Hpa-An is one of the places in Myanmar on the east bank of the Thanlwin River with stunning views I wanted to visit. It is not only because of one of my friend’s hometowns but also of its untouched natural beauty. Limestone mountains and Stupas surround it at the top of almost every hill. It is home to the 722-meter-high Zwegabin mountain. This mountain is crowned by a stupa which is said to contain the hair of the Buddha. Like all other famous destinations in Myanmar, Hpa An is no different, jam-packed with caves, pagodas, and stupas.
Road Trip From Kyaiktiyo Pagoda to Hpa-An
Early Saturday morning, our trip to Hpa-An started from Kinpun village at the base town of mount Kyaiktiyo (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda). It took us 3 hours to get to our Thiri Hpa-An Hotel, next to the Than Lwin Bridge, Hpa-An.
Map of Caves, Pagodas and Temples in Hpa-An
Like all other famous destinations in Myanmar, Hpa An is jam-packed with caves, pagodas, and stupas. However, locals are more approachable here, easy to get attention, and people got the time; they are friendly, making it easy to start a conversation.
Our 1st stop: Bayin Nyi Cave
We got off the highway between Thaton and Hpa-An and made many turns to get to Bayin Nyi Cave. A long walk from the parking lot along a shady path between a pool. There are hot springs where locals usually swim. A temple complex with many colorful statues was on the other side of the pool. To get to the cave, I had to climb steep steps, and once at the top greeted by many friendly monkeys, not afraid of humans at all—beautiful view from the top. A concrete path leads through the cave, and I need to walk barefoot.
Next Stop: Yathae Pyan Cave, Hpa-An
We parked our car far away from the cave and crossed a bridge over a pool to get to the stairway entrance. The cave is 150 feet above the base, so there are steep stairs. There was a large stupa at the mouth of the cave, and the walls were flanked with Buddha sculptures and partially covered in tile. Hot and humid inside, and you had to walk barefooted on a wet passageway that led to another side of the cave; through the opening, you could enjoy the view of the lake, which was picturesque and perfect for photographers.
Getting There
It really gets difficult to get here during the rainy season, but since the surrounding area gets flooded only way to approach is anything but a boat. However, since Yathei Pyan cave is slightly elevated so, unlike other caves in that area, it does not fill with water. There were many monkeys by the pool at the mountain’s base, and the locals usually fed the monkeys while visiting the cave.
Historical Kawgoon Cave was our next stop
Kawgoon Cave was known as Kowgun. It is also called Cave of the Ten Thousand Buddhas. The cave is more of a rock shelter than a true cave. The rock cliff is mostly covered with clay tablets high on the walls, and there are Buddhas everywhere, with a reclining Buddha in a separate outer building. The only chamber is lit by daylight. King Manuaha constructed Kawgun after he was defeated in battle and had to take sanctuary in the caves. It is an impressive Piece of work.
Kaw Ka Taung Cave, Hpa-An
Kaw Ka Taung Cave is at Kaw Kyaik, east of Zwegabin hill. There’s a long row of stone monks outside the compound and many Buddhas inside. The cave is only 53m long but has a tiled floor and is full of statues.
Kyauk Kalap Pagoda Hpa An, Myanmar
Sometimes it may look like every mountaintop or nice-looking rock has a golden stupa built on top of it. When you get to the Kyauk Kalap pagoda, you do see the same. Still, most importantly, it’s so beautiful, and the rock formation is unusual and seemingly balanced precariously, with a golden stupa on top of it. It is surrounded by a spectacular lake constructed around the pagoda, giving it the name of Kyauk Kalap, which means ‘water garden.’
Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda, Hpa-An
Shwe Yin Myaw World Peace Pagoda is located on the bank of Thanlwin River, Hpa An Township, Kayin State, Myanmar. If you are in Hpa-An, this pagoda should be on your list. You could see the beautiful sunset view and the far distant mountains on the other side of the river.
Lumbini Garden with thousand Buddha – Hpa An
With over thousands of Buddha statues, the Lumbini Garden is a great attraction at the base of Mount Zwekabin. I combined this trip with the monastery at the back of the garden. It is also the entrance to go to the top of Mount Zwekabin. I heard that a cable car project is planned for pilgrims to go straight to the top of the famous mountain from the base.
Where to stay in Hpa-an, Myanmar
Keinnara Hpa-An, Myanmar
Located in Hpa-an, 9 miles from Shwe Yin Mhyaw Pagoda, Keinnara Hpa-An has accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. In addition, the hotel provides an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available. The area is famous for hiking and cycling, and car rental is available at the hotel. The nearest airport is Mawlamyine Airport, 32 miles from the accommodation.
Soe Ko Ko Motel Hpa-An
Located in Hpa-an, a 16-minute walk from Shwe Yin Mhyaw Pagoda, Soe Ko Ko Motel Hpa-An features a garden view and a shared lounge; the 1-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has a 24-hour front desk, room service, and guest luggage storage. The nearest airport is Mawlamyine Airport, 35 miles from the hotel.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Hpa-an, Myanmar? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being in Hpa-an Myanmar, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Myanmar.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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