Page 255 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

NYAUNGSHWE INLE LAKE AND THE EAST 253
GETTING AROUND
By bicycle Nyaungshwe is small and easily navigable on just be sure to check the state of the tyres and brakes before
foot, though it’s best to strike out into its rural environs by setting off.
bicycle (see box, p.251), rentable from places all over town By boat For information on boat trips from Nyaungshwe,
(K2000–3000/day). Bar the kick-ass bikes at Active & see the Inle Lake section (see box, p.260).
Authentic (see below), these are pretty much all the same;
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
BALLOONING town; enquiries and booking via the Linn Htet restaurant. 6
Oriental Ballooning Lanmadaw Rd T09 250 Morning classes also feature a visit to the local market.
089 443, Worientalballooning.com. Enjoy the ultimate
view of Inle Lake and the surrounding hills during an early SPAS AND MASSAGE
morning flight (usually 1–2hr, depending on wind speeds) Aqua Lilies Off Museum Rd T09 428 363 584. The
flown by experienced, UK-licensed pilots in state-of-the- town’s best spa option, offering a wide range of treatments
art balloons. Flights cross the lake, offering bird’s-eye views (K13,000–17,000/hr) including traditional Burmese
of the villages, boats and floating gardens below, before anainte, Swedish, aromatherapy and four-hand massages.
landing somewhere in or around Nyaungshwe. Mid-Oct to Daily 9am–9pm.
mid-March only; $390 per person. Khaung Daing Natural Hot Spring Nyaung Wun
Village T094 936 4876. Excellent hot-spring resort
CYCLING within cycling distance to the west of town (see p.261).
★ Active & Authentic Kyaung Taw Shayt Rd T094 Win Nyunt Off Myawady Rd. Far cheaper than Aqua Lilies
2102 8796, Eaat.toursmyanmar@gmail.com. There are (see above), this place offers traditional massage from
umpteen places in which to rent a bike in town, but this K7000/hr in a ramshackle building just south of the
one is a cut above the rest. For a start, they have bikes museum. Daily 8am–8pm.
which would make a Dutchman go weak at the knees: a
little pricey at K12,000 for the day (or K7000 for half a day), TREKKING
but worth it if you’re planning a long trip. They also rent out Pyone Cho c/o Lotus Restaurant, Museum Rd
glasses and helmets, and can arrange excellent half-day T09 428 313 717, Epyonecholotus@gmail.com. One
(from $30pp) and full-day (from $50) tours. Daily of the town’s most experienced trekking operators, Mr
8am–9pm. Pyone Cho runs day treks in the hills overlooking Lake Inle
Grasshopper Adventures Phaung Daw Pyan Rd T09 to the east of Nyaungshwe (K12,000 per person in a group
775 773 435, Wgrasshopperadventures.com. Local of two) plus two- and three-day treks to Kalaw ($50 per
branch of the leading worldwide cycle-tour operator, person for two days, or $65 for three days in a group of two,
offering rewarding one-day tours ($80) around Inle Lake, including all transport, luggage transfers, food and
featuring a mix of biking, boating and kayaking. accommodation). He can usually be found most evenings
in the Lotus restaurant just west of the market.
COOKING CLASSES Sunny Day Tour Services West of the market
Myo Myo/Linn Htet Cooking Class Sike Pyo Village T09 428 372 118, Ehtwe.sunny@gmail.com. Efficient
T042 832 6575. Rewarding cookery classes managed by and knowledgeable tour and trekking operator, offering
the same family that runs Linn Htet restaurant (see p.255), day-treks in the hills east of town ($12 per person) plus
offering the chance to rustle up a couple of Burmese two-day treks (around $45) around Nyaungshwe, and two-
curries, plus soup and rice. Classes (K20,000) are held and three-day treks to Kalaw ($50 for two days, $60 for
morning and afternoon at Sike Pyo Village just outside three days, all-inclusive). Daily 7am–8pm.
ACCOMMODATION
Nyaungshwe has an increasingly wide selection of accommodation, including plenty of budget places. All places listed
have a/c unless stated otherwise; you may have to forego it in cheaper places, although given the town’s fairly cool climate
it’s not essential, especially in the cool winter months.
Amazing Yone Gyi Rd T081 209477, Wamazing window seats and balconies – although service could be
-hotel.com. Attractive upmarket hotel in a good central sharper, given the price. There’s also a small spa, good
location next to a slightly grubby little canal. Ersatz restaurant and free bikes for guests. $100
Burmese decorative touches lend the place a modicum of Aquarius 2 Phaung Daw Pyan Rd T081 209352,
style, while the bright, spacious rooms come with sunny Eaquarius352@gmail.com. An understandably popular