Thailand
Located in the Shan State of Myanmar, the town of Nyaung Shwe serves as the gateway for cruises on Inle Lake.
Nyaung Shwe, a family resort near Inle Lake
The first striking feature of Nyaung Shwe is its quiet and intimate atmosphere. This small fishing village in northern Myanmar is not yet on the tourism radar. During the peak season, the waterfront bustles with beach tourism. You've probably seen photos of long-tail boats gliding on Inle Lake. However, reducing your stay in Nyaung Shwe to just a boat ride on Inle Lake would be regrettable. You can explore impressive Buddhist temples, such as the Yadana Man Aung Pagoda, to name just the most famous. Get lost in the local market, which is abundant with fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. The men in the village are skilled silversmiths, and the women are adept weavers. Take the opportunity to bring back some souvenirs of local craftsmanship. This winter, head to Nyaung Shwe for a pleasant vacation with your partner or family by the shores of Inle Lake.
A bit of history
The town of Nyaung Shwe has a distinguished past, as it was once the capital of Yawnghwe, a powerful Shan kingdom that flourished before and during the colonial era. Whenever a tribal leader passed away, the British authorities fired nine cannon shots in homage and respect.
No traces remain of the town's military past. The Inthar tribe migrated to Nyaung Shwe, settling along the shores with their stilt houses, which have become an evocative part of the lake's landscape. The local economy thrives on fishing, supplemented by subsistence and cash crops. People cultivate tomatoes, rice, maize, and various flowers, creating green patches floating around Inle Lake.
Today
Nyaung Shwe town has approximately 190,000 residents spread across 8 quarters. It falls within the administrative territory of Taunggyi. Many visitors view Nyaung Shwe merely as a gateway to Inle Lake and quickly pass through without exploring its remarkable cultural and religious treasures.
Things to see and do
Natural heritage: Inle Lake and its wetlands
It goes without saying that Inle Lake is central to the town's tourism. Traditional long-tail boats gather at the pier. A boat ride offers a captivating glimpse into the lake-dwelling lifestyle. Depart early in the morning when the lake is still veiled in mist and nature is undisturbed except for the gentle splash of oars. Wooden stilt houses open their shutters to the dawn's rays. Boys wave from the shores, greeting passing boats. Girls tend to tomato and sesame fields. Laundry flutters in the greenery. It's an enchanting sight! The best times for a boat ride are sunrise or sunset, but mornings are highly recommended.
During your boat ride, you'll witness a unique fishing technique where fishermen balance on one leg and use bamboo poles to hold their nets. Many tourists capture this iconic image of fishermen on bamboo poles.
Cultural and religious heritage
While in Nyaung Shwe, don't miss the temples and monasteries. Inside and out, they are architectural treasures.
Bawrithat Pagoda
Adorned with natural teakwood, Bawrithat Pagoda is a precious gem of Nyaung Shwe's communal architecture.
Yadana Man Aung Pagoda
Just behind Mingala Market, Yadana Man Aung Pagoda stands tall. It's not only the first stupa built by Buddhist monks in the town but also the most famous. The main attractions of the stupa are the statue of Yadana Man Aung in prayer and a Buddha statue surrounded by eight Arahants. It also houses precious, gold-plated relics.
Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung Monastery
Stop by this monastery, located 2.5 km before reaching the town. The elegant oval windows give character to the ordination hall!
Shan Swabwa Museum
The palace that once housed Sao Shwe Thaike, Myanmar's first president, now serves as a cultural museum. It showcases artillery, royal jewelry, and other historical artifacts.
Practical information
When to visit?
Nyaung Shwe enjoys a tropical climate. Winter (November to February) is the best season to visit Nyaung Shwe and take a boat trip on Inle Lake. The summer heat can be challenging at times.
How to get there?
Tourist access to the town is facilitated by land and air connections.
By shuttle
As Inle Lake is a popular tourist destination, all hotels offer shuttle services to Nyaung Shwe.
By bus
Taking a public bus is a cost-effective way to travel while enjoying optimal comfort. Bus services connect the capital to Nyaung Shwe via Taunggyi and Shwe Nyaung.
By plane
Regular flights serve Heho Airport from Yangon, Myanmar's capital. Upon arrival, you'll need to hail a taxi to reach downtown Nyaung Shwe. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately K25,000 (around $15.3).
Nearby attractions
From Nyaung Shwe, you can extend your journey to Akku, an ideal mountain retreat for solitude and meditation, or to Bagan, Myanmar's foremost pilgrimage center.
