Indein Village
Indein Village
4.5
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4.5
910 reviews
Excellent
571
Very good
294
Average
37
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Redfox 🦊🐾
Vienna, Austria451 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I visited this place in 2015/16 when there were no big busses around, the place not renovated, only a few other tourists and almost no souvenir sellers and nit run down. Now: loads and loads of people all arriving in the boats which stink and pollute the air. Hundreds of souvenir sellers, only foreigners have to pay 500ks or more „camera fee“ - they just can’t get enough- as if the entrance fee of 10 USD isn’t enough for the area already. It’s about a 20min walk on which you have to pass hundreds of souvenir sellers all again with their same items. The stupas have been renovated lately to a large extent and all of the flair it used to have has gone. Very disappointed and happy to have seen this place in a more original and untouched state. Wouldn’t recommend it anymore.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shreya Saha
Phitsanulok, Thailand922 contributions
Mar 2019
The first line of pagodas inside the village where the boat will drop you is Nyaung Ohak Pagodas, meaning “group of banyan trees”. Many pagodas are decorated with sculptings of celestial beings or mythological animals and some enshrined images of the Buddha. The site is believed to date back to 3rd century BC when Indian emperor Ashoka sent out monks across Asia to spread Buddhism. We came across a golden Buddha image sitting in meditation pose in the center of the group of Shwe Inn Thein pagodas – it is believed to be built by Indian Emperor Ashoka.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danyelle
Mission Beach, Australia14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is a must see if you are visiting Inle Lake. Ask your boat driver to take you there as part of a day trip, and plan for a few hours to wander around. It was peaceful and quiet the day I was there with a local market to check out as well. Not touristy at all despite what other reviews have said, as with everywhere in Myanmar there are hardly any tourists compared to other south East Asian countries. The stupas vary from many in their lovely authentic ruinous state with trees and plants growing through them, although the restoration of the bulk of the stupas is sadly a bit heavy handed and lots of concrete used. See it before they clad over all the original carvings! Enjoy
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valenciavancouver
Vancouver, Canada85 contributions
Feb 2020
If you like Angkor or Bagan, I highly recommend Indein. Many stupas at beginning of walk without repair so they have that long lost authentic look. Some near the top of the walk are too neatly refurbished but the overall impression is wonderful. We arrived around 1:30-2pm and saw maybe 12 tourists in the hour we were there. Maybe the others were having lunch. There are lots of crafts for sale along the gradual covered ascent. Highly recommended.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,179 contributions
Sept 2015 • Solo
We went on a three hour trek through the villages up to the candlestick temples. It was an easy walk, relatively flat and after the rain the night before, a little muddy. Wear comfortable footwear, take a sarong or other item in case you go into a temple plus water botte. Hat and sunscreen definitely necessary.
We went to a few villages and talked to locals through our Tour Leader. It was magical. A lovely older gentleman who is 84 spoke to us for around a half hour on his time living in the village when the Japanese invaded the region. He was covered in old tattoos and had a great sense of humour. He grinned broadly when I showed him my tattoo of a tiger on my leg because he had a tattoo of a lion on his chest. He then wanted to see my long blonde hair - asked the Tour Leader if I was married. Ahhh, could've been a match made in heaven. Wish I'd recorded the encounter as it was a highlight for me.
We visited a local school and were fortunate that they were on a break otherwise we weren't going to interrupt their lessons. They sang Frère Jacques to us which was so sweet.
Finally made it to the 'candlestick or birthday cake temple'. You could explore easily here for an hour. One of our group did see a snake, took a photo and we were told is was a viper. Great place for a group photo.
Our final walk through the bamboo forest and back to the village where we had lunch.
Take your time and really soak up everything there is to see. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of my trip and would do it again at the drop of a hat.
We went to a few villages and talked to locals through our Tour Leader. It was magical. A lovely older gentleman who is 84 spoke to us for around a half hour on his time living in the village when the Japanese invaded the region. He was covered in old tattoos and had a great sense of humour. He grinned broadly when I showed him my tattoo of a tiger on my leg because he had a tattoo of a lion on his chest. He then wanted to see my long blonde hair - asked the Tour Leader if I was married. Ahhh, could've been a match made in heaven. Wish I'd recorded the encounter as it was a highlight for me.
We visited a local school and were fortunate that they were on a break otherwise we weren't going to interrupt their lessons. They sang Frère Jacques to us which was so sweet.
Finally made it to the 'candlestick or birthday cake temple'. You could explore easily here for an hour. One of our group did see a snake, took a photo and we were told is was a viper. Great place for a group photo.
Our final walk through the bamboo forest and back to the village where we had lunch.
Take your time and really soak up everything there is to see. I thoroughly enjoyed this part of my trip and would do it again at the drop of a hat.
Written 4 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EdinburghSky
Edinburgh, UK129 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
Having visited this wonderful site a couple of times over the years, I have grave misgivings about what is going on and sadness at the misguided comments many reviewers have made. It is something very important to me, especially as I have spent a large part of my life working in architectural conservation,
This is one of several important archaeological sites featuring over 1000 stupas (or zedis) dating back to the17th & 18th centuries, and concentrated in a relatively small area.
As with the temples at Angkor in Cambodia, time and nature have transformed the structures, giving them a wonderful aesthetic and sense of history. However, over the past few years, a so called programme of renovating these structures has been taking place and donations from well meaning individuals are noted in plaques at the base of 'renovated' stupas. Unfortunately, the renovation work here is totally at odds with recognised conservation practice and consists of rebuilding as new, in concrete with a gleaming coat of white and gold paint. Thus the delicate balance of nature and decay, instead of being preserved and stabilised, is slowly being transformed into a Disney-style theme park, which amazingly enough, some people think looks 'good' in photographs.
Despite suggestions that a recreated, replica collection of new structures could be built on an adjacent site, work continues apace and I fear that it will not be long before this treasure (and let's face it, wonderful tourist attraction) is lost forever.
This is one of several important archaeological sites featuring over 1000 stupas (or zedis) dating back to the17th & 18th centuries, and concentrated in a relatively small area.
As with the temples at Angkor in Cambodia, time and nature have transformed the structures, giving them a wonderful aesthetic and sense of history. However, over the past few years, a so called programme of renovating these structures has been taking place and donations from well meaning individuals are noted in plaques at the base of 'renovated' stupas. Unfortunately, the renovation work here is totally at odds with recognised conservation practice and consists of rebuilding as new, in concrete with a gleaming coat of white and gold paint. Thus the delicate balance of nature and decay, instead of being preserved and stabilised, is slowly being transformed into a Disney-style theme park, which amazingly enough, some people think looks 'good' in photographs.
Despite suggestions that a recreated, replica collection of new structures could be built on an adjacent site, work continues apace and I fear that it will not be long before this treasure (and let's face it, wonderful tourist attraction) is lost forever.
Written 5 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SurreyGirl27
Addlestone, UK1,153 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
Some fabuluos stupas, accessibly up the hillside which is hot and dusty - but does mean that you can avoid the covered walkway which is heaving with tourist tatt sellers. The view from above are brilliant and the Indein river (not Indian as some of us though :-)) On the way along the river the majority of the tourist boats stop as numerous local handicrafts - silverware, gold leaf, cheroot making, cotton and silk weavers, etc - these are interesting but do feel overly touristy and keen to sell their wares rather than a true reflection of the local culture and skills which is a shame.
Written 23 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OneAddictedTraveler
Lake Elmo, MN4,123 contributions
Feb 2014 • Couples
We boated to the village and struggled ashore through dozens of other tourist's boats. A local market had brought many hill tribe people to buy and sell. Their colorful clothing and their friendly smiles led to beautiful photos. Near the market are many unrestored temples and stupas. The ravages of time, vandals, and art thieves is obvious. Our guide told us that a large Buddha image disappeared in 2008. Funds for stabilization are short. But further up the hill, iladvised restoration is rampant, using poor materials and techniques. See this wonderful spot before they ruin it completely.
Written 8 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthurrvr
Marlborough, UK1,426 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
This is really three places in the one attraction. First one arrives, in one's boat, at the Indein (aka Inthein) Village, more properly called the Inn Tain Kone Village. It is a 'real' village but what one mainly sees is a long line of souvenir/handicraft stalls, plus a few selling snacks etc. There is also a café near the river bank which has nice outside seating under a large spreading tree where it is good to relax after one's exertions.
Walking up through the village, past more handicraft stalls, some run by the artists themselves, one leaves the village and not long afterwards comes to the second attraction which is a group of semi-ruined stupas called Nyaung Ohak, with a few nice carvings.
Continuing on up a hill, part a covered walkway, and past a number of additional handicraft stalls, one gets to the main purpose of your visit, which is the Shwe Inn Thein Paya. This is an interesting complex which at its height between the 11th to the 18th Centuries had 1054 stupas/zedi, though most date from the 17th and 18th Centuries. The whole complex pre-dates the modern era and parts are believed to date from the 3rd Century BC or even earlier. A number of the stupas have more recently been reconstructed, many by local Burmese in addition to Government works, and do look pretty impressive. Others though have clearly had very little attention paid to them over the centuries and/or were badly damaged in the 1975 and earlier earthquakes and have either largely crumbled or are in the process of disintegrating. An interesting contradiction between the restored and unrestored parts of the site.
As the site is up a hill there are some reasonable views of the surrounding area.
Walking up through the village, past more handicraft stalls, some run by the artists themselves, one leaves the village and not long afterwards comes to the second attraction which is a group of semi-ruined stupas called Nyaung Ohak, with a few nice carvings.
Continuing on up a hill, part a covered walkway, and past a number of additional handicraft stalls, one gets to the main purpose of your visit, which is the Shwe Inn Thein Paya. This is an interesting complex which at its height between the 11th to the 18th Centuries had 1054 stupas/zedi, though most date from the 17th and 18th Centuries. The whole complex pre-dates the modern era and parts are believed to date from the 3rd Century BC or even earlier. A number of the stupas have more recently been reconstructed, many by local Burmese in addition to Government works, and do look pretty impressive. Others though have clearly had very little attention paid to them over the centuries and/or were badly damaged in the 1975 and earlier earthquakes and have either largely crumbled or are in the process of disintegrating. An interesting contradiction between the restored and unrestored parts of the site.
As the site is up a hill there are some reasonable views of the surrounding area.
Written 18 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arvind1000
Pune, India2,721 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
Indien village can be easily included as an add on to day long lake trip or taken separately if required by boat or car. We accessed it by a long tail motor boat popular in the region, operated by local driver come guide. The village is one the largest settlements around Inle and is site one of the busiest 5 day rotating markets ( please note market starts early around 0800 and ends by about 1100 and moves from village to village and so obtain a schedule in advance so as not miss out)
It is also the site of the Shwe Inthien Stupa complex which is similar to Kukka Pagoda complex but also worth visiting . It is about a 20 min walk or shorter drive to this complex from the village. The stupas were mostly built in 17th and 18 centuries and there about 1000 plus stupas, which when seen together is stunning.
It is also the site of the Shwe Inthien Stupa complex which is similar to Kukka Pagoda complex but also worth visiting . It is about a 20 min walk or shorter drive to this complex from the village. The stupas were mostly built in 17th and 18 centuries and there about 1000 plus stupas, which when seen together is stunning.
Written 4 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hello.. can u share with me how u go this place? u got travel agency or u go ownself..tq
Written 17 July 2018
We traveled to Inle (Nyaungshwe) from Mandalay by bus JJ Express (7,5 h; 18$). Please visit my blog, where you can find a lot of information (in Polish, but you can use any translator), movies and pictures Filmyzplecaka.pl
If you have further question, please ask, also on my blog
Written 1 August 2018
Ciao a tutti
volevo sapere se possibile effettuare dal Lago Inle la visita di Indein e Kakku in giornata utilizzando la stessa barca
e costo chiesto dal Lago Inle per visitare questi due siti
grazie
Written 6 February 2018
A kakku si arriva via terra in un paio di ore e direi che ci vuole l'intera giornata. A indein invece in barca .Due diverse giornate quindi.Buon viaggio.
Written 7 February 2018
Ciao .andrò qualche giorno sull'inle lake a febbraio. Mi potete dare qualche dritta per le gite in barca,per favore. Dove si prenota? Direttamente col barcaIolo? Grazie
Written 14 January 2018
In genere gli alberghi di dimensione medio alta dispongono di barche e barcaioli. In ogni caso ti basterà manifestare l'intenzione di fare un giro in barca e troverai .
Written 14 January 2018
Hi we are planning our trip to inlelake & indein village. Request guidance on the following: 1. How long (time) it will take to reach indein village from inlelake? 2. Is there any place to stay in indein village (or should we stay in inlelake)? 3. Where can we book the boat ride (website)? 4. When is the first and last service? 5. Are Speed boats available, so that we can complete the trip faster?
Written 5 August 2017
Inlee Lake is best enjoyed at the pace of the local people. My suggestion is to stay at Inlee lake and resort (see my review) and wither walk or take motor bike taxi to dock in the morning. You will be inundated wit boat operators selling you rides. Best of all have fun!
Written 8 August 2017
hi guys, have a good day! Where exactly can I book tour to go to Inthein from Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery in the middle of Inle Lake? Thanks
Written 28 May 2016
Try to use the same boat / guide to bring you there.
At the monastery there might be boats available but I can't confirm.
Best to check before you get on the lake
Written 29 May 2016
Hi everyone,
I am a single traveller and I plan to enter to Myanmar by Mae Sai and the move from Tachilek to Kengtung.
Is it possible to travel by land from Kengtung to Taunggyi? I know there are no local buses but I cant find informations about shared cars/pickups and so. At the Chiang Mai Burmese consulate they just told me to contact a an agency in Tachilek...
Thanks,
Giuseppina
Written 9 February 2016
Sorry, can't help we were on a tour.
Written 12 February 2016
Hola! estoy interesadisima en ir a ver las pagodas pero estoy en la duda si se puede hacer durante el día y si es necesario contratar alguna agencia de turismo o lo puedes hacer tu mismo (voy sola). Es realizable en 1 día para regresar a Mandalay por la noche?
gracias!
Written 9 December 2015
Yo las visite con guia porque era por tour.
Written 25 May 2017
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