With the southern states of Myanmar often getting overlooked, we took a trip to the Kayin State. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Hpa An.
1. Kaw Ka Taung Cave & Kayaking
Hpa An is certainly not on most travellers Myanmar itinerary, however we had a great time!
The cave is great cultural start to Hpa An but if you’re looking for something more adventurous then kayaking is an awesome way to switch off and get your muscles working.
Also, at the back of the cave, there are a handful of floating restaurants and a beautiful natural Ruby Lake that the locals use as a swimming pool.


2. Latt Ka Na Village
We were on a guided tour with Myanmar Tourism that happened to include home cooked lunch at a local village.
We don’t think this is available without booking through a tour guide but it was a great experience if you get the chance.

3. Gong Thar Phaung Village (Vegetarian Village)
This is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! Surrounded by paddy fields lives a community that follow a different type of Buddhism.
They have no electricity, eat no meat (surviving on only the vegetables they grow in their fields) and have certain clothing to identify the people of their village. Most importantly they worship no ‘god’ but a man that has dedicated his whole life to living in the jungle.


4. Saddan Cave
An amazing naturally formed cave full of history and religious stories behind the rock formations.
The best part has to be the river taxi taking you back round to the entrance of the cave. It was an eerie but fascinating place!

5. Than Lwin River
To get between Hpa An and Mawlamyine there are a few options including train, bus and river boat. Or of course you can pay for a private taxi too.
We opted to hop on a river boat that lead us along the Than Lwin River taking around three and a half hours in total. The morning boat ride was ideal…it was super relaxing and a great scenic switch up from wheels and tarmac.

Where To Stay In Hpa An
Luxury – Keinnara Hpa-An
Situated in Hpa-an, 8.7 miles from Hpa-an Night Market, Keinnara Hpa-An features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden.
Featuring a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
The accommodation provides an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, where staff can assist guests, as well as free WiFi.
The rooms in the hotel come with a flat-screen TV and Keinnara Hpa-An offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Bike hire and car hire are available at the accommodation and the area is popular for hiking and cycling.
Mid-Budget – Hotel Gabana
Set in Hpa-an, 750 yards from Hpa-an Night Market, Hotel Gabana (Hpa-An) offers air-conditioned rooms and a bar.
Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
The hotel features family rooms. At the hotel, all rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The units will provide guests with a fridge.
Hotel Gabana (Hpa-An) offers a buffet or Asian breakfast.
Budget – Thanlwin Pyar Guest House
Located in Hpa-an, within 1.2 miles of Hpa-an Night Market and 350 yards of Shwe Yin Mhyaw Pagoda.
Thanlwin Pyar Guest House provides accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive.
The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk and ticket service for guests.
An Asian breakfast is available daily at the guest house.
For more places to stay in Hpa An, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Myanmar Blogs
The Perfect 2 Week Myanmar Itinerary
Arriving In Myanmar – Things To Know
Best Things To Do In Yangon – A Complete Guide
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock Myanmar
Trip sponsored by Myanmar Tourism
@visit.myanmar
www.myanmar.travel
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