Heho.... it's off to Shan State we go....

Another early start this morning, as a 7.30 flight to Heho!

 

At Heho, we met our new guide, Keykey, and then headed off to Inle Lake, stopping en route to explore the local market.  (The area works on a 5 day market system – a market in a different town each day on a 5 day rotation).   Interesting to see the produce (and products) for sale – scoop of MSG anyone? – and the different groups of people using it. 

 

Then it was on to 'Jetty Village' (probably not an accurate translation from its Shan name - will check/correct when possible - though there is also a Train Station Village because the train stops there overnight) where we transited from car to boat for the rest of the trip to our hotel (this really does seem to be becoming a feature of our accommodation this trip!)  A gorgeous boat ride down the lake (only a short distance, it turned out,  compared to the size of the lake, despite a 30min trip!) culminating in having to cut the engine and finish the trip to the hotel under paddle (the hotel has a no engine policy within a specified area to prevent noise pollution).  Note traditional Inle Lake rowing style:

 

After check in, it was time to head back out onto the lake, and to take in the floating gardens en route to lunch:

(Inle Lake tomato gardens – yes, they are actually floating on the lake, with the gardens anchored to the bottom by use of bamboo stakes)

(Signpost to lunch restaurant - yes, the water is meant to be there: the lake settlements/villages are actually in the lake, with buildings built on stilts or parcels of reclaimed land:

 

 After lunch, we headed to one of the lakeside villages for a wander, and to take in the amazing view of the lake from the local monastery:

 

Back at the hotel, time for the requisite sundowners, then dinner and bed!