Inle Lake Shopping

This shop sells a variety of cloth but mainly cotton, silk and lotus reed. It is unique in terms of selling "cloth" made from lotus reed.

At the back of the shop you can see how the strands are extracted from the lotus reed, spun into thread and then the weaving of cloth.

What to buy: Lotus reed scarf
Silk garments

What to pay: US$55

Most or all of the guides from Inle will bring you to visit these small cigar factory where you'll be served will a cup of hot tea. The burmese girls who work at the cigar factory will demostrate how to make the local cigar. I've tried two of those small factory and they gave me some FREE cigar( 5sticks).

Ok this is another one of those tips related to supporting the local population in their endeavours..this time their original artwork.

There are a number of local "art galleries" behind the Indein markets and the difference is that the artists are not painting in that formulaic way..ie Buddhist monks in a line.

What to buy: Buy an original work that is a little bit different.

What to pay: Upwards US$20

Ok we are suckers but what else do you do at a market but buy something - you haven't enjoyed a market until you have right?!

We also like to support the local population so we bought a variety of local produce including a Shan bag (where else do you buy one except in Shan state), some jewellery and awooden Buddha.

What to buy: Shan Bag

What to pay: Shan Bag US$2
Wooden Buddha US$3

This shop and there are others at Inle specialise in silver ware and more particularly special or silver fish. I remember these as being popular in the 70s.
I bought one in keeping with my general philosophy of supporting local industry in the area but also my daughter collects fish ornaments.

The shop also had various gold, ruby and jade pieces.

What to buy: Silver fish

What to pay: US$7.50

Inle Lake has acres and acres of floating gardens. Tomatos are the main crop! Tons and tons of tomatos are hauled to Nyaungshwe to be exported all over the country! This boat is loaded down with baskets of tomatos heading into Nyaungshwe.

What to buy: They are cheap!

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Take a good look at the picture. The old lady from the picture is doing some LOTUS spinning and NOT silk spinning. This is probably the most interesting thing I encountered from the Inle ride.