Everything on Inle Lake moves by boat. Motorised longboats are the standard way to get around, but they are noisy — if you want to enjoy the scenery, ask your boatman to cut the engine at stops, or hire a rowing boat for a quieter experience.
Most visitors base themselves in Nyaung Shwe, the gateway town at the northern end of the canal that leads to the lake. From the jetty, it is about half an hour by motorboat to reach the lake itself. An entrance fee is payable at the jetty. Once on the lake, attractions are spread across its full length — expect to spend a full day on the water to see the main sites.
Nyaung Shwe itself is walkable, with guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, and a morning market all within easy reach on foot or by bicycle.