The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival (Inle Lake in Nyaung Shwe, Shan State)
Welcome to the enchanting Inle Lake, where you’ll find the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a must-see religious site in Myanmar. Inside the pagoda, you’ll discover five small gilded Buddha images, each smothered in a mass of gold leaf. These golden orbs are so heavily covered in gold that their original forms are now almost unrecognizable! The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival is one of the prominent Buddhist events in Myanmar, taking place in and around the stilted villages of Inle Lake. Every year, between September and October, the festival is centred on these Buddha images. These annual festival dates may vary because they are based on the Myanmar calendar.

This unforgettable celebration lasts for over 20 days. During the festival, four out of the five gilded Buddha images are paraded around the lake on an elaborate, gilded barge shaped like the mythical bird, Karaweik. (Legend has it that the barge once tipped over, and the fifth image almost disappeared forever! But magically, it reappeared at the pagoda and has stayed there ever since.) The barge is pulled by hundreds of local Inthar leg-rowers in traditional long boats, creating a mesmerising sight that’s sure to leave you in awe. It is your chance to get up close and admire the incredible skill of the Inthar leg-rowers as they navigate through the water. You’ll also witness boat races between the Inthar, dressed in traditional costumes, paddling their long canoes against the stunning backdrop of Inle’s picturesque landscapes.  

This incredible three-week festival brings together people from all over the region—from the plains, mountains, and even tiny remote villages—to celebrate and accrue merit. Throughout the festival, you’ll witness an amazing display of diversity, with hill tribes and ethnicities coming together to watch the Inthar transport the Buddha images and race their boats down the Nyaung Shwe canal. The highlight of the festival is the day when the Buddha figures arrive in Nyaung Shwe town. It is the day when pilgrims and tourists gather from far and wide to pay their respects and join in the celebration.

This celebration is on the move and lasts for an extended period, so get in touch with us for the latest information. Our experienced guide will lead you to the most fantastic spots where you can fully immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere and join the merrymaking.