lonely-planet-myanmar-burma-11-edition

SARA-JANE CLELAND/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©7Inle LakeVirtually every visitor to Myanmar (Burma) makes it here at some point, but Inle Lake (p 177 )2 is so awe-inspiring and large that everybody comes away with a different experience. If you’recounting days, you’ll most likely be hitting the hotspots: water-bound temples, shore-boundmarkets and floating gardens. If you have more time, consider day hikes or exploring the moreremote corners of the lake. Either way, the cool weather and friendly folk and that placid pool ofink-like water are bound to find a permanent place in your memory.ANDERS BLOMQVIST/LONELY PLANET IMAGES ©BaganMore than 3000 Buddhist temples are scattered across the plains of Bagan (Pagan; p 149 ),3 site of the first Burmese kingdom. Dating back to between the 11th and 13th centuries, the vastmajority of the temples have been renovated, as Bagan remains an active religious site and placeof pilgrimage. Yes, there are tour buses and crowds at the most popular sunset-viewing spots, butthey can be avoided. Pedal off on a bike and have your own adventure amid the not-so-ruinedtemples, or float over the temple tops in a hot-air balloon. Buddhist monks, Ananda Pahto Festival