A 10 hour night bus from Bagan is my recommended way to Nyaungshwe, a tiny town that maintains its simplicity amidst the tourists that flock to its innocent allure. Nyaungshwe is located in the Shan State of Myanmar which is the main access point to Inle Lake.
There is an abundant supply of hostels and hotels as well as tour agencies yet these remain unobtrusive but welcoming should anyone need assistance.
The best and healthy way to explore this little town is by renting a bicycle. Fresh air, warm weather and the helpful locals is a guarantee that you will never get lost, I never did. Ride a bike and you will feel like a local as you see almost everyone cycle their way around. Wait until 3:00 p.m. and you will see the students biking with friends and raring to go home. Ride alongside with them and feel young again.
Walk around and try the makeshift eateries by the side of the roads for an authentic nourishment. A must try is the Tamarind Rice Salad. Tangy, crunchy and just plain delicious with ingredients one would never imagined would go well together. Yes, it’s difficult to ask about what you will put in your mouth but it does help to smile and try to make conversations. Most will not be able to speak English but they do know a few words to make you feel welcome. One eatery I tried at a corner even had a menu list with an English description of the food and what’s in it – all for 3,500 Kyats. Another roadside eatery I tried had a different way of preparing the same Tamarind Rice Salad. I ate with an impressive view of a pagoda in from too me. Surprised? Yes and you will always be, that’s a guarantee. You will receive genuine smiles and a welcoming feeling as they proudly share with you a part of their culture. Should you be in need of western food, never fear as there are a few bars and bakeshops that provide croissant, french bread and non-local food.
NK The Little Inn offers a modest room and a very affordable rate. Some of the rooms are old and in need of thorough cleaning and the mattress needs replacement but the service is quite good. Not just that, their breakfast is something worth mentioning. Three types of fresh fruits, a huge pancake with honey provided and small kettle of black coffee. Heaven, I swear. This provides me energy until late afternoon that I am forced to go and look for dinner tat around 5:00 p.m. to pacify my growling stomach.
For currency change, go to Mingalar Market. It is the public market with two to three money changers. There’s one that offers a better rate than the others. While you are there, try the local ice cream and walk around under the hot sun. Grab your bike and visit the Nyaung Shwe Cultural Museum.
The Nyaung Shwe Cultural Museum is surrounded by a spacious garden with big trees that provide shade to visitors. It is a two-story formidable structure that used to house the Prince of Shan before he became the President of Burma. The transition of rulers, kings, princes are thoroughly laid out and presented that you will be able to see patterns and connections from one ruler to the next. Footwear is not allowed inside so be ready to walk around barefoot with some souvenir dust when you leave.
You can also visit the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery just outside Nyaung Shwe in case the Tour de Nyaungshwe is not enough for your legs.
Now, on to Inle Lake.
chronically gallivanting 
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