Sankar is located at the southern end of Inle Lake. It believe it has only been open to visitors since 2003 and it still does not attract as many visitors as other areas reachable around the lake, but it is definitely worth your while to do this trip. A long winding canal connects the southernmost tip of Inle with a reservoir near the village of Sankar. Running through the water here is the remnants of an old irrigation canal, made of sand and lime over 500 years ago for a settlement ruled buy a Shan chief.
It is approximately two hours journey up river (25 kilometers ) from our hotel. You will need to pay for a guide ($25), plus $5.00 each for border fees, the the boat for the day is US$70.00, a little expensive but well worth it, allow a day to do this trip. Trips to Sankar can be arranged through Golden Island Cottage.
Restoration of some of the monasteries long this river between the two lakes are being restored and funded by private individuals from other countries. We saw quite a few plaques with the names of those who have donated funds for their restoration. So nice to know that in a country such as this there are those who care enough to disregard the embargo's to help this country preserve it's heritage, otherwise these marvelous monuments would just crumble and decay until there was nothing left, how fortunate we are to see these marvelous structures.
This gentleman is the toll master, he drops a tin through the bridge at the Sankar border to collect the toll from those who wish to pass under the bridge.
This picture is taken at the border, we saw the Shan ladies in traditional costume, not for the tourist either, but they were very shy, so we didn't photograph them.
Our guide called this the mud market - wear your wellies if you want to look at this one. They only sell local produce
This old building, our guide told us was a former Shan King's palace, it is in now in ruins, maybe a fire gutted it. The Buddhas inside are probably from another pagoda, although our guide said they were originally from this palace.
Saw so many pagodas have forgotten many of their names, but these are hard to avoid on this trip
The Royal Barge
One can easily slip into into a relaxing trance along this river, observing this beautiful peaceful landscape. You can pretty well choose whatever you want to look at along this river, we just had to ask. Further up the river there is a brewery making a local spirit, pretty interesting just to have a look at how they do it. There is a very nice clear lagoon in this area great for a swim and to cool off.
The alcohol distilled in this distillery is made from a special red rice from this area
An extremely nice day, relaxing and soul reviving.
Myanmar - a good read
