One of the most picturesque spots in Southeast Asia, Inle Lake and surrounding region is an outstanding alternative to the historical sites of Bagan and Mandalay. Surrounded by hazy Blue Mountains, this lovely lake is home to the Intha people, who constructed villages on stilts over the surface of the lake and farm floating islands created from mud and reed. It is a kind of water world, where the only mode of transportation is by boats and the Intha are also known for their unique leg rowing. At Inle Lake, one that attracts the Buddhist and non-buddhist alike is the Phaungdawoo Pagoda, the residence of five ancient images of Buddha. Although Inle Lake and the leg-rowers are the most famous attraction in the region, there's more.

Pindaya

Situated some 70 km north of Kalaw at the foot of Menetaung (Blue Mountain Range). To the east of Pindaya lies a plateau, which is about 1,000 meters above sea level, and in the west lies a mountain range that is about 1,500 meters high. The journey from junction road Aung Pan to Pindaya is breathtaking in many ways with panoramic mountain views; resemble the southern parts of Italy.

The caves at Pindaya are natural limestone ridge overlooking the lake known as Poketaloke kan, and home to over 8,000 Buddha Images of various sizes, made from teak, lacquer, marble, alabaster and cement. Some Images are said to be more than 300 years old. On market days, one can find different national races residing in the region gathered at the market, buying and selling the products of the area. During the tour to southern Shan State one should not miss to visit Pindaya.

Sagar

A hidden village dramatized by the greenly scenery mountains amid the Shan Plateau near the Lake Inle is Sagar. A boat trip to the village of Sagar is beyond your imagination. Gazing at the blue hazy mountains, feeding groups of water birds that are chattering here and there on the Lake, scattering floating vegetations and happy-and-content Inthas (native to the Lake Inle) in their leg-rowing small boats .. are some unique spices appetizing those who are hungry for nature and cleanly environs.

The Sagar village, once must have been a thriving town of Sawbwa (the heredity prince), is a place of unexplored. All are intact and unspoiled. Reach up the Sagar village which takes a half-day boat ride. There you find blushing faces of Pa-O tribe, welcoming smiles of the villagers amidst the dotting religious buildings (pagodas & monasteries). Witness the two Ms (Maze & Mystery) there and let the solution be found in your own tune when you come in Sagar.