INLE LAKE WETLAND SANCTUARY / CULTURAL HERITAGE

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Geo: 20.5672, 96.9159

We began the day with a visit to a protected wetland sanctuary that's home to more than 350 bird species. We saw a number of herons, warblers, cormorants, barbets, wild ducks and egrets. We had a Burmese lunch at Inthar Heritage House, a beautiful wooden structure built on stilts in the middle of the lake. Downstairs is a Burmese cat sanctuary, the product of a breeding program established to import and restore the elegant breed to its native Burma, where it had become extinct.

We also visited a local cheroot factory where Burmese cigars are made, stopped by a longboat building shop, took a look at the floating tomato gardens, toured the gilded Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, and visited a weaving factory.

The average annual income in Myanmar is about $200; 70% of that is spent on food. But, a lot of the people around Inle Lake are self sufficient. A teak longboat, which amounts to the family car, costs between $2,500 - $5,000 USD, depending on the size and with or without a motor.

This is our last evening at Inle Lake. We fly to Bagan, Myanmar tomorrow.

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Comments

[mom]

Buildings are so colorful. And everything seems to be very clean....no litter nor graffiti. So enjoying a most interesting history lesson each day. Great. Xxoo

[Matt Ashenden]

If you tell me one more time that the Pathers lost, I'll keell you.

[katieliza]

Sounds lovely. You two are looking good! Interesting insence burners.