Going off the beaten track, explore the remote southern parts of Inle Lake by boat, visiting Shan, Pa-O and Inthar villages on this two-day escape. The boat journey to Sagar takes you past the impressive ruins of Sagar, and you will also meet many of the area’s local ethnic groups.<\/p>\n
Start at Heho Airport and drive an hour to Nyaung Shwe on the edge of Inle Lake. Board a local private boat at Nyaung Shwe Jetty to travel via Nampan to Sagar, a journey of approximately 2.5 \u2013 3 hours. The peaceful village of Nampan is built on stilts over the water and has several small cheroot factories. Its main temple, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda, is one of the oldest shrines on the lake. Arrive in Sagar and explore the sunken ancient stupas in the village. Enjoy your overnight stay at A Little Lodge in Samkar, a traditional lodge surrounded by tiny villages and picturesque mountains, accessible only by boat. All eight rooms are in a lakeside house built in the traditional Shan style. The next morning, explore one of the 5-day rotating markets (should your visit fit the schedule) and Kyauktaing, a Shan village where earthenware pottery is produced. At nearby Kyainkhan, visit a family who produce monk\u2019s robes made of fabric woven from thousands of lotus stems.<\/p>\n
Moving onto Thakong, observe local methods of producing alcohol fermented and extracted from bran rice. This day offers an insight into the unspoiled culture and traditional lifestyles of the ethnic Pa-O and Inthar inhabitants around Sagar. Enjoy the beautiful landscape, trees and numerous settlements dotted on both sides of the canal. After the experience, take advantage to extend your journey to Inle Lake or Loikaw.<\/p>\n