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!

Kaw Ka Taung Cave is great cultural start to Hpa An. One of the oldest caves in the country, it houses more than a thousand images of Buddha and is a respected and sacred place for the local people.

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.

However, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, the kayaking also available here is an awesome way to switch off and get your muscles working.

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.

For a range of authentic, fresh and tasty local cuisine this is the best. All served with a smile, you feel like you are one of the family!

We don’t think this is available without booking through a tour guide but it was a great experience if you get the chance.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Myanmar.

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, this community 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 that identifies 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.

These friendly villagers were very warm and welcoming. The leader of the village even invited us to have lunch with him and his family!

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

Named after Saddan, the king of elephants who lived close to the cave, this gigantic cave is home to some pretty impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The largest being called the ‘Stone Pillar of the King of Elephants’.

This amazing naturally formed cave is full of history and lots of religious stories about the rock formations. At the exit of Saddan Cave, there is a large lake which is said to be King Saddan’s bathing lake.

The best part has to be the river taxi taking you back round to the entrance of the cave. It was quite an eerie but really fascinating place to visit.

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.

We opted to hop on a river boat that took us along the Than Lwin River, taking around three and a half hours in total.

This river, also known as the Salween and Nu, is the longest undammed river in mainland southeast Asia. Furthermore, from its origins in Tibet, to its estuary in Myanmar, it remains wild and relatively untouched.

This large river supports the livelihoods of over 10 million people, including fisheries and fertile farmland central to ethnic minority communities living along its banks.

The river has faced a series of proposed dams over the years, which would be very damaging to the livelihoods of many of the communities.

However, due to a huge river protection movement that has arisen, these plans have never come to fruition. So, much to the delight of the communities that need this river to survive, the river remains natural and free flowing.

For us, the morning boat ride along this impressive river was perfect. 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.