Bike enthusiasts will revel in the region’s dramatic scenery. Shimmering like glass and surrounded by picturesque countryside and tiny villages, Inle Lake’s landscape is sure to impress. Buy a map and rent either a cruiser or mountain bike at one of the numerous shops in town to see the scenery up close. Guides are helpful too.
One particularly scenic half-day ride is from Nyaungshwe to Maing Thauk, a quaint traditional village on the Eastern side of the lake that begins on dry land and spills into the water. A long wooden bridge connects the two portions of town. There’s a forest monastery nearby that affords stunning views of the Lake, and a couple of tourist shops too. The ride itself is approximately an hour-and-a-half long alongside pretty, rural countryside. Roads are mostly paved, but be prepared for bumps. And, of course bring sunscreen and water—by mid-afternoon the sun is sweltering.