Inle Heritage House

Inle Heritage House is in the village of Innpawkon by Inle Lake, on the western edge of the Shan State in eastern Burma. The wetland ecosystem of the lake is home to nearly 300 bird species, including the globally endangered Sarus crane, as well as 50 varieties of fish, otters and turtles, some of which are endemic to the area. It is not surprising that it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Experience traditional Inle style as you stay in houses on stilts above the lake. The six bungalows are made of bamboo, teak and hardwood, and blend effortlessly into their surroundings. The theme continues inside, with local materials and furnishings and fabrics created by local artisans celebrated in the contemporary design. The bathrooms come with solar-powered hot water and organic products. Sit back on your private deck and enjoy a perfect and spectacular view of the sun setting.

A wooden walkway connects the rooms with the restaurant and lounge. This is one of the best spots in Burma to enjoy authentic Inthar and Shan dishes: the traditional family recipes use fresh fish and produce from the lake, the hotel’s organic garden and the local market, served with a modern twist. Under the shaded verandas, looking out onto the lake, snack on spring rolls and sip on a refreshing mango milkshake.

Relax in the gardens that surround the hotel. The Burmese cats that roam the grounds are part of Inle Heritage House’s conservation programme, and the aquarium is home to a variety of fish which are endemic to Inle Lake. There is also an art gallery featuring the works of local artists, a peaceful shrine and a library. Visit the gift shop for colourful handicrafts and take a little piece of Burma home with you.

Learn how to cook authentic Inle food on an expert cooking class, conducted either in the hotel’s classroom or a local’s own kitchen for a more rustic experience.

Explore the village of Innpawkon to experience local life first-hand – here, you can visit weaving factories and craft workshops to discover how lotus plant fibres from Inle Lake are used to produce a unique fabric for special robes for Buddha images, and see how traditional Shan clothing is made, such as longyis and the trousers worn by the fishermen of the lake.