THE majestic Inle Lake is one of the hottest up-and-coming destinations in Southeast Asia, and its mesmerising views are no joke.
Especially after its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, tourists have begun flocking over in numbers to admire Myanmar’s hidden gems, newly discovered by the rest of the world.
Nestled in the Shan Hills of Myanmar, Inle Lake is truly a sight to behold, where you can find floating gardens, skilled fishermen, and stilted houses by the country’s second largest lake.
If you need a fitting accommodation for your stay in Myanmar, here are five of the best hotels near Inle Lakeyou’ll want to stay in.
01: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min
The newly opened Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min is a breathtaking auberge overlooking blue waters, high mountains and humble rice fields.
The 101-suite resort boasts architecture evocative of the traditional villages around the lake, with local accents native to the region. Materials like bamboo, rattan and silk are incorporated into the rooms’ decor.
Suites are also equipped with essentials such as high-speed Internet, Bluetooth speakers and IPTV, as well as generous deluxe amenities to make your Burmese retreat a comfortable one.
Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min, Pin Laung Road Thaleoo Village, Myanmar (Burma), Tel: +95 9 44263 5270
02: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min
Being French hotel chain AccorHotel’s first Novotel haunt in Myanmar, the modern resort highlights its splendid architecture using local materials, from the pavilion style lobby and restaurant to the modern lacquerware and paintings.
The resort offers a generous range of accommodations: Take your pick from junior and deluxe suites with lake views, to superior villas, deluxe villas and even two presidential villas.
You’ll be spoilt for choice — retreat into an airy suite overlooking the resort’s lush gardens, or lounge in a spacious villa, right on the water.
Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min, Mine Thauk Village Inle Lake, Nyaungshwe, Myanmar, Burma, Tel: +95 9 251 041 570
03: Inle Resort and Spa
This boutique eco-resort is one of the first to be built in the emerging tourist destination.
Priding itself on traditional, Burmese-royalty style architecture and landscapes embracing the beauty of its surrounding nature, Inle Resort and Spa offers 27 wooden, Myanmar-style bungalows amid 20 wide acres of tropical gardens overlooking the Burmese waters.
After a long day of adventure at the Inle Lake, you can choose to pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or do a few laps in the expansive pool.
Inle Resort and Spa, Nyaungshwe, Myanmar (Burma), Tel: +95 9 515 4444
04: Sanctum Inle Resort Myanmar
The Sanctum Inle Resort Myanmar promises beautiful views that will have your jaws dropping, over Inle Lake and to the hills beyond.
With many arches and cloisters forming the walkways of the three main hotel buildings, the resort is set in alluring lush greenery, with references that hint towards the monastic aspects of Burma.
Its 94 beautifully decorated rooms feature contemporary interiors with a classic twist. Bathrooms are light and spacious with a deep bathtub and separate shower, ideal for those who fancy a therapeutic bath session.
Sanctum Inle Resort Myanmar, Maing Thauk Village, Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, Shan State, Myanmar, Tel: +959 252 818800
05: Inle Viewpoint Ecolodge
Save the world while enjoying a sustainable stay at Viewpoint Ecolodge. The resort, consisting of 21 serene stilt houses built using traditional Shan eco-friendly construction (local limestone and rice straw), sits on the edge of the canal leading to the iconic Inle Lake in the colourful Southern Shan State village of Nyaung Shwe.
Its competitors must be shaking: Viewpoint is fully equipped with all the modern amenities you need, such as flat-screen TVs with DVD players and wifi. Now, who says comfort and convenience have to destroy the environment?
Inle Viewpoint Ecolodge, Yone Gyi St, Nyaungshwe, Myanmar (Burma), Tel: +65 94 500 066 01