Photos from Burma: Inle Lake

Sara Pretelli is a travel photographer and videographer who regularly works with Inside Asia Tours on projects across Japan and Southeast Asia. Sara recently headed out to Burma with travel consultant Charlotte, where they explored some of the country’s most famous sites and ventured south into its lesser-known, undeveloped regions. You might remember the wonderful video she produced on her travels (if you don’t, you can see it here) – but she was also busy snapping away, taking photographs of the stunning landscapes and people of Burma - including Inle Lake.

Of all the places Sara and Charlotte visited on their travels, Inle Lake is one of the most beautiful, unusual and impressive. With a surface area of over 100 sq km, this vast body of water lies ringed by the hills of Shan State and supports thousands of Intha people with its amazing bounty and fertility. These 'lake people' live in stilt villages above the water's surface, grow their food in floating gardens, and get about by motorized longtail boat. On market and festival days, the lake is swarmed with boats as different hill tribes venture down from rural regions to trade, each culture identifiable by its distinctive traditional costume.

Inle Lake is truly one of the wonders of Burma - and if you'd like to learn more about the lake and how to visit it, click here.

Are you interested in following in Sara's footsteps? Our Classic Burma itinerary is a wonderful introduction to the country, combining Inle Lake with the cities of Yangon and Mandalay, as well as the must-see Plains of Bagan, the tropical beaches of Ngapali and much more between. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our expert Burma consultants to plan a trip tailored to your personal needs, preferences and budget.