Located in Myanmar's Shan State, the charming town of Nyaung Shwe serves as the departure point for cruises on Inle Lake. It's where the journey begins.

Nyaung Shwe, a Family-Friendly Resort Town on Inle Lake

The first thing that strikes you about Nyaung Shwe is its calm and intimate atmosphere. This small fishing village in northern Myanmar remains largely off the beaten tourist path. The waterfront comes alive with activity during high season, animated by the comings and goings of boats. You've likely seen photographs of long-tail boats darting across the Inle Lake. Yet reducing a stay in Nyaung Shwe to a simple boat ride on Inle Lake would be to miss out on something special. You'll discover impressive Buddhist temples, such as the renowned Yadana Man Aung Pagoda. Wander through the local market, brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. The village men are skilled goldsmiths, while the women have mastered the craft of weaving. Be sure to pick up some local handicrafts as souvenirs. This winter, escape to Nyaung Shwe and enjoy pleasant holidays with your partner or family on the shores of Inle Lake.

A Glimpse into History

The town of Nyaung Shwe boasts a storied past, having once been the capital of Yawnghwe, a powerful Shan kingdom that enjoyed its heyday before and during the colonial era. Whenever a tribal chief passed away, British authorities would sound nine cannon shots as a mark of honour and respect.

No trace remains of the city's military heritage. The Intha people migrated to Nyaung Shwe, settling along the shoreline in stilt houses that have become an iconic feature of the lake's landscape. The local economy is driven by fishing, supplemented by subsistence and commercial farming. Residents cultivate tomatoes, rice, corn and flowers of every variety, creating verdant islands that seem to float along Inle Lake's waters.

Today

The town of Nyaung Shwe is home to approximately 190,000 inhabitants spread across eight quarters. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Taunggyi. Many a visitor views Nyaung Shwe merely as a gateway to Inle Lake and passes through without lingering over its treasures. This oversight does little justice to the remarkable cultural and religious monuments of Nyaung Shwe.

What to See and Do

Natural Heritage: Inle Lake and Its Wetlands

It goes without saying that Inle Lake is the hub of the town's tourist activity. Traditional long-tail boats crowd the dock. A boat ride offers a captivating glimpse into the way of life of the lake's inhabitants. Set out early in the morning, when the lake is still draped in mist and silence reigns, broken only by the gentle splash of oars. Wooden stilt houses begin to open their shutters to the dawn light. Boys rush to the banks, waving as boats pass by. Girls tend fields of tomatoes and sesame. Washerwomen spread clothes across the greenery to dry. The scene is, quite simply, enchanting! The best time to organize a boat excursion is at sunrise or sunset. However, we strongly recommend the morning.

During your navigation, an original fishing technique will catch your eye: the work is no longer a gruelling chore, as nets are suspended from bamboo poles planted in the water. Believe it or not, fishermen stand on one leg and simply wait for fish to bite the bait. Many tourists take photographs alongside these one-legged fishermen balanced on bamboo.

Cultural and Religious Heritage

While in Nyaung Shwe, don't overlook the temples and monasteries of Nyaung Shwe. Both inside and out, they reveal themselves to be architectural treasures.

Bawrithat Pagoda

Clad in natural teak wood, the Bawrithat Pagoda is a precious gem of Nyaung Shwe's communal architecture.

Yadana Man Aung Pagoda

Just behind the Mingala Bazaar, the Yadana Man Aung Pagoda stands before you. It is not only the very first stupa built by Buddhist monks in the town, but also the most celebrated. The stupa's main attractions are the statue of Yadana Man Aung with hands joined in prayer, and a Buddha statue flanked on all sides by eight Arahants. Precious gold-plated relics are housed within.

Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung

Stop by this monastery, located 2.5 km before entering the town. A particular highlight is the elegant oval windows that give character to the ordination hall!

Shan Sawbwa Museum

The palace that once housed Sao Shwe Thaike, Myanmar's first president, today shelters a cultural museum. Military artillery, royal jewels and other period artefacts fill its halls.

Practical Information

When to Visit?

Nyaung Shwe enjoys a tropical climate. Winter is the best season to visit Nyaung Shwe and take a boat excursion on Inle Lake. It runs from November through February. Summer heat can sometimes be difficult to bear.

How to Get There?

The town's tourist accessibility is ensured by both land and air connections:

By Shuttle

Since Inle Lake is a coveted tourist destination, most hotels offer shuttle transport to Nyaung Shwe.

By Bus

Taking the public bus is an economical way to travel while enjoying good comfort. Bus services connect the capital to Nyaung Shwe via Taunggyi and Shwe Nyaung.

By Air

Regular flights serve Heho Airport from Yangon, Myanmar's capital. Upon exiting the terminal, you'll need to hail a taxi to reach central Nyaung Shwe. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around K 25,000, or roughly $15.30.

In the Surrounding Area

Leaving Nyaung Shwe, you can continue your journey to Kalaw, a mountain resort ideal for retreating and meditating in peace, or onwards to Bagan, Myanmar's most important pilgrimage centre.