2025 Hpa-An Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#2024Travel Review The beautiful sunset in Hpa-an, Myanmar: a dreamy moment between mountains and rivers Hpa-An is a small city in eastern Myanmar. It has charming natural scenery and is especially famous for its sunset scenery. When dusk falls, the setting sun shines golden light on the mountains and rivers, forming a picturesque scene. The most recommended viewing locations are Zwegabin Mountain or Thanlwin River. Climb to the top of Zwegabin Mountain and overlook the entire city and the surrounding plains. The sunset dyes the sky red and takes your breath away. If you want to enjoy the sunset in a relaxed way, you can go to a cafe by the river, order a local specialty drink, and watch the sun sink into the horizon. There are many nearby attractions worth exploring, such as Kawgun Cave and Kan Thar Yar Lake, where you can feel the natural charm of Hpa-an. If you are a photography enthusiast, the sunset in Hpa-an is definitely a subject that cannot be missed; and for those who love nature, everything here can calm the mind. 📍 Location: Hpa-an, Myanmar #Myanmarpaan #sunsetview #zanbaoshan #naturaltravel #myanmartravel #2024 travel review

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Kayin’s coolest spot for temple-lovers and nature geeks is hands-down Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda 🌿⛩️ — think mountains, misty lakes, and stunning Buddhist vibes, all in one epic view! Top Spot to Visit: Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda (Hpa-An, Myanmar, open daily 06:00-21:00) sits on a dramatic limestone rock right in the middle of a lake, surrounded by tranquil water and lush scenery. Even on cloudy or rainy days, it’s moody and picturesque — super photogenic for those travel feeds! 🚣♂️ Snap tons of lake and mountain shots, then wander inside the temple for peaceful zen vibes. Don’t miss the local Kayin dress culture: you’ll spot friendly locals sporting these colorful outfits, so bring one along if you want to blend in for the perfect photo op or to support the community! Pro traveler tip: The narrow walkway over the water leading to the pagoda can get slippery after rain. Wear sturdy shoes, or plan to go when it’s sunny for easier access. Early morning or late afternoon gives you softer light and way less crowd. How to get around: Getting to Hpa-An is easiest by bus or private car from Yangon — once here, rent a tuk-tuk or motorbike for flexible temple-hopping! Food? Try Mohinga noodles or street snacks from stands near the pagoda entrance. Cheap, tasty, and legit local! Handy tips: You don’t need visas for domestic travel. Cash rules, so bring Kyat (local currency), and pack a light raincoat in wet season. #KayinAdventures #MyanmarTravel #TempleHunter #TravelTips #KyaukKaLatPagoda

Things to take into consideration: - The little stupa on the top is surrounded by a tiny platform where you are supposed to have the best view of the bats at dusk. Well, the platform is super tiny and gets very crowded very quickly, so you'd better be there in advance. - The bars are pretty far, and I believe you actually get a better view from the bottom of the hill - You will NEVER get the sunset from the bat cave as the sun sets behind the huge cliff where the bats are coming out. In other words, you will have to choose between the sunset and the bats at dusk. I can easily admit that perhaps we were unlucky or perhaps we have been spoiled with other awesome experiences, but I found this pretty disappointing... I dare not imagine how packed it gets during high season :/ Photo tips : - get there at least an hour in advance or more - take a telephoto lens with you (at least 200mm) - Install your tripod straight so you can secure a good spot (Like my page/photos if you like it!) #travel#thingstodo#familytravel

We decided not to get up early and headed for Taung Wine Mountain at around 10 am. There was heavy mist at the town proper, so we weren't sure if going up the mountain would be worth it (mist means no views but probably an ethereal feel, at least). Anyway, we drove a car, followed Google Maps, which turns out to have given us wrong directions (didn't read prior TA reviews, mea culpa!). Anyway, we headed out to proceed as most blogs advised, but a few meters out from where Google directed us, we saw a sign in Burmese and English that just said "Taung Wyne Pagoda" and an arrow. We followed the road (dirt road, so it was really shaky for our sedan) and saw a few more signs, now all in just Burmese. We stopped by some of the very few shops along the road to just say, "Taung Wine Pagoda?" and were just directed to follow the road. We got there eventually, around half past 11 am. Hiked up with a few bottles of water (never forget!), saw for ourselves a really fantastic view. We didn't mind the heat much as there was plenty of shade from the trees along the trail. But as we were able to reach the summit at around 12:30 pm, the floor of the pagoda was so hot, I could not step into it and had to wait for my partner in crime to take his photos from around. (Like my page/photos if you like it!) It is advisable to use your trainers and just remove them as you go up the metal stairs to the pagoda. #couplestrip#naturalwonders#thingstodo#familytravel

With limited time, our guide chose this cave as one with less tourists, easy access "and had everything" It is very old as shown by fenced of archaeological items. Reclining Buddha and temple etc,but fascinating the thousands of little carvings etched on the rock, how they got to some places is mind boggling. We also enjoyed the wild monkeys (Rhesus macaque) climbing the rocks at the entrance. The cave is not very wide and long like sat dan cave. However, this place has some ancient statue and buddha paintings on the cave wall and it is an interesting place to visit. If you are a good photographer, you can take so many nice photos in different angles and different locations around this area. If in the area, visiting at least one cave is a must! #thingstodo#familytravel

! Marvellous mountain lodge Hpa-An

#thingstodo We went to this attraction on Makhabucha day ,full moon of march,where buddhist people aggregates for making merits to lord of buddha ,and making vegetarian food for free to public.it takes about 2 hours climbing upto Zwegabin pagoda on the top of the mountain with steep steps and, sometimes rocks climbing. It's very hot on daytime .Most people climb at night to avoid heat of the day and stay overnight upthere.there are food shacks on the way upto the summit so you can buy drinks, snacks, and there is restaurant upthere where you can eat traditional karen food.there are also 1126 sitting buddha statues along the plain at the foot of the mountain.it worths 3 dollars admission fee to explore this attraction but you need at least 4 hours to climb up and down and spend ritual time during day of full moon of March.

Take Your Zen Up a Notch at Kwe Ka Baung Mountain 🏞️✨ Craving a blend of tranquil vibes and mountaintop views? Kwe Ka Baung Mountain near Hpa-An will deliver both—plus a relaxed pace perfect for unwinding your mind and snapping unforgettable panoramas! Start your ascent from RMF9+V7W (Hpa-An), ideally hitting the trail around 8:30 AM to beat the midday heat and avoid crowds. The steady climb offers lush greenery, local monks passing by, and occasional benches inviting you to soak in those peaceful moments. It’s not a strenuous hiking route, so it’s perfect for “relax&mountaining”—bring a water bottle, wear sturdy shoes, and take your time. Must-do: When you reach the top, pause for serious chill time. Meditate, journal, or just admire the sweeping countryside views below—this spot is famous for its calming vibes. Don’t skip a selfie at the summit: the morning light makes for “insta-worthy” shots against dramatic karst peaks! Photo tip: For that poetic mountain silhouette shot, angle your camera westward around 10–11 AM, when the sun backlights the ridges and haze floats over the river valley. Practical tips: The mountain is open year-round from 8:00–18:00, but local weather can flip quickly—bring a light rain jacket just in case (umbrellas aren’t much help on windy ridges!). The path may get slippery after rain, so tread cautiously. Precaution: No on-site shops, so pack snacks and enough water. Don’t feed or disturb the wildlife—monkeys sometimes roam the summit area. #HpaAn #KweKaBaung #MyanmarTravel #MountainViews #RelaxAndExplore

🏞️ Topic: “Hpa-An… A City Where Mountains and Faith Embrace Each Other Beautifully” 📍 Location Hpa-An, Karen State, Myanmar Highlights: Saddan Cave: A large sacred cave with a Buddha image and a lake inside. Mount Zwegabin: A viewpoint of Hpa-An from the summit. Kawgun Cave: A rock cave with thousands of carved Buddha images. Yathebyan Cave: A cave tunnel that allows you to walk through the mountain. Bayin Nyi Cave Suspension Bridge: A popular photo spot by the hot springs. Recommended Accommodation: Keinnara Hpa-An (A nature resort with panoramic mountain views) Hotel Gabana (Cozy design, close to the city center and local markets) Thiri Hpa-An Hotel (Affordable prices, convenient access) 📸 Recommended Photo Photo of Saddan Cave with light streaming through and rows of Buddha images. A morning view of Hpa-an from the summit of Jeoka Mountain, with mist rising over rice paddies. Tourists walk across the Bayin Cave suspension bridge, gazing at the limestone mountains. A Burmese-style wooden room with a balcony overlooking nature. 📝 Description: “Hpa-an… is a city where nature and faith coexist peacefully. 🌿 This small town in Karen State is filled with limestone mountains, sacred caves, and a simple way of life. Begin your trip at Saganok Cave, a large cave lined with Buddha images and an inner lake accessible by boat. Continue your climb to Jeoka Mountain, a viewpoint offering 360° panoramic views of Hpa-an and the most beautiful sunrise. Visit Kawkun Cave, a rock cave with thousands of Buddha images carved into its walls. Continue through Yathepyan Cave, a mountainside walkway illuminated by soft natural light. Stay at Keinnara Hpa-An or Hotel Gabana, offering a peaceful, simple, and close-to-nature atmosphere. Hpa-an is not just a transit town…it's a destination that makes you pause and breathe again.” 🏷️ Hashtags #HpaAnMyanmar #TravelHpa-an #KarenState #SaganokTham #MountZwegabin #SusiissueTravels #GoodStayWithMillionDollarView #NatureAndFaith #FamilyNatureEscape

#asiabudgetchallenge Hpa-An was one of the most surprising places in Myanmar — a small riverside town with massive limestone mountains and hidden caves filled with Buddha statues. I climbed Mount Zwegabin at sunrise, visited Sadan Cave (which opens onto a secret lake!), and wandered rice fields at golden hour. It’s low-key, peaceful, and super photogenic. 📍Destination: Hpa-An, Myanmar 💸Rough Budget: $20/day (guesthouse, motorbike rental, food) 💡Top Tip: Rent a scooter — the best attractions are spread out across the countryside.

Great experience and beautiful places during rainy season. You can feel refreshed and relaxed. I love every place we visited. 🥰🥰🥰 #Hpa-an

#summervacay Kyone Htaw Waterfall is a beautiful natural spot located in Kayin State, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Hpa-An. The water here is super clean and clear, and the natural pool at the base of the waterfall is full of fish swimming around—which makes it extra cool for a refreshing swim or just relaxing by the water. One thing to know: this place is considered sacred by the locals, so there are a few important rules. No meat, no alcohol, and no smoking. Everything is strictly vegetarian here out of respect for local traditions. You’ll find food stalls nearby, but they only serve vegetarian dishes. Also, heads up—foreigners might need special permission to visit, depending on which route you take. It’s a good idea to check ahead or go with a local guide who knows the way. Overall, Kyone Htaw is peaceful, clean, and a great place to chill in nature while respecting the local culture. Just bring your swimsuit, leave the meat and drinks behind, and enjoy the calm vibes.

Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State in Myanmar, is an interesting destination for tourists who want to experience nature, culture and local lifestyle. The city is home to limestone mountains, caves and beautiful scenery. 🏞️ Recommended attractions in Hpa-An 1. Sadan Cave 2. Kawgun Cave 3. Mount Zwegabin 4. Mount Taung Wine 5. Kan Thar Yar Lake Hpa-An is a charming city, perfect for tourists who want to experience the nature and local culture of Myanmar. Traveling to various places may take time and effort, but the experience will definitely be worth it. #GetDiscountsWithoutLuck

There is a city called Hpa-an about 100km east of Yangon in Myanmar. Mount Zwekabin, which can be accessed from Hpa-an, is called a hidden place. Hpa-an has many attractive places, but they are far from each other, so you can visit them efficiently by using a tour. The most memorable thing I saw on the tour was the many Buddha statues at the foot of Mount Zwekabin. There are many Buddha statues in other areas, but it is rare to see them outdoors with a roof like a gazebo. The road to the foot of Mount Zwekabin was very relaxed, so I was able to relax. The car was very shaky, so if you are prone to motion sickness, it is a good idea to bring motion sickness medicine with you. 🌼Name: Mount Zwekabin 📍Location: Hpa-an, Myanmar 🚘️Access: You can access it from the city of Hpa-an by tour or chartered car. #Let's go to Asia

#springitinerary You haven’t truly experienced Myanmar until you’ve watched the sun rise over Kyauk Kalap Pagoda—a golden stupa jutting out of a limestone spike in the middle of a lake. Welcome to Hpa-An, where every turn feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. 🌅 First Impressions The moment I arrived, Hpa-An hit me with misty mountains, rice fields glowing neon green, and the sound of monks chanting from caves hidden in the cliffs. The air smells like woodsmoke and ripe mangoes—a combo I didn’t know I needed. 🤣 The "I Accidentally Joined a Karaoke Party" Moment While hunting for dinner, I stumbled into a tiny riverside shack where a group of locals was belting out Burmese pop songs. Next thing I knew, I was handed a mic and attempting "May La Linn" (key word: attempting). They applauded anyway—bless them. 🎤 🍜 Foodie Heaven Breakfast was Hpa-An’s famous lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad) with extra crunchy beans and fried garlic. But the real winner? A hidden night market stall serving grilled river fish wrapped in banana leaves, with a side of tamarind dip that made me question all my life choices. 💎 Hidden Gem: Kawgun Cave Everyone visits Sadang Cave, but Kawgun is the underrated star. Imagine: thousands of tiny golden Buddhas plastered on the walls for centuries, with beams of light slipping through cracks in the ceiling. Pure magic. ⏳ Weekend Itinerary 5 AM: Sunrise at Kyauk Kalap (bring coffee + a camera!). 8 AM: Lunch at a local teahouse (try the Hpa-An-style noodles). 12 PM: Explore Kawgun Cave (watch for bats!). 4 PM: Boat ride to Sadan Cave (paddle through a pitch-black tunnel!). 7 PM: Riverside BBQ + mandatory karaoke (no regrets). Final Tips Rent a motorbike—it’s the best way to explore. Pack a headlamp for cave adventures. Learn "Naing lar?" ("Beautiful, right?" in Burmese)—locals love when you appreciate their town. Who’s ready to chase waterfalls and sing their heart out? 🎶 #HpaAnAdventures

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#favouriteitinerary There are 7 main ethnic groups in Myanmar and Kayin is one of them! They have a very popular city for vacation known as Hpa-An. There is a mountain called “Mount Zwekabin” that is popular for hiking. Until midrange, there will be rest areas and snack stops all around. If you get to the top, there will be a monastery where you can spend the night for free. The city is also known for their caves, we went to Mahar Sadan cave (3rd and 4th pics). The entrance fees for tourists is only $0.5, which they use for the pagoda’s managment. They also have rice fields all around the area. The city is rural but the nature is truly beautiful, especially during sunrise.

#getgoing2025 Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State in Myanmar, is a truly beautiful city nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes. Surrounded by limestone karsts, verdant rice paddies, and winding rivers, Hpa-An offers a picturesque escape. The iconic Mount Zwekabin, with its distinctive summit, dominates the skyline, providing breathtaking views. The city is dotted with fascinating caves adorned with Buddha images, such as Saddan Cave and Kawgun Cave. These ancient sites add a sense of mystique and cultural richness to the area. The Thanlwin River flows gently through the region, offering scenic boat trips and opportunities to appreciate the tranquil surroundings. Hpa-An's charm lies in its harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and laid-back atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Myanmar.

Glue-Thor Waterfall (At Kayin Stage, Myanmar 🇲🇲 ) Originally, the locals called it Yedako (Paka-Knyaw language), which is located in the Karen State, D.K.B.A., Myanmar. It is not difficult to travel from the Thai side. Travel 🚗 Mae Sot-Tha Song Yang, travel by private car for 2.30 hours. - Then cross the river at Ban Mae Tawo Pier, the service fee is 20 baht per person. - There is a restaurant to serve tourists. All food is vegetarian. The rule of this place is to strictly prohibit bringing alcoholic beverages into the shop. - Most restaurants use Burmese money for trading or Thai money can be used. #Gluthor Waterfall #Myanmar is worth visiting #Border attractions in Myanmar

#Rainy season tourist spots #Asia's Angola Waterfall #As beautiful as in literature Here is "Glutho Waterfall" Located in Karen State, Burma It is a large emerald green waterfall It has a semicircular shape, 10-15 meters high You can visit here all year round, you can also swim The day we went, it didn't rain, the water was very clear There were many big fish swimming around Putting your feet in the water is the most refreshing thing, it's the best thing for your heart 💚 #Glutho Waterfall #Mae Tawo Pier #Karen State #Burma #Travel to Burma #Kayin #Myanmar

I have no idea how our Myanmar Ancestors made these breathtaking artworks. These spectacular 7th century artworks have never failed to amaze us with great value for history, religion, culture, and architecture of former Burmese. #kawguncave #hpaan #kayinstate #myanmar #myanmartourism #7thcenturyarchitecture #history #art #culture #buddhism #shotoniphone #myphotography #linminmyatphotography

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It is a large waterfall with a height of about 10-15 meters, with a semicircular curve. It is so beautiful that Burmese people and tourists who have seen it have nicknamed it "Niagara Falls of Asia". If you come in early winter or summer, the waterfall will be emerald green. The waterfall here has water and can be visited all year round. 💰Free admission 🏊You can play in the water 🌭There is food for sale 🚗Travel: 34 kilometers from the Thai border at Ban Mae Tawo, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province #Gluto Waterfall #Karen State #Burma #Travel to Burma #Travel Addict #Songkran 2024

In Myanmar, Karen state, some of natural places and It's make me feel want to go back ##Kyarinnhill #mountain ##Nature ##Monkey

🚗Travel abroad, go in the morning - return in the evening Glutot Waterfall, or the Burmese call it Yedako Waterfall, is a waterfall that is not very high, surrounded by nature, trees, very good atmosphere, emerald green water, many tourists. Here there are restaurants, shops selling products, accessories, shirts, swimming pants. If you didn't prepare anything, you can buy it here. This place can be visited all year round. The summer is very suitable. Easy to travel and most importantly, very beautiful. #tripแจกโรงแรมฟรี

Klutho Waterfall, Karen State, Burma 🇲🇲🇲🇲 Originally, the locals called it Yedako (Paka-Knyaw language), which is located in Karen State, D.K.B.A., Burma. It is a waterfall that is considered convenient to travel to. You can take a pickup truck from the pier to the waterfall. You can take a boat at Mae Tawo Pier, Tha Song Yang, Tak. There are shops at the waterfall, but they only serve vegetarian food. Drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited. If it is a sunny day with beautiful skies, you will see a rainbow and the water is clear and green like an emerald pool. Anyone who goes there will fall in love. #tripfreeaccommodation #wintertravel #beautifulwaterfall #KluthoWaterfall