Exploring The Magical Region Hpa An, Myanmar

Hpa-An, Myanmar is a place that is not on the usual route through the country and is therefore frequently missed. Hpa-An, Myanmar is a place that is not on the usual route through the country and is therefore frequently missed. However, Hpa-An (pronounced Pa Ahn), a tiny city encircled by verdant rice fields, limestone mountains, and an enormous number of caverns, is an absolute must-see. Take a stroll through the rice fields, go on a climb, or pay a visit to the largest-lying Buddha in the world. Spend two full days exploring everything that Hpa-An has to offer.

In this article, let's explore together Hpa An, Myanmar, a destination not to be missed for tourists.

Where Is Hpa An, Myanmar Located?

Hpa An, the capital of Karen (Kayin) State, is located around 270 kilometers east of Yangon on the eastern bank of the Thanlwin (Salween) River. It is a charming town with a laid-back vibe. The area's highlights are the landscape itself, the nearby mountains and caverns for exploration, and the relaxed vibe.

Why Is Hpa An Famous For?

Hpa An is well-known for having some of Myanmar's most breathtaking vistas as well as a plethora of temples and caves dotted across the city.

The thing that visitors love the most is that Hpa An has not yet been untouched by large-scale tourism, in contrast to more developed Yangon or Mandalay.

Surrounded by nature and home to many temples, Hpa An is a true cultural and spiritual melting pot. You will enjoy witnessing the local fishermen at work, touring the rice fields, finding secret temples, and hiking the mountains. It is sure that Hpa An offers something to each traveler who chooses to visit.

Hpa An, Myanmar is dangerously close to being the perfect vacation destination

Things To Do In Hpa-An

Do a small hike up to Hpan Pu Mountain

Hpan Pu Mountain is the best way to experience Hpa-An. Take the canoe boat (500 kyats) from here to the other side of the Thanlyin River in the morning. You can anticipate having some mud on your shoes. Many veggies are grown here and sold in Hpa-An by the locals.

Walk 350 meters after getting off the boat to a little town, then look for the "Hpan Pu Mountain" sign on the left. Turn right and continue walking until you get to this spot from the base of the mountain. There is a staircase on your left that will take you to an incredible viewpoint over Hpa-An in around 20 minutes.

Do a small hike up to Hpan Pu Mountain

Visit Saddar Cave

Saddar Cave is one of the best things to do in Hpa-An. Take the trek for fifteen minutes to reach this enormous cave. The trail terminates at a small lake where you can return by boat to the cave's entrance.

It is even more striking because the location is bordered by verdant rice paddies. A private boat ride is approximately 3000 kyats (2.25 USD), and the cave entrance is 1000 kyats (0.75 USD).

Visit Saddar Cave

Sleep in a monastery on the top of Mount Zwekabin

Climbing to the summit of Mount Zwekabin and spending the night at the monastery atop is highly recommended if you are looking to work up a sweat and have an unforgettable experience.

You should not be scared to climb a good number of stairs cause you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire area! It is without a doubt the greatest location in the area to see the sunset and dawn. It is also an experience of a lifetime to be awakened at 4 a.m. by monks who meditate.

Discover Golden Rock

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, sometimes referred locals as Golden Rock, is located halfway between Yangon and Hpa-An. It is among Myanmar's most significant Buddhist sites. It is a long ride from base camp to Golden Rock. To get to the top, you will board a locals' and a few tourists' bus from here; the ride takes about an hour.

It is amazing to see how many (local) people are on the top of the mountain, and the views from the top are breathtaking.

Discover Golden Rock

Sunset at the river

Watching the sunset at Thanlyin River is among the most straightforward but unforgettable things to do in Hpa-An. If you are lucky, you could even get to talk to some locals while they wash their dishes or themselves in the river.

Kyauk Kalat Pagoda

Here's another place when you will wonder yourself, "But how?" Perched on a tiny clump of limestone, the Kyauk Kalat Pagoda appears on the verge of collapsing. This is one of Hpa An famous places to spend an hour.

Explore the rice fields

Hpa-An is surrounded by unbelievably green rice fields. Take a rental motorbike or bicycle and head somewhat beyond the town. You will have a good possibility of witnessing the rice growing throughout your visit as they do it several times a year.

Hpa-An is surrounded by unbelievably green rice fields

Visit Mawlamyine

The more developed but less visited city of Mawlamyine is located approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Hpa-An. Before it moved over to Yangon, this city served as Myanmar's primary harbor. At 180 meters in length, this is the largest Reclining Buddha (Win Sein Taw Ya) in the world. Do not forget to witness the breathtaking sunset from the top of the Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda.

Food And Drink In Hpa-An, Myanmar

For a small town, to find out Hpa a famous food is truly difficult, because there are many delicious dishes here.

The superb New Day Bakery is the best place to go for breakfast. Savor the house-special 700 kyat puris (Indian pancakes) and dahl, accompanied by omelettes, Chinese steamed buns, toast, and eggs for the more conservative. All of these dishes are best enjoyed with fresh coffee, juices, and shakes.

Hpa-an has excellent options for lunch and dinner in the area, starting with the fantastic San Ma Tau (or Sanmatu) Restaurant. Not only is it almost the favorite restaurant in Hpa-an, but it is also among our best nationwide. Situated on Bogyoke Street, rather away from the center, the 15-minute walk or cab trip to get there is well worth it.

All restaurant that is popular with tourists, including San Ma Tau and Khit Thit, serves beer and even has draught, besides the neighborhood-style beer stations on the outskirts of town. The finest places to get something other than beer are the bars at the Glory Hotel or Gabbana.

Best Time To Visit Hpa An, Myanmar

Hpa An weather remains consistently warm throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations in average temperatures. With regard to humidity, it tends to feel hot regardless of the season, and precipitation is unlikely for most of the year. Compared to popular tourist destinations worldwide, Hpa-An experiences relatively less temperate weather.

If you are looking for the warmest time to visit Hpa An, Myanmar the hottest months are April, March and then May. The middle of April is usually the warmest period of year, with highs of roughly 100.6°F (38.1°C) and unusual nighttime lows of 77.2°F (25.1°C).

If you want to avoid both the hot season (March – May) and the rainy season (June – September), the best time to visit Hpa An is mid-October – February, when the majority of tourists arrive during these months. dry, warm day. If you want to explore key locations in more solitude, going during the 'green season', which is the month just before or after this peak season, can be quite rewarding.

Plan Your Holiday To Hpa An Myanmar

Hpa An, Myanmar is dangerously close to being the perfect vacation destination. Nestled between verdant rice paddies and karst peaks covered in jungle, Hpa An is a bustling town prime located on the Thanlyin River. Buddha-filled caverns, gilded stupas, odd monk statues, and active monasteries dot the surrounding highlands. It is an intriguing and breathtakingly gorgeous area.

To ensure a seamless and hassle-free adventure, we encourage travelers to apply for a Myanmar eVisa via our website. By applying for your Myanmar eVisa through our platform, you gain access to a user-friendly interface, efficient processing, and dedicated customer support every step of the way. 

Apply for your Myanmar eVisa today and embark on a journey that will enrich your soul and create memories to last a lifetime. Your adventure awaits - don't let bureaucracy stand in the way.