Inle Lake is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of nearly 45 square miles and one of the highest at an elevation of 2,900 feet. During the dry season, the average water depth is 7 feet, with the deepest point being 12 feet, but during the rainy season this can increase up to a depth of about 17 feet.

Traditionally, Inle's economy was based on fishing and produce grown in its famous floating gardens. Today, it is greatly augmented by tourism. This has contributed to a significant boost in income and a resulting erosion of some of the cultural values which drew the tourists in the first place. Such is the nature of "progress."