Inle Lake is one of the most spectacular places in Myanmar, if not the most spectacular! Many visit Myanmar to see the hot air balloons in Bagan, but sunrise over Inle Lake and the famous fisherman balancing on one foot will leave you speechless. And we know how hard it is to choose the right accommodation when traveling, especially in Myanmar, so this time let's look at where to stay in Inle Lake for the best time in this famous Biosphere reserve.
Getting to Inle Lake
There are several ways to get to Inle Lake. Depending on your budget you can either take a flight to the nearby Heho Airport (35 km from Inle Lake) or take a night bus from Yangon or Mandalay. The flights will be quite expensive and as it is a local airport you can fly to Inle Lake only from Yangon and Mandalay.
We would recommend taking a night bus from either of the cities as it will save you loads of money and the night bus is quite an adventure in itself. Ticket will cost no more than $15 and you will have a comfortable ride in wide, reclinable seats with blankets and some snacks provided. Just make sure to book the bus to Nyaungshwe, and, super conveniently, you can book all bus tickets online here!
Freezing morning boat tour - DRESS WARM!
Related: Complete Myanmar 2 Week Itinerary - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!
PIN FOR LATER!
There are only a couple of areas you would find hotels around the lake. Depending on what you want, you can decide to stay on the main tourist street or close to it. All the restaurants, cafes, tourism agencies, souvenir shops and all you need are around here. However, you can also choose to stay away from the crowds either on the lake itself or a bit off in the jungle in one of the resorts. Surprisingly, there are a few very beautiful villas, which offer endless private services, pampering, food options, and tours.
The latter option would be perfect for a romantic getaway or if you are not the crowd type and love to enjoy nature. And to our surprise, we would not find a place more expensive than $120 per night to offer you guys if you are in search of some luxury! Ohh, but what we found for those $120! But let's start with the usual, budget options and rooms for as little as $15 per night.
Busy mornings in the Market on the lake
Related: How Expensive is Myanmar? Complete Price Breakdown!
Inle Inn
A great budget option, air-conditioned and with included breakfast for as little as $15 per night. This is a steal! The breakfast is served on the rooftop, overlooking the river, so that's a great bonus! The rooms are made in a nice, traditional bamboo style so Inle Inn looks more than a usual budget hotel.
Such a warm bamboo design, right?
Zawgi Inn
The highlight of rooms in Zawgi Inn is the balcony. Each room comes with a spacious balcony you can have your breakfast on. The setting is very relaxing with plants around, spacious rooms, comfy beds, and a peaceful location. While Zawgi Inn is still very close to all the action you can get a good night sleep and the loud motorboats will not wake you up at night. You can get bicycles to get around for free as well! All of this plus included breakfast for $18 a night!
Look at those beautiful balconies!
La Maison Birmane Boutique Hotel
Located on a quiet part of the town but just a stone throw's away from all the action! La Maison Birmane is a great option for your money! The hotel is very clean and the staff is absolutely amazing! For only $60 a night you will receive exceptional service with breakfast included on top of it! Many foods are homemade so you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of jams, muffins, and bread. The wooden style will give you a warm feeling and you will feel total like at home.
This spacious room looks so home-y.
Pristine Lotus Resort
A spa and a wellness center AND hot spring baths. Whaaat? For as little as $65 a night you can stay in this beautiful setting in Pristine Lotus Resort. The place even offers a fitness center, which we have not seen in Inle Lake until now. The location is tucked away from all the busy streets and is meant for every nature lover.
They have a bathtub in the rooms which will come in handy after a long bus ride. Ohhh, we enjoyed it after a freezing morning on the lake touring around. We highly recommend you to try the massage and enjoy some of the foods that they offer. Breakfast is included but you have all day dining options available on site.
This sunrise view is incredible. Such a magical location for a hotel.
Inle Heritage Stilt Houses
This place is seriously tucked away from everyone and maybe that is exactly what you are looking for. What we loved the most is that this is an eco-hotel dedicated to empowering the local community and teaching them sustainability. There is a school on the hotel premises where educational classes about our environment and preservation take place. To make it even better, the staff are angels. They will make you feel like a royal. All of this for only $120 a night. If this place and price are not worth a special occasion or just a little bit of self-love, we do not know what is!
Youth empowerment and education whilst also an amazing accommodation? Yes!
Villa Inle Boutique Resort
This place has to be the perfect escape. Only a short ride away from the town but something out of Eat, Pray, Love. A beautiful villa on the lake, enclosed by nature. The location is not too close and not too far from everything, yet gives you complete privacy. The staff is extremely attentive and if you travel during the low season and are lucky to be the only guests you will get the royal treatment.
It's all about the small touches in Villa Inle Boutique Resort, starting from making the bed up ready for sleep for you every evening to an herbal tea before sleep. Rose petals in your room upon your arrival and other small things, we do not want to spoil the surprises! This is the perfect place for couples, and it has to be our favorite place in Inle Lake. For $120 this Resort over-delivers and is worth every penny.
This view every morning! Total escape from everything!
When you have decided on where to stay in Inle Lake, make sure to book it in advance. We could not say that the accommodations get fully booked during the busy times but it is better to secure the place that you love! Thus you will not have to worry about the availability and you will be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest! Also, do not forget to plan what to do in Inle Lake. We have a whole vlog about that!
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