Asean Heritage Parks

Unique Flora: Wetland sedge, reeds and evergreen flora growing in natural floating islets like Oryza hydrophasia, Chirugus granulate, Dalbergia spinosa, Hypericum prunizolium, Colladium sp., Desmodium oblongum, Enhydra fluctuans, Panicum sarmentosum; Salix tetrasperma, Ficus sp., Crataexa nurvala, Mitragyna parvizolia, and Salmalia malabarica syn Bombax malabaricumg rowing in shallower water or on the shores; rare medicinal orchids

Unique Fauna: Fish species like ngapweh (Chaudhuria caudata) and ngaku-shinpa (Silurus burmanensis; migratory bird species like the sarus crane (Gru santigone), purple swamp hen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus); resident birds and other species such as the lesser whistling ducks(Dendrocygna javanica); pheasant-tailed jacana, cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), purple heron and little comorant (Phalacrocorax niger); greater spotted eagle (Aquila clangga); Indian shimmer (Rynchops alhicolia)

Habitat Types: Wetland; natural floating islets; swamp forest; evergreen and deciduous forest; grassland; pine forests

The Pandaung Hill Tribe, whose long-necked women use brass rings around their necks, can be found in Inlay Lake Wildlife Sanctuary. Also present is the village of the Intha, the local indigenous peoples, whose traditional and cultural activities include leg rowing, floating markets, vegetable gardens in floating islands, and use of small traditional boats for transportation and for catching fish. Guests can witness the locals practice of fishing using distinctive conical rattan nets, weaving done in a traditional way using a loom made of teakwood, as well as the local pagoda festivals for environmental education and awareness.

Activities for guests of the park are bird watching, boating, hiking, and visiting archaeological sites. Tourists will also find natural hot springs, as well as stores manufacturing and selling intricately crafted silverware and silver ornaments, Shan cloth satchels, exquisite textiles, handwoven garments, wooden dolls and embroidered paintings. Famous Buddhist shrines, monasteries and pagodas are also attractions in this heritage park.