5 Best Things To Do In Hpa An

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.

Table of Contents

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.

Kayaking Kaw Ka Taung Cave Hpa An Things To Do In Hpa An — Kayaking in Hpa An – you’ll need one of these hats!

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.

Local Food In Mawlamyine Things To Do In Mawlamyine — Local Burmese food with members of the Latt Ka Na Village

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.

Gong Thar Phaung Village Hpa An Things To Do In Hpa An — Local kids in the vegetarian village of Gong Thar Phaung

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!

Saddan Cave Hpa An Things To Do In Hpa Ap — Saddan Cave entrance

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.

Mawlamyine to Hpa An Boat — Lauren cruising down the Than Lwin River

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.