bigtravelbuzzHpa-an in Myanmar is often skipped as it is a destination off the normal route through Myanmar. Hpa-an (pronounced Pa-an) is a small town surrounded by lush green rice fields, limestone mountains and numerous caves. Experience local life, go hiking, visit the world’s largest reclining Buddha, and explore rice fields. Set aside about two days to explore all the activities in Hpa An.
8 things to do in Hpa An
- Hike to Pump Mountain
Hpa Amp Mountain is a great way to experience Hpa An. This morning, take a canoe boat (500 kyat) to the other side of the Thanlyin River. Expect some dirt on your shoes. People in this area grow many vegetables and sell them in Hpaan.
Once off the boat, stroll 350 meters till you attain a small town. There is a sign on the left that says “Pump Mountain”. When you come to the foot of the mountain, turn right and go around here. Stairs on the left take about 20 minutes to a great view of Hpa-an.
Tips:
Do not go straight up the mountain from the main road. In order to pass through the temple, you will climb up with your shoes on. Circle the mountain (as mentioned above).
- Visit Sadar Cave
Sadar Cave is one of those places you didn’t expect to see. Follow the road to this huge cave for about 15 minutes. The trail ends at a small lake where you can return to the boat near the cave entrance. Surrounded by lush rice fields, the area is even more impressive. The entrance fee to the cave is 1000 kyat ($0.75) and a private boat is around 3000 kyat. ($2.25)
Useful information:
This cave is closed in the course of the rainy season.
- Hike Mount Zwekabin
If climbing Mount Pump seems too boring, get off early in the morning and climb Mount Zwekabin. This 2.5 hour hike will put your skills to the test. - Visit Golden Rock
On the way from Yangon to Hpa-an is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, known as Golden His Rock. He is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Getting to Golden Rock from Base Camp requires a considerable drive. From here, board what appears to be a bus full of locals and a few tourists to the summit, which takes about an hour.
The view from the top is beautiful and it’s fascinating to see how many (local) people live on top of the mountain.
- Sunset over the river
His one of the easiest and most unforgettable things to do in Hpa An is watching the sunset on the Thanlyin River. If you’re lucky, you might even interact with the locals washing themselves and dishes in the river. - Chau Kalat Pagoda
Another point your heart says:
However .. how? ! The Kyauk Kalat Pagoda sits on a small limestone point and is about to collapse. A perfect place to spend some time. - Explore the rice fields
Hpa An is surrounded by incredibly lush rice fields. Rent a motorbike or bicycle and venture just outside the city. Rice is cultivated several times a year, so this is a great chance to see them. - Explore Mawlamyine
Mawlamyine is about 1.5 hours drive from Hpaan. A more developed city, but a less touristy one. The city was Myanmar’s main port before being transferred to Yangon. You can see the world’s tallest Reclining Buddha (Winseintayer) at a height of 180m!! Or, enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the Chai Tan Lan Pagoda.
It’s hard to find foreign tourists in either place. I put this on the last item on my to-do list because I think the other seven items are better. :
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How to get from Yangon to his Hpaan
If you are planning to include Hpa-an in your Myanmar itinerary, allow 2-3 days for this area.
It can be reached by car or bus ($9) from Yangon. Both take about 8 hours to arrive.
Hotel in Hpa An
Hpa An is still in its infancy for tourism and offers a small number of hotels.