the scenic wonders of Nyaungshwe and Inle Lake.
Villa Inle Boutique Resort
Experience luxury and tranquility at Villa Inle Boutique Resort, your perfect escape by the stunning Inle Lake in Myanmar.
Golden Moon
Experience the vibrant flavors of Myanmar at Golden Moon, an affordable restaurant where delicious food meets warm hospitality.
Tofu House Inle Lake
Experience the authentic flavors of Myanmar at Tofu House, Inle Lake, where every dish is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary tradition.
Inle Palace
Experience authentic Burmese flavors in a serene setting at Inle Palace, the culinary gem of Nyaungshwe.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
Discover the tranquil beauty of Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary on Inle Lake, rich in culture and serene spirituality.
ဗျိုက်တောင်
Discover the captivating charm of Aungpan, a hidden gem in Myanmar, where rich culture meets breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable travel experience.
Floating Gardens of Inle Lake
Experience the Floating Gardens of Inle Lake, where stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage come together in a unique ecological wonder.
Mine Thauk Bridge - မိုင်းသောက် တံတား
Discover the serene beauty of Mine Thauk Bridge, a stunning architectural gem in Myanmar that offers breathtaking views and cultural experiences.
kalaw
Explore the serene beauty and cultural richness of Kalaw, Myanmar's enchanting hill station known for its trekking routes and vibrant markets.
Namt Mon Gyi Waterfall
Explore the serene beauty of Namt Mon Gyi Waterfall in Pinlaung, an enchanting destination perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Natural Hot Spring (သဘာဝရေပူစမ်း)
Experience the rejuvenating power of the Natural Hot Spring in Nyaungshwe, where relaxation meets breathtaking natural beauty.
Inle Maing Thouk Futsal Court
Discover the excitement of futsal at Inle Maing Thouk Court, a lively sports hub in Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar, perfect for players and enthusiasts alike.
Essential places to dine
Bamboo Hut Home Cooking
Experience authentic Burmese cuisine at Bamboo Hut Home Cooking in Nyaungshwe - where every dish tells a story.
Tofu House Inle Lake
Experience authentic Burmese flavors at Tofu House by Inle Lake – where culinary tradition meets stunning lakeside views.
Inle Palace
Experience authentic Myanmar cuisine at Inle Palace while soaking in stunning views of Nyaungshwe's natural beauty.
Shwe Yee Win Floating Restaurant
Discover Shwe Yee Win Floating Restaurant - where delightful Burmese cuisine meets breathtaking waterfront views in a unique dining setting.
Family Restaurant
Experience authentic flavors at Family Restaurant near Inle Lake - where local cuisine meets warm hospitality.
Exit 32 Restaurant & Organic Spa /Taxi & Boat Service
Discover serenity at Exit 32 Restaurant & Organic Spa in Inle – where organic dining meets holistic wellness in a tranquil setting.
New Life
Discover authentic Burmese flavors at New Life Restaurant in Mine Thauk Village, Nyaung Shwe - a must-visit culinary destination for travelers.
Myat Thet Kaung
Discover the rich flavors of authentic Burmese cuisine at Myat Thet Kaung in Taunggyi – where every meal is a celebration.
Great House Bar & Restaurant
Discover exquisite Burmese cuisine in the heart of Nyaung Shwe at Great House Bar & Restaurant, where every meal is a delightful journey.
Hnin Thitsar
Experience authentic Burmese cuisine at Hnin Thitsar in Taunggyi – a culinary haven that tantalizes your taste buds.
Pann Gabar Restaurant(ဂျင်းဆိုင် ဈေးမတန်)
Discover authentic Myanmar flavors at Pann Gabar Restaurant near Inle Lake - a culinary gem offering traditional dishes and warm hospitality.
San Yadanar Restaurant
Experience authentic Myanmar cuisine at San Yadanar Restaurant, where every dish tells a story of rich flavors and cultural heritage.
Saw Restaurant
Experience authentic Burmese cuisine at Saw Restaurant in Nyaungshwe - where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.
Exotic Lunch on Boat by INLE Kitchen
Indulge in delicious local cuisine aboard a scenic boat at INLE Kitchen in Myayni Gone for an unforgettable dining adventure.
Kuang Hae
Discover authentic local flavors at Kuang Hae, where each dish tells a story of tradition and culinary excellence in a vibrant setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sein Ngwe Shan
Discover the vibrant world of Burmese textiles at Sein Ngwe Shan, a clothing store in Nyaungshwe showcasing traditional craft and culture.
Convenience store
Discover local flavors and essentials at the heart of Intha's convenient store, your go-to stop for all travel needs.
InnLaysaithiha
Explore InnLaysaithiha, where the essence of Myanmar's artistry meets home goods shopping in a charming village setting.
ချစ်လေး ကွမ်းယာဆိုင် betel shop
Discover the authentic taste of Myanmar at Chit Lay Kwan Ya Shop, where betel culture comes alive amidst a welcoming local atmosphere.
San Thit Store
Explore the best in electronics at San Thit Store, where modern technology meets the charm of Nampan, Myanmar.
Su Hlaing Store
Experience the charm of local shopping at Su Hlaing Store in Nyaungshwe, where authentic culture meets friendly service.
Nyaung Kine Ywar
Explore cutting-edge technology at Nyaung Kine Ywar, your go-to electronics store in Nyaungshwe, Myanmar, for all your tech needs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Tofu House Inle Lake
Experience the best of Burmese cuisine with fresh ingredients and stunning views at Tofu House on Inle Lake.
Inle Palace
Experience the authentic taste of Myanmar at Inle Palace in Nyaungshwe, where traditional flavors meet breathtaking views.
Family Restaurant
Explore the flavors of Myanmar at Family Restaurant, a beloved dining spot near Inle Lake that promises a warm atmosphere and delicious traditional dishes.
Exit 32 Restaurant & Organic Spa /Taxi & Boat Service
Discover delicious organic cuisine and rejuvenating spa treatments at Exit 32 Restaurant & Organic Spa in Inle, Myanmar.
Pann Gabar Restaurant(ဂျင်းဆိုင် ဈေးမတန်)
Discover Pann Gabar Restaurant: A Culinary Delight on Inle Lake West Corridor with Authentic Burmese Cuisine.
Exotic Lunch on Boat by INLE Kitchen
Indulge in a unique boat dining experience at Inle Lake, savoring local flavors while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Aye Chan Yake Food & Drink
Experience the authentic flavors of Myanmar at Aye Chan Yake Food & Drink, a cozy bar in Inle Lake offering traditional dishes and refreshing drinks.
Green Gold ( GG )Resturant . Cool & Drink . Boat service
Experience the flavors of Myanmar at Green Gold Restaurant, where tranquil lake views meet delightful local cuisine.
Inle Palace Restaurant 2
Discover the essence of Burmese cuisine at Inle Palace Restaurant 2, with stunning views of Inle Lake enhancing your dining experience.
စက်ပြင်ဆိုင်
Discover the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at စက်ပြင်ဆိုင်, a must-visit bar in the heart of တံတားဦး.
Local Phrases
You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.
— Eve
Here are the phrases I use most often in Inle Lake. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️
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- Helloမင်္ဂလာပါ
[mingalabar] - Goodbyeသွားသွား
[swar swar] - Yesဟုတ်ကဲ့
[huu ke] - Noမဟုတ်ဘူး
[ma huu bu] - Please/You're welcomeကျေးဇူးပါတယ်
[chay zu ba de] - Thank youကျေးဇူးပါတယ်
[chay zu ba de] - Excuse me/Sorryအမှားခဲ့ပါသလား
[amhar kyay ba tha la] - How are you?ဘယ်ဘက်လဲ
[be ba lae] - Fine. And you?ဟုတ်ကဲ့။ဘယ်ဘက်လဲ
[huu ke, be ba lae] - Do you speak English?အင်္ဂလိပ်မိတ်မယ်လို
[ingaleip mit ma lae] - I don't understandသိရှင်မတင်ပါ
[se shin ma taung ba]
- Helloမင်္ဂလာပါ
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseမီနူးကြည့်နိုင်ပါတယ်
[menu gyi nu nein ba de] - I don't eat meatအချိန်မဆိုးရမယ်
[akin ma hso ma ya] - Cheers!ကြည့်နိုင်ဓာတ်ပါ
[nein nein dar ba] - I would like to pay, pleaseငွေကုန်ခဲ့သလား
[ngwe koun kyay tha la]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseမီနူးကြည့်နိုင်ပါတယ်
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- Help!သူငါး
[su nga] - Go away!ထင်ကျပ်
[htang ka pya] - Call the Police!ရုံးချည်မှာပါ
[yone chin ma ba] - Call a doctor!အဆင့်ချည်မှာပါ
[a hsin chin ma ba] - I'm lostခြောက်ထဲမှာလို့
[kawtai ma lae] - I'm illကျေးဇူးပါတယ်
[chay zu ba de]
- Help!သူငါး
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- I'd like to buy...ဝယ်ပါတယ်
[wai ba de] - I'm just lookingကြည့်ရှင်မယ်
[ne shin ma ya] - How much is it?ဘယ်ဘက်ကျပ်မှာလဲ
[be ba ka ma lae] - That's too expensiveဒါရှင်ကျပ်ရမယ်
[da shin ka pya ma ya] - Can you lower the price?ကျပ်ခြင်းလား
[ka pya khan la]
- I'd like to buy...ဝယ်ပါတယ်
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- What time is it?ဘယ်အချိန်လဲ
[be a hcin lae] - It's one o'clockတစ်နာရီပါ
[tacha nari ba] - Half past (10)ဆယ်နာရီ
[sa nari] - Morningနန်
[nan] - Afternoonနေ့
[nea] - Eveningည
[nye] - Yesterdayမနေ
[mnea] - Todayယနေ
[ya mnea] - Tomorrowမနက်
[mna kaw] - 1၁
[hti] - 2၂
[ni] - 3၃
[sa] - 4၄
[la] - 5၅
[nga] - 6၆
[cha] - 7၇
[kha] - 8၈
[hta] - 9၉
[ko] - 10၁၀
[ta]
- What time is it?ဘယ်အချိန်လဲ
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- Where's a/the...?…ဆိုင်ရဲ့မော်လသားဘူး
[…sone yai maulethar bu] - What's the address?လိပ်စာဘွဲလဲ
[leiksa bwe lae] - Can you show me (on the map)?မော်လသားနောက်တစ်ယောက်ကို
[mau lethar neouti oki] - When's the next (bus)?နောက်သလိုမော်လျင်လဲ
[neouti maulein lae] - A ticket (to ....)လက်မှတ်ရမှာလား
[lakhmat ma ba]
- Where's a/the...?…ဆိုင်ရဲ့မော်လသားဘူး
History of Inle Lake
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Inle Lake, located in the Shan State of Myanmar, is believed to have been settled as early as the 14th century by the Intha people. The Intha, who are thought to have migrated from the southern regions of Myanmar, adapted to the unique aquatic environment of the lake, developing distinctive stilt house architecture and floating gardens.
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During the British colonial period in Burma, which began in the late 19th century, Inle Lake and its surrounding regions saw increased interaction with the outside world. The British established administrative centers in nearby towns and introduced modern infrastructure, including roads and railways, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Despite this, the Intha people maintained much of their traditional way of life.
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Buddhism plays a central role in the culture and daily life of the Intha people. Numerous pagodas and monasteries dot the shores of Inle Lake, including the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which houses five revered Buddha images. The annual Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival, featuring boat races and elaborate ceremonies, is a significant cultural event that draws visitors from across Myanmar.
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Inle Lake is renowned for its unique floating gardens, where locals cultivate crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and flowers on woven mats of water hyacinth and silt. Additionally, traditional crafts like silk weaving, silverwork, and cheroot making are integral to the local economy. Villages like Inpawkhon are famous for their intricate lotus silk weaving, a practice passed down through generations.
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Following Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948, Inle Lake continued to be a vital cultural and economic region within the country. The area has seen gradual development, including improvements in infrastructure and increased tourism. However, these changes have also brought challenges, such as environmental degradation and the need to balance modernity with preservation of traditional practices.
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In recent decades, Inle Lake has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness. Conservation efforts have been initiated to protect the lake's fragile ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism. Organizations and local communities are working together to address issues like water pollution and habitat loss, ensuring that Inle Lake remains a vibrant and thriving region for future generations.
Inle Lake Essentials
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Inle Lake is located in the Shan State of Myanmar. The nearest airport is Heho Airport, approximately 35 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus to Nyaung Shwe, the main gateway to Inle Lake. The journey typically takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, or Bagan to Nyaung Shwe. The bus journey can range from 8 to 12 hours depending on the starting location.
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Within Inle Lake, the primary mode of transportation is by boat. Longtail boats are available for hire and are the best way to explore the lake and its floating villages. For getting around Nyaung Shwe and nearby areas, bicycles and motorbikes are popular options and can be rented easily. Tuk-tuks and horse carts are also available for short trips within the town. Public buses and shared taxis connect Nyaung Shwe to other towns in the region.
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The official currency in Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Nyaung Shwe, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting the floating villages and rural areas around the lake. ATMs are available in Nyaung Shwe, but they may not always be reliable, so withdrawing sufficient cash in larger cities before arriving is recommended.
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Inle Lake is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
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In case of emergency, dial 199 for police assistance, 192 for medical emergencies, and 191 for fire emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Nyaung Shwe. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
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Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and socks before entering pagodas and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and say 'Mingalaba' (hello). A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
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To experience Inle Lake like a local, visit the morning markets that rotate among different villages around the lake. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their way of life. Don't miss visiting the floating gardens and stilt houses. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Intha boat race or watch the famous leg-rowing fishermen in action. Additionally, exploring the lesser-known villages by bicycle can provide a more intimate look at the local culture.
Trending Landmark in Inle Lake
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Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
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Novotel Inle Lake
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Sanctum Inle Resort
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Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle
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Paramount Inle Resort
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Hupin Khaung Daing Resort Inle Lake
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Myanmar Treasure Hotel & Resort Inle
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The Serenity Inle Resort
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Inle Princess Resort
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Inle Lake View Resort
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Ananta Inlay
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Villa Inle Boutique Resort
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Golden Moon
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Tofu House Inle Lake
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Inle Palace
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