The people that call the banks of Myanmar’s rivers and lakes home are some of the kindest, most hopeful you will ever meet from anywhere in the world. No lie. And it is my sincere wish that the better part of humanity can persist in this conflicted country. It is the fascinating people that will make your trip to Myanmar so memorable as you explore its rich history and culture from its waterways.
1. The Fishermen of Inle Lake
Traditional fishermen of Inle Lake (photo by Katherine Ballem)
Inle Lake is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Floating markets and unique local fishermen make the lake region come alive. Some fishermen make more money from tourist photos than the catch of the day, but you can see many authentic fishermen working far from the pathways traveled by the motorized long boats. Stay at one of the several over-the-water bungalow resorts for a unique hotel experience. Just don’t be surprised by the… other night life. Staying in a thatch building has good and bad sides but they do at least come with thick mosquito nets.
Today’s catch on Inle Lake (photo by Katherine Ballem)
There are many different cultural groups in the Inle Lake region. The fishermen are from the Intha people, meaning “children of the lake”. If you have time to explore the region around the lake, make sure to visit one of the most visually striking people in the world, the long-neck women of the Padaung people. The unusual and controversial practice of stacking heavy brass rings around their neck results in a compression of the collar bones and rib cage. This gives their neck an incredibly long look. The reasons they wear the rings are varied and so a visit with them would be a great opportunity to understand this type of cultural practice.
2. Life on the Irrawaddy River
The Irrawaddy is one of the world’s great rivers, bisecting Myanmar from north to south, stretching from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. So much of the country’s history and culture are wrapped up in its ebbs and flows. Travelling down the river will give you glimpses into every part of Burmese life as people use the river for everything from bathing, to transport, to commerce. You will pass by humble villages and spectacular temples, floating markets and beautiful monasteries. It is an experience not to be missed.
Bath time on the shores of the Irrawaddy River (photo by Katherine Ballem)
Casual co-captain on the Irrawaddy River crossing (photo by Katherine Ballem)
3. U Bein Teak Bridge
The U Bein Teak Bridge is one of the iconic sights of your Irrawaddy River journey. Located on the outskirts of Mandalay City and built from a thousand teak logs, it is the world’s longest teak footbridge. Every day you will see hundreds of locals traverse its 1.2 km length, walking over teak planks salvaged from Inwa, one of the old royal palaces of Burma. The best, although most crowded, time to visit is at sunset when you will get to see dozens of monks in saffron robes making their way back to their monasteries.
Transporting goods across the U Bein Teak Bridge (photo by Katherine Ballem)
The faces of the people of Myanmar will stick with you. At U Bein, you will see the faces of fishermen, monks, and people from all walks of life. The bridge is one of the country’s biggest attractions so as you make the stroll across you will naturally find many folks offering goods for sale. To make your way back, hire one of the ferrymen to take you across to get the most uninterrupted views.
Transporting people across the U Bein Teak Bridge (photo by Katherine Ballem)
The waterways of Myanmar have been so central to the lives of the Burmese people from the earliest river valley settlements to the ancient kingdoms, serving as a key economic tool during the occupation of the British Empire right through to today. It remains the hope of the country as they continue to build their future.
Before you go:
Check out these movies, books and shows to inspire your Myanmar adventure.
![The Bridge on the River Kwai [Blu-ray] by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51l0N4YM%2BOL.jpg)
The Bridge on the River Kwai [Blu-ray] by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
They Call it Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain
Modern Classics Burmese Days by Orwell, George (2009) Paperback
Letters from Burma
Features
- Penguin Books
