Inle Lake is without a doubt one of the best reasons to visit Myanmar. Getting here requires a short flight (45-90 minutes) from either Yangon, Mandalay, or Bagan to He Hoe, plus a 45-minute drive from the airport to Nyaung Shwe, Inle Lake's main town on the northern end of the lake.
The quiet mountain lake is full of rare birds, green water lilies, and quaint houses on stilts. Rather than a single town, it's set up as a network of canals spread throughout the lake and other waterways. Experience some of the wonders of this beautiful region with this 10-day tour that explores hand-woven silk shops and a visit to the golden pagoda, or this 8-day itinerary which brings you to see boat-builders, blacksmiths, and the famous Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery.
From Yangon
Duration: 1.5 hours, plus travel to/from airports
Hopping on a direct flight from Yangon to Inle Lake is simple—there are at least five airlines that operate routes including Golden Myanmar Airlines, Air KBZ, Myanmar Airways International (MAI), Myanmar National Airlines, and Mann Yadanarpon Airlines. Flights depart from Yangon International Airport (RGN) in Mingaladon, a town about 9 miles (15 km) north of Yangon, and take you to the He Hoe Airport (HEH), roughly 45 minutes from the main town of Nyaung Shwe. Taxis run frequently between the two destinations.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or private vehicle. Find out more detailed information about traveling from Yangon to Inle Lake, or trips from Yangon to Hpa-An or Yangon to Loikaw.
From Mandalay
Duration: 35 minutes, plus travel to/from airports
There are lots of airlines that operate direct flights from Mandalay to Inle Lake: Air KBZ, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Myanmar National Airlines, and Myanmar Airways International (MAI). All of them fly out of Mandalay International Airport (MDL), which is located 20 miles (35 km) outside town in Tada-U, and land at the He Hoe Airport in He Hoe.
Additionally, you can private vehicle, minivan, bus, or train (although the latter is exceptionally slow). Discover more detailed information about traveling from Mandalay to Inle Lake, as well as Mandalay to Bagan or Mandalay to Kalaw.
From Bagan
Duration: 45 minutes, plus travel to/from airports
You can fly from Bagan directly to He Hoe, just outside Inle Lake in about 45 minutes (plus travel time to and from the airports). Myanmar Airways International (MAI) and Air KBZ operate flights from Nyaung-U airport (NYU) outside Old Bagan to He Hoe Airport. There are also options from Bagan to Inle Lake via private vehicle, minivan, or bus.
Find out more about traveling from Bagan to Inle Lake, or alternatively learn about routes from Bagan to Kalaw or Bagan to Yangon.