Hpa-an

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Hpa-an (Karen ဖးအါ၀့ၢ်ဖိ; Burmese ဘားအံမြို့) is a city (population 421,575 as of 2014) in Kayin State in Southeastern Myanmar.

Hpa-an Halal Explorer

Hpa_An_03 - Hpa-an with mountains in the back

Hpa-an is the capital of Kayin State. It is surprisingly underdeveloped given its relative proximity to Mawlamyine and Yangon but this can be explained by the fact that the area has been in conflict with the Government for many years and has only recently become relatively peaceful. With the expected completion of the Greater Mekong Subregion East-West Corridor at the end of 2015, when improvements to the road between Mae Sot in Thailand and Mawlamyine are due to be finalised, Hpa-an will have great prospects to export to Thailand, and the town and surrounding region are likely to boom.

Travel to Hpa-an

There is no train connection to Hpa-an, only road travel goes into the city.

• Mawlamyine – Bus (no air-con) is about 2 hr, 1,200 kyat. There is also a boat available from Mawlamyine to Hpa-an for 70,000 kyat (private charter) or 10,000 kyat per person (shared) leaving from Hpa-an Jetty GPS 16.893438,97.630200 at 8am and which takes around 3 h.
• Myawaddy – The bus is about 5,000 kyat and takes 3-5 hr. There are also many shared taxis running between Hpa-an and Myawaddy for 10,000 kyat per person which take around 4 hr.
• Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) – Bus with air-con is about 2.5-3 hours to Kyaikto, 5-7,000 kyat. Every 30 min from about 6-10AM and then at least every hour for the rest of the day. A slower direct "government" bus leaves at 7:30AM, but it's probably more comfortable to change in Kyaikto.
• Buses also come in from Yangon (Aung Mingalar Highway Station, 6 hr, about 5,000 kyat, every 30-60 min) and Bago (Myanmar) | Bago.
• Buses from Bagan, Naypyidaw and Mandalay, tend to go directly to Mawlamyine through Thaton GPS 16.919555,97.368745}}. Nevertheless, from the Golden Pagoda GPS 16.914983,97.369705 in Thaton it is easy to catch a pickup (1,500 kyat) or bus (2,000 kyat) to Hpa-an. Also, trains stop in Thaton GPS 16.916009,97.358233, but not Hpa-an.

The Clock Tower GPS 16.889034,97.634459 is the main transport hub for travelers. Shared taxis and buses leave and stop here. The area is spotted with numerous ticket sellers.

There is also the official Saturday Pyit Kwin Bus Terminal GPS 16.865688,97.660416, just in case you do not get dropped off at the clock tower or are keen to get your bus ticket first-hand.

How to get around in Hpa-an

Especially around the market and the ferries, plenty of motorbike-taxis and trishaws are available. Do not pay more than 1,000 kyat for destinations within the city. Trips to the nationside for a couple of hours should not cost more than 5,000 kyat for a trishaw.

It is easy to rent a motorbike; some hotels like Galaxy Motel and Soe Brother can arrange them (~ 8.000 kyat/day) from 7AM onwards.

Shared tuktuk (max 6pax) cost ~35,000 kyat for one whole day (7AM Monday - 6PM). It can takes you to all places of interest except Bat Caves. Petrol & tol are inclusive.

What to see in Hpa-an

• Shweyinhmyaw Paya 16.894003,97.631069 - This pagoda at the north-west end of town has nice views of the sunset. You can watch from a viewing tower or at the side of the river next to the pagoda.

• Kan Thar Yar Lake 16.882684, 97.631151 - This lake in the lower part of the city and its wooden bridge are recommended in the evening.

• Kaw Ka Taung Cave 16.82823, 97.70573 Follow the primary street east (it turns southeast later) from the Clock Tower for 10.5 kilometers - This is a small and low cave built using tiles and filled with numerous small and big Buddhas. Bring a torch since there is something in the end to explore. Going further just by the cave, after 200 m there is a nice swimming swimmingpool with very clear water from the mountain and hundreds of fish in it, circled by half a dozen restaurants right next to beautiful Rice fields. Take a swim and get off the salt.

• Mat Ka Na Bridge & Village 16.830351, 97.713320 Further into the nationside along the main track by Kaw Ka Taung Cave - Sometimes also spelled Lat Ka Na. This concrete bridge is a famous and picturesque destination. Explore the village behind the bridge.

• Saddan Cave - Saddar Cave, Sadan Cave, Seren Cave | 16.739847, 97.71864 300 m east of the Clock Tower turn right into Ka Lar Tan Street and follow this street south for about 14 km. Then this road does a 90° turn left; after another 500 m there is a gravel road to the right marked with a small green sign pointing south towards the cave. Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset 1,000 kyat donation demanded Saddan Cave - A huge cave filled with a Buddha face looking rock, a reclining Buddha statue, a pagoda and many more Buddhist items. There is lighting nowadays but do not forget (ǃ) to bring along your shoes when entering the cave, to walk further and through after the pagoda part (around 500 m). At the other end there are boats waiting for a nice trip on the lake and another cave (about 1,000 kyat). Alternatively, you can eat something at the nearby restaurant.

• Yae Ta Khon 16.790103, 97.687278 200 m east of the Clock Tower take the second primary street (Ka Lar Tan St) south for 12.8 kilometers (before the 90° bend south of the primary street) - A nice swimming swimmingpool in a cool surrounding. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to swim in the upper pool. Following up the hill to the right of the swimmingpool there are many white pagodas standing in a geometrical and quite picturesque order.

• Lumbini Garden 16.807144, 97.671512 2.6 kilometers north of Yae Ta Khon - 4,000 kyat for Foreigners Lumbini Garden Hpa An - A nice looking "garden" with 1,150 sitting and quadratically placed Buddhas at the foot of Zwegabin mountain. In early 2023 a cable vehicle was inaugurated to get a glance of the garden from above.

Mount Zwegabin - View from Mount Zwegabin at dawn

• Mount Zwegabin - Mount Zwe Kabin | 16.82416, 97.66804 - From the top it offers a spectacular 360° views of the surrounding planes, especially when the air is still clear, i.e. in the morning and during wet season. It takes up to 4 hours to walk up the 723 m mountain and down again. Bring enough water for the climb and heat. There are at least two main tracks, one leading up north from "Lumbini Garden" and another one going down and east towards the primary street that serves Kaw Ka Taung Cave, Ein Du village and Saddan Cave. However it will be hard to use both tracks if you come with rented motorbike. After an accident in February 2017 it is not feasible to stay overnight at the top.

Hpa An - Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda (24043102209) - Kyauk Kalap Pagoda

• Kyauk Kalap 16.818229, 97.640476 - A monastery in the middle of an artificial lake filled with uncountable amounts of small (jumping around) and big fish (sticking out their mouths). It contains a pillar-like and interestingly stable or to say impossibly still standing rock with a pagoda mounted on top. Looks very nice for a couple of pictures. The rock can be climbed. Before the lake another golden temple with a nice looking Buddha statue can be visited.

• Kaw Goon Cave 16.822915, 97.584731 - After crossing the bridge towards Thaton go left/southwest and drive 3.8 kilometers until the end of the road. - 3,000 kyat "donation" 7th Century Buddha Carvings - Besides the Saddan Cave, this is also a very famous cave and worth the visit, causing the steep price. The rock carvings are said to originate from the 13th century. If you are not keen to pay the entrance, climb the close lookout for free. It may be feasible to skip the "donation" check by keeping to the left and walking behind the buildings facing the main path. Watch out for the monkeys.

• Ya-The-Byan Cave 16.835200, 97.570443 On the road towards Kaw Goon Cave from the bridge after 2.5 kilometers take the road to the West, straight for another 2.5 kilometers - The entrance to this cave is 116 feet above sea level. Stemming back from the 17th century. With three Buddha images (standing and sitting), nearly 5 feet in height. It is located close to the village with the same name. Top of the hill exit has an amazing sunset view deck.

Hpa-An_Bat_Cave - Hpa-An bat cave at sunset

• Bat Cave 16.848738, 97.611234 9 kilometers away from the city. Take the first "road" to the right directly after the end of the bridge towards Thaton before the control point. Keep driving until you're close to the river and turn left at the T junction (there should be a sign). Drive until the gate and walk the rest until the end passing by the temple. Be especially careful when driving back in the dark. - 1,000 kyat - This is a great experience and impressive nature spectacle when an endless stream of 100,000s of bats come flying out of their cave at sunset (check the sunset time for your dates, it can be between 5:20PM in November to 6:40PM in July). The bats start coming out of the cave almost exactly at sunset, and the whole spectacle takes more than 1 hours (although the vast majority of the flying mammals fly out of the cave in the first 10 min). Bring patience and a torch (for the walk back). Go a bit earlier and climb up the nearby hill in front of the cave with a stupa on top to have a stunning view of the river and countryside. The best place to see the bats is near the stupa at the base of the stairs. About 5,000 kyat for a taxi to get there and back from Hpa-an. It can also be booked as a tour with most of the guest houses, e.g. Soe Brothers Guesthouse.

• Bayin Nyi Cave 16.970388, 97.493572 22 kilometers from the bridge on the way to Thaton - Placed in a beautiful surrounding with a nearby lake and pagoda.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hpa-an

Hpa-an is famous for its numerous surrounding caves, mountains and green planes. Most hotels organise tours to those (like Soe Brothers and Golden Sky) - full-day trips cost 30,000 kyat (for up to 6 people). In case you arrive late and the Bat Cave evening tour is a highly recommended choice. However, you can also easily explore everything on your own by renting a motorbike from many guesthouses, e.g. Soe Brothers, Galaxy Hotel, Lwin Pyar Guesthouse or Good Luck Motorbike Rental next to Soe Brothers. It takes about a day (without the 4 hours climb of Zwegabin mountain) and the rental costs about 6,000 kyat - depending on the season. Fuel will set you back by another 1,000-1,500 kyat. No road or bridge toll is required on a scooter or bicycle. Below are two recommendations for a day-trip by scooter.

Hpa-An - Extensive day trip by scooter - Route of Extensive day trip by scooter

Extensive day trip by scooter

Leaving Hpa-an early at 8:30 and returning around 19:00. The journey has a length of about kilometers 75. The gpx track is attached to this page.

Kaw Ka Taung Cave, Mat Ka Na Bridge & Village, Saddan Cave, Yae Ta Khon, Lumbini Garden, next Kyauk Kalap to the West and then Kawgoon Cave as well as Ya-The-Byan Cave, and last but not least the Bat Cave for a lasting sunset & bat experience. Probably there will not be enough time to climb Mount Zwegabin from Lumbini garden, if you want to visit all sights listed above.

Relaxed day trip by scooter

For a slightly less demanding tour try this kilometers 62 round-trip. Sightseeing stops are Ya-The-Byan Cave (monkeys), Kaw Goon Cave, Kyauk Kalap, Lumbini Garden, Yae Ta Khon swimmingpool (for lunch - 1,500-2,000 kyat), Mat Ka Na Village, Kaw Ka Taung Cave.

Between Hpa-An and Saddan Cave - On the road between Lumbini Garden and Saddan Cave

Other things to do

• Hpa-Pu village and hill 16.9087808, 97.6259418 - Take a boat across the river to Hpa-Pu and learn something about the history and name of Hpa-an. If you feel energetic you can hike up the hill north of Hpa-Pu.
• Rent a bicycle to go around the city and to visit the Bat Cave. It is not too far away.
• Take a boat from Hpa-an to Mawlamyine for a picturesque and slow trip down the river. You can sometimes charter a private boat. Ask at Soe Brothers to see about availability (price is 8,000 kyat). The boat will only run if it has already been chartered by tourists to come up from Mawlamyine; if so and they'll take you back to Mawlamyine. The charter from Mawlamyine to Hpa-an is 70,000 kyat for the whole boat. The trip takes about 3 hr.
• Hair dresser: Get a new haircut for 1,500 kyat. The wash is another 1,500 kyat and includes a head massage. Shwe Wad Boy and Lady Hair Beauty Spa in Phula Min Supermarket 3rd floor (mall). No English spoken but they will understand what you want.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hpa-an

• Myo Ma Zay Gyi Market 16.891457,97.634982 Across the mosque near Soe Brothers Guesthouse - Everything is sold here from cosmetics to clothing to fruits to Gold.

Halal Restaurants in Hpa-an

• At the central market (Myo Ma Zay Gyi Market) opposite the mosque, some street stands sell (extremely cheap) soup with stuffed tofu and stuffed tomatoes (200 kyat for the soup, 100 kyat for each stuffed tofu/tomato). This place is also recommended for breakfast. Otherwise just walk around; many places prepare street food in the evening.

• Shwe Htone Maung Cafe Ask the local residents Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5PM Praised for its great breakfast including variations of Noodles and bananas. Also try the vermicelli.
• New Day Bakery | Bogyoke StAcross from where you catch the bus. - 600+ kyat for coffee and fresh juices Serves fresh (not instant) coffee for a affordable price. They have a great variety of different coffee shakes, iced Coffee, frappucino, and fresh fruit juices.

• Mya Kan Thar Food Centre | Corner of Yone Kone St. and Zwekabin St. 16.868, 97.634Ask local taxi to "Hin Thar Gone" round about. The shop is close to the round about. ☎ +95 58 22533 Opening Hours: 7AM Monday - 9PM US$1-3 Provide clean, fresh, healthy and delicious light food. Suitable for who seeking safe food around Hpa-an. The Noodles and fried Rice dishes are freshly prepared and well cooked and serve while hot. The Shop is located near government offices and quiet place. It is designed with traditional thatch roofing which give nature coolness who getting hot and humid after walking around famous lake "Kan Thar Yar". Our shop is close to Kayin Museum and good place to stop by for light food/lunch. Beer and liqour not available. Hand made fresh juices refresh your tiredness of visiting around Hpa-an.

• Night Market 16.8834309, 97.6313420 - There is a night market with a huge variety of food, directly at the Kan Thar Yar lake. Just go down the "School Street" from the primary street until you see it next to the lake.

• Veranda Youth Community Cafe Zwekabin St., Ward 4, Hpa-An 16.876124, 97.632798 Near Kan Thar Yar Lake ☎ +959 787208504 - A nice and cool place which is also supporting the local youths develoPMent programs. Popular among the local expatriates and there is also a tourists information centre to assist those who might need help to travel around Hpa-An.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hpa-an

Hpa-an - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hpa-an, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hpa-an. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hpa-an and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hpa-an. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hpa-an. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hpa-an: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hpa-an.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hpa-an: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hpa-an, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hpa-an.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hpa-an, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hpa-an, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hpa-an and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hpa-an, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hpa-an, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hpa-an without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hpa-an is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hpa-an.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hpa-an is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hpa-an, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hpa-an Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hpa-an

eHalal Group Hpa-an is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hpa-an. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hpa-an.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hpa-an ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hpa-an. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hpa-an, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Hpa-an

• Than Lwan O 2 Guesthouse 2 Thida Street 16.893436, 97.633916 Right next to the Galaxy Motel, purple building. ☎ +95 58 21513 8/10/12/15,000 kyat (sgl,dbl,twin,en-suite) They have a few in-expensive single rooms, and are very helpful even giving out area maps like Soe Brothers. Common room to the more quiet back, which is great for meeting new people. WiFi & Air-con.

• Soe Brothers Guesthouse No.2/146 Thitsar Street 16.890605, 97.634530 ☎ +95 58 21372, +95 9 49771823 Checkout: 11:30 US$5/14/16/20 (sgl fan/shared dbl fan/shared dbl air-con/private dbl air-con) Basic, grotty rooms with shared baths. Private rooms are better, but still worse value for money than at Golden Sky Guesthouse. Wifi and free coffee available in the morning. Very popular with backpackers. This remains the most competent tour advisor in town, renting motorbikes (6,000 kyat) and bicycles (1,000 kyat) including a great map, as well as organising various affordable tours.

• Golden Sky Guesthouse 2 West Thidar Ward 16.893662, 97.632376 10-30,000 kyat Nice, clean, spacious rooms with TV and even small balconies. The more expensive rooms are basically identical, but have a view to the surrounding mountains. Free WiFi. They have several chill-out places, including a terrace with an awesome view over the surrounding countryside and mountains. The owners are a bit stern-looking, but appear to be nice. As of February 2017 and they also have Golden Sky Guesthouse 2 across the street, with single bed rooms with a fan for 8,000 kyat per day with shared bathroom (down the hall). They also offer ensuite rooms for around 15,000 kyat.

• Galaxy Motel 16.893182, 97.634143 Corner of Thisar Road and Thida Road ☎ +95 58 21347, +95 9 5661863 US$16/22 (sgl/dbl) Nice, clean and quiet 3-storey hotel next to the market with spring mattresses, hot water, private bathrooms, WiFi and air-conditioning. Breakfast included, either continental or local. No real common area to meet other travelers, but the breakfast restaurant can be used as one. The staff is very helpful and super friendly. They provide free maps of the surrounding area and rent motorbikes (7,000 kyat/day).

• Tiger Hotel - ☎ +95 58 21392 US$20/25 (sgl/dbl) Clean room with new fittings though the water is a bit rusty. Price includes breakfast, air-con, and TV.

• Parami Hotel | 304, Paya Road 16.890082, 97.635352 - At the junction of Ohn Daw Street - US$30-35 double Used by eHalal Tour Groups. Price includes breakfast, air-con and TV (Burmese language only). The Tripadvisor rating is only 2.5 of 5 stars.

• Hotel Angels Land | 4/600, Padauk Road 16.882533, 97.627759 ☎ +95 58 21 256

Hpa-An Lodge - Bungalow at Keinnara Hpa-An

• Keinnara Hpa-An - Hpa-An Lodge | On the road towards Lumbini Garden and Saddan Cave ☎ +959253307775 140-190$ Hpa-An Lodge . The most luxurious hotel in Hpa-An. Great rooms, some of them with a stunning view to Mount Zwegabin. Super delicious breakfast. Highly recommended for whom money is no object.

• Hotel Zwe Ka Bin National Highway Right after the Thaton / Hpa-an / Mawlamyine junction south of the city near the river ☎ +95 58 22556 84,000 kyat Impressive but not affordable hotel with a huge cliff in the back and Rice fields to the other side. Named after the famous and close-by mountain. In high season it can be hard to book a room. Cafeteria, WiFi, lobby & organised tours.

Travel Next from Hpa-an

Most buses and pickups/vans leave from the Clock Tower in the center.

• Mawlamyine – Famous for the biggest reclining Buddha statue of Myanmar, and it is the 3rd largest city of Myanmar. The bus (no air-con) is about 2 hr, 1,000 kyat and starts northwest of the Clock Tower GPS 16.889791,97.63371}}. Or 3 hours by boat at 8AM for 8,000 kyat per person or 70,000 kyat charter; ask at your hotel.
• Kyaiktiyo – Famous for the Golden Rock. Most buses stop only at Kyaikto from where you have to take further transportation (pick-up) to get to Kinpun ("base camp"), from where the regular and pricey rollercoaster trucks go up to Kyaiktiyo with the Golden Rock. Most of the (budget) hotels are located at Kinpun. There are some direct buses to Kinpun, just ask for it. Bus with air-con is about 4 hours for 5-7,000 kyat.
• A "direct" pick-up van to Kinpun leaves around 7AM from the Main road northwest of the Clock Tower. Costs only 3,500 kyat up to Kinpun, but still requires to change bus in Kyaikto.
• Bago (Myanmar) | Bago – Famous for the highest pagoda in the world and the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. The bus is 5-10,000 kyat and takes 4-5 hr.
• Yangon – Buses all day, but more in the morning. 6 hr, 5,000 kyat.
• Myawaddy – At the (Thai) border, is a common destination for travelers leaving Myanmar for Mae Sot or Bangkok. Shared taxis are 10,000 kyat and buses 5,000 kyat. Many departures are in the morning.

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