I hiked from Kalaw to Inle Lake in sandals

Among the most memorable moments of my journey through Myanmar, the trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake holds a special place in my heart. Three days of walking through breathtaking landscapes, immersing myself in Burmese rural life, and experiencing simple yet unforgettable moments. And all of it… with a very good friend AND in sandals.

Yes, I’m the only one in the group wearing sandals. Everyone else is, of course, equipped with proper hiking shoes. But since I didn’t pack any in my backpack, I wasn’t about to buy a pair just for this trek. So, with my sandals securely strapped on, I set off for three days of adventure. And honestly? Every step is worth it.

Day 1: Leaving Kalaw, through rice fields and rolling hills

From the very first steps, the scenery is breathtaking. The bright red earth contrasts beautifully with the deep green of the rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Hills roll into the distance, sometimes covered with rows of chili peppers drying under the sun, their vibrant red adding splashes of color to the landscape. It’s an explosion of hues: the red of the chilies, the green of the rice paddies, and the blue of the perfectly clear sky above.

Our guide is a gem. He frequently stops to show us the plants growing around us. He snaps a branch of lemongrass and lets us inhale its powerful aroma. A little further along, he offers us a piece of fresh ginger to taste. Its spicy punch surprises everyone, and we all laugh while sharing our reactions.

Along the paths, villagers are hard at work in the fields. Everything is done by hand, with the help of buffaloes who watch us with an almost comical indifference. Some villagers are cutting rice, others are plowing, and some are loading entire sacks onto wooden carts. At every turn, we’re met with warm smiles and heartfelt greetings, reminding us that this trek is as much about the people as it is about the landscapes.

Day 2: Immersed in Burmese village life

On the second day, the scenery begins to change. The rice paddies give way to denser forests and then to hills where rows of red chilies stretch out under the sun. The contrast between their fiery red and the lush green of the surrounding vegetation is simply stunning. With every uphill climb, a new breathtaking view awaits us: a verdant valley here, a sparkling lake there. The paths are lined with rows of rice drying peacefully under the sun.

By the end of the day, we arrive at a village where we’ll spend the night (just as we did the previous evening). Staying in a local’s home is rare in Myanmar, where hosting tourists is normally prohibited. But here, the military has carefully chosen certain homes for this purpose, and everything is spotless.

The houses, often on stilts, are made of wood or bamboo. Inside, a large communal room is reserved for us. We sleep on wooden planks with thick blankets that smell faintly of firewood. No need for pajamas—we’ve been wearing the same clothes since we started. It’s part of the charm of this adventure.

The evening feels magical. The villagers greet us with radiant smiles. Children run around and apply thanaka, a yellow paste made from tree bark, to our faces. It’s both a beauty product and a sunblock for the Burmese. It’s a simple yet precious moment of connection. Meanwhile, women prepare dinner over a fire, and men tend to the animals or haul wood and rice back to the village.

Dinner is a feast. Simple yet delicious local dishes are placed in the center of the table, and everyone helps themselves. We eat in near silence, accompanied by the crackling of the fire and the soothing sounds of the village. Outside, the night sky is stunningly clear, filled with countless stars. It’s one of those evenings that makes you want to stay forever.

Inle Lake isn’t just a body of water. It’s a vibrant, living ecosystem. The lake is home to floating gardens, large platforms of vegetation that seem to hover on the water’s surface. These gardens are cultivated by the locals and yield fresh vegetables, often sold at the markets.

The villages around the lake are built on stilts, their wooden houses suspended above the water. Between the homes, narrow wooden canoes transport goods, locals, and curious tourists like us. I find myself constantly snapping photos, knowing these will be some of the most beautiful shots I’ve ever taken. The light, the reflections, the everyday scenes—they’re all perfect. Each face I capture tells its own story.

The boat also takes us to floating markets, where villagers sell fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods from their boats. We make a brief stop at a monastery, but what truly holds our attention is the life on the lake. Every detail tells a story: a woman washing clothes, a child playing in a canoe, a fisherman gracefully paddling with one leg. Their movements are fluid, almost like a dance, and their balance on the narrow boats is mesmerizing.

An unforgettable trek

This trek is more than just a hike. It’s an immersion into Burmese life, an encounter with breathtaking landscapes and incredible people. From the red hills to the glowing green rice paddies, the drying chilies, and the warm hospitality of the villages, every moment is etched into my memory.

And Inle Lake… What a marvel! The fishermen, the floating gardens, the bustling markets—everything is so alive, so unique. These three days, spent with Delphine and my sandals, remain one of the most impactful moments of my travels.

So, are you ready to lace up your shoes (or strap on your sandals) for an adventure like this one? 😊