Inle Lake is labeled as one of the ASEAN Wildlife Heritage Park in 2003. The area has a healthy ecosystem packed with plenty of flora and fauna. The quaint lake is also home to a wildlife sanctuary, where the rarest species of animals could be discovered. It is said that Inle is the nesting place of the worldwide-endangered sarus cranes. Tourists can also find woodland and wetland birds, multiple species of aquatic animals, insects, amphibians and reptiles at Inle Lake, including some of the rarest species of orchids. Tourists can go jungle-trekking while admiring beautiful creations of nature, making this an educational and inspiring tour. Visitors should not miss seeing the majestic mountain range, plantations and ecosystem surrounding the lake that makes it look surreal and magical.

Inle is bountiful with interesting places that offer exciting activities all year round. Several pagodas and temples can be found at the place. These religious sites are very sacred and important to the locals, especially the Buddhists. These places serve as a great start for those who wish to learn more about one of the country’s main religions while getting the chance to admire the wondrous architecture of these religious landmarks. Tourists can also participate in many types of activities in and around the lake. Boat rides are very enjoyable as the locals (only men) would use the unique one-legged rowing method to row their canoes. The villages surrounding the lake are also worth visiting because the area is rich in culture, traditions and handicraft skills of the villagers that are passed down for generations. Inle Lake also has unique floating gardens or islands, where tourists could witness how locals plant and harvest vegetables to be sold. The fertile soil surrounding the lake coupled with the constant flow of lake water into the lands make the areas around the lake ideal for paddy plantation.

Villagers of Inle are highly self-sufficient and self-sustainable. They possess an impressive set of skills that could help them earn a living and to feed their families. They are widely known as prominent silversmiths who still use the traditional way of extracting silver as well as crafting and selling silverware and trinkets to tourists, providing large contributions to the local tourist economy. They also produce and sell exquisite silk-woven fabrics, scarves and bags that can only be found in the region. The fabric is made of lotus plant fibres that are exclusively produced at Inle Lake. Handmade tools, trinkets and souvenirs could be found in the floating markets at Inle Lake where locals would trade and sell their items to other locals and tourists. The villagers are also expert farmers who are extremely self-sufficient due to the fertile environment of the lake. Lush paddy fields are also available at this area. There are special floating gardens in the lake in which they can harvest a variety of vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, squash, long beans) to be sold in the market along with freshly caught fish.