Skip to main content
Beyond Hpa An
Hpa An trip ideas
A row of Buddha statues in the Lumbini Garden, Hpa-an, Myanmar.

Things to do in  Hpa An

Myanmar’s best-kept secret

Hpa An is a city steeped in mystique—from the jagged karst mountains that tower over the horizon to sacred caves filled with ancient relics and a precariously perched pagoda. Sitting close(ish) to the Thai border in eastern Myanmar, Hpa An is a little out of the way for most tourists, but that’s a big part of its charm. Travelers who make the trek will find no end of things to do in Hpa An, including visiting Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda, hiking Mount Zwegabin, and exploring Saddan Cave.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

All about Hpa An

Time Zone
MMT (+6)
When to visit

The best time to visit Hpa An is between October and February. The burning season in February can be hazy, and it gets hot and humid before the rainy season (May to October). October and November are especially great times to visit Hpa An as the weather is great, the skies are clear, and the landscapes are lush and green. While you can visit in the wet season, caves and other attractions may be closed.

Getting around

The best way to get around Hpa An is on foot or by bicycle. The town is small and walkable. Bicycles and tuk-tuks are a better option for heading further afield. While tuk-tuk tours help to squeeze in all the sights, you can also take a taxi to Mount Zwegabin and Waterfall Village. Taxis are a good option for day trips, and there is a public bus that runs between Hpa An and Mawlamyine.

Traveler tips

There are so many caves, pagodas, and other things to do in Hpa An that joining a tour is the best way to see them all. Tuk-tuk tours usually include all the main highlights, including Saddan Cave, Kawgun Cave, Kawta Taung Cave, Yathaypyan Cave, and, of course, Kyauk Kalat Pagoda and Taung Wine Pagoda. If you have time, you can day hike Mount Zwegabin or swing by to see the 1000 Buddha Images and Waterfall Village.

en
f0839f37-209a-4b4a-8533-99cbe81e8b5e
attraction_list
People Also Ask
Q:Is Hpa An worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Hpa An is worth visiting. Hpa An may not be as well known as Inle Lake, Bagan, Yangon, and Mandalay; however, it has plenty of attractions of its own, including temples, caves—and temples in caves—lakes, swimming holes, karst mountains, and beautiful scenery.

Q:What is Hpa An famous for?
A:

Hpa An is famous for its caves, temples, Indigenous Karen villages, and spectacular scenery. It’s also known as the home of the gravity-defying Kyat Ka Latt Pagoda, along with Mount Zwegabin. The caves in Hpa An are especially interesting; some include statues and relics dating back to the 7th century.

Q:What are the best things to do in Hpa An?
A:

The best things to do in Hpa An include hiking—especially Mount Zwegabin and Mount Taung Wine—exploring the local caves, and visiting Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda and Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda. The latter is especially great at sunset. Cycling and tuk-tuk tours are also popular things to do in Hpa An.

Q:How long do I need in Hpa An?
A:

For most travelers, a few days in Hpa An is plenty of time to take in all the usual sights. However, you’ll need a few extra days if you plan on taking day trips to nearby attractions like Mawlamyine, Win Sein Taw Ya’s reclining Buddha, and Kyaikito’s Golden Rock.

Q:How do you get to Hpa An?
A:

Hpa An is well connected to the rest of Myanmar by road, with regular buses running from Yangon and Mawlamyine. You can also get to Hpa An by private or shared taxi; taxis are the best way to get to Hpa An from the Thai border crossing at Myawaddy.

Q:Is Hpa An a safe place to visit?
A:

Hpa An is a fairly safe place to visit, although it’s recommended that travelers are vigilant and take typical travel safety measures. Before visiting Hpa An or Myanmar, check your country's travel guidelines. The US, for instance, cautions travel to the country due to civil unrest and armed conflict.

Things to do near Hpa An

Popular on Viator