MmePerdu

Boat on Inle Lake, 2 passengers (Jim & me) and boatman behind. What you see is all there is. A great day despite the storm:

http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/gumb...into-the-storm

helen63

Kathie, I was referring to a boat trip to Samkar (3 hours, correct?) and possibly to Phekhon (I think another 3 hours from Samkar) as one of my options is to go to Loikaw from Inle.

I looked at boat pictures, and now I do see they have no facilities.

I am not sure if possible to stop somewhere on the way to Samkar, and on the way to Phekhon for rest rooms (assuming a private boat). My husband had a surgery recently, that made out travels more challenging, so this is why I am asking these questions.

Are these boats comfortable enough to spend 6 hours in them?
I read people say that a trip to Samkar, and even further to Phekhon is a rather nice one.

Kathie

Yes, the boat trip to Sankar is about 3 hours. But you will stop to pick up a permit at the Golden Isle cottages before you leave the main part of the lake, and there are places you can stop after passing into Sankar. We spent at least 6 hours in these boats each day for several days. IF you arrange you boat through you hotel, have them tell the boatman of your need for bathroom stops.

Sorry, I can't help with the trip to Phekhon, as we didn't go there.

We loved our time on the lake - really lovely trips.

helen63

MmePerdu, wow! - nice pics and tons of information and good travel reading! Thank you!

I did not even think about possibility of a storm while we are on a boat. I do not think it would be pleasant if on a long ride
Weather websites promise virtually no rain in January, so hoping for the best

helen63

Thank you, Kathie! Perfect! This is what I was hoping to hear.