Hpa-an

Hpa-an (ဘားအံ), Kayin State's scruffy riverside capital, isn't going to inspire many postcards home. But the people are friendly, and the city is the logical base from which to explore the Buddhist caves, sacred mountains, and rivers and lakes of the stunning surrounding countryside.

Explore Hpa-an

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Saddan Cave
This football-stadium-sized cave is simply breathtaking, its entrance dominated by dozens of buddha statues, a couple of pagodas and some newer clay wall…
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Kyauk Kalap
Standing proud in the middle of a small, artificial lake is Kyauk Kalap, a tall finger of sheer rock atop which is one of the more unusual pagodas in…
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Kawgun Cave & Yathaypyan Cave
The 7th-century artwork of the Kawgun Cave consists of thousands of tiny clay buddhas and carvings plastered all over the walls and roof of this open…
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Shweyinhmyaw Paya
Close to the waterfront, this golden pagoda is a popular hang-out around sunset, as well as an easy place to watch the world go by during the day.
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Kaw Ka Thawng Cave
This area actually consists of three caves, only two of which are generally open to the public.
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Clock Tower
Now digitised, but not always working, Hpa-an's clock tower is lit up at night like a gaudy lollipop.
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Market
Hpa-an's vibrant market is good for a wander and a chat with the locals.
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Monastery
Monastery in the west of Hpa-an, close to the river.
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Monastery
Monastery in the centre of Hpa-an.

S
Saddan Cave
This football-stadium-sized cave is simply breathtaking, its entrance dominated by dozens of buddha statues, a couple of pagodas and some newer clay wall…
K
Kyauk Kalap
Standing proud in the middle of a small, artificial lake is Kyauk Kalap, a tall finger of sheer rock atop which is one of the more unusual pagodas in…
K
Kawgun Cave & Yathaypyan Cave
The 7th-century artwork of the Kawgun Cave consists of thousands of tiny clay buddhas and carvings plastered all over the walls and roof of this open…
S
Shweyinhmyaw Paya
Close to the waterfront, this golden pagoda is a popular hang-out around sunset, as well as an easy place to watch the world go by during the day.
K
Kaw Ka Thawng Cave
This area actually consists of three caves, only two of which are generally open to the public.
C
Clock Tower
Now digitised, but not always working, Hpa-an's clock tower is lit up at night like a gaudy lollipop.
M
Market
Hpa-an's vibrant market is good for a wander and a chat with the locals.
M
Monastery
Monastery in the west of Hpa-an, close to the river.
M
Monastery
Monastery in the centre of Hpa-an.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Hpa-an.

See
Saddan Cave
This football-stadium-sized cave is simply breathtaking, its entrance dominated by dozens of buddha statues, a couple of pagodas and some newer clay wall…
See
Kyauk Kalap
Standing proud in the middle of a small, artificial lake is Kyauk Kalap, a tall finger of sheer rock atop which is one of the more unusual pagodas in…
See
Kawgun Cave & Yathaypyan Cave
The 7th-century artwork of the Kawgun Cave consists of thousands of tiny clay buddhas and carvings plastered all over the walls and roof of this open…
See
Shweyinhmyaw Paya
Close to the waterfront, this golden pagoda is a popular hang-out around sunset, as well as an easy place to watch the world go by during the day.
See
Kaw Ka Thawng Cave
This area actually consists of three caves, only two of which are generally open to the public.
See
Clock Tower
Now digitised, but not always working, Hpa-an's clock tower is lit up at night like a gaudy lollipop.
See
Market
Hpa-an's vibrant market is good for a wander and a chat with the locals.
See
Monastery
Monastery in the west of Hpa-an, close to the river.
See
Monastery
Monastery in the centre of Hpa-an.

Guidebooks

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