Among the last countries not to be affected by massive tourism in southeast Asia is Myanmar. Considering the country only opened up to tourism in the last half a decade or so, Myanmar is off the beaten path for a traveller making his way around southeast Asia. Bang in the middle of the country’s Shan state, Inle Lake is as “touristy” as it can get, but still leagues away from the partying and shopping in Bangkok. Inle Lake is densely inhabited by many tribes along its shores and some even on the lake itself. Hiring a boat and getting on the lake is the best way to experience the lake. A long-tailed wooden canoe fitted with a motor is your best bet. As you walk along the northern end of Nyang-shwe town, you’re sure to be greeted with a Mingalaba’ (hello!) by a boatman who’ll offer to take you around the lakes, various historical, cultural and natural sites. Expect him to take you to a few souvenir shops in between where he’ll earn a commission if you make purchase. As you sail from the shore on a crisp chilly morning, you’ll catch your first glimpses of Intha fisherman and their unique way of rowing their canoes and catching fish at the same time. Balancing themselves on one leg at the long end of their canoes they hold the oar with the other leg rowing the boat while their hands are working the conical fishing nets, you’ll be amazed by their agility and balance as they fish. As you sail further in, flocks of birds resembling sea gulls will fly above your boat following you in hopes of some food. Buy some bird feed before getting on the boat and throw it above your heads to watch them swoop to gulp the food mid air. While the lake is home to many tribes, a number of migratory bird species nest here. A number of stops on the tour will be silver and gold workshops, cheroot (Burmese cigar) factories and textile handlooms for those interested in souvenirs. The staff are always eager to explain their skills and art but are not pushy for a sale which is welcome relief. And that is the only place that might feel outright touristy on your tour of the lake or even the entire country. The best of the places to get an insight into local life is at daily market that rotates among various towns along the lake. This is where you watch the locals make their purchases and tourists are nothing but outsiders trying to get a peek into their daily lives. Floating farms or vegetable gardens are another interesting sight to visit to get a perspective of the daily life. Farmers toil hard for their produce like any other places the only difference being their farms float. If you get off the boat and stand on the farms you can experience the earth under your feet move. But all that Inle ‘lake has to offer is not on the lake itself. You can also go on a 2-3 day hike to the nearby town of Kalaw which was where the officers of the British Raj used to head to escape the heat of the plains. Or if you’re stuck for time just spend a day cycling along the farms outside of Nyang-Shwe town. There are monasteries, rice fields, hot springs and wineries. But most heartwarming of those are the locals who are full of smiles and shout Mingalaba’ as you ride along. Get off your bike and spend some time with them. Even if it’s in gestures that you communicate. Inle lake might be one of the most iconic destination in the country and yet it is quintessential Myanmar.