9 Best Things To Do In Hpa-An, Myanmar

1. Watch the sunrise and take a morning walk around Kan Thar Yar Lake

Located on the south side of town, this peaceful and scenic lake is an ideal starting point for tourists. Like a scene from a painting, this lake offers a breathtaking scenery in Hpa-An. With the mountain’s silhouette behind, the still waters in front, and the wooden footbridge in the middle, this arrangement makes a perfect sight.

If you wake up early, walk towards the lake and soak up in the magnificent sunrise. A refreshing start sets the mood for your stay in Hpa-An.

Kan Thar Yar Lake

Address: Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

2. Sample local food at Hpa-An Night Market

As the night unfolds, the scene around Kan Thar Yar Lake comes to life as it turns into a food strip. Have a taste of the local street food and try out the vendors’ cheap and delicious snacks and dishes.

You can choose from barbecues, dumplings, salads, fried noodles, fruit juices, curried meats, tofu and fish, and the highly recommended traditional Burmese plate of veggies. Grab a beer in the nearby cafes and strike a conversation with the locals.

Hpa-An Night Market

Address: Kan Thar Yar Lake, Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

Opening hours: 4pm - 10pm (daily)

3. Be in awe of Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda’s unique rock formation

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located 7 km (4 mi) south of Hpa-An. It sits on a limestone formation that seems to be imbalanced. The irregularly shaped rock has a base narrower than its top. This gravity-defying rock formation will leave you wondering why the golden pagoda doesn’t fall off from its place.

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda, meaning Water Garden Pagoda, is on a tiny island surrounded by an artificial lake with Mount Zwegabin in the background. From afar, the whole landscape looks awe-inspiring. There’s no entrance fee, but they ask for a small donation before you enter.

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda

Address: Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

Price: Free

4. Climb Mount Kyar Inn hill

If you want to experience countryside views without having a difficult time, pick this small hill. Mount Kyar Inn is located just outside the center of Hpa-An, and it offers the most scenic vistas.

It has a beautiful shrine overlooking Hpa-An’s best landscapes. The best time to go hiking is in the morning when it’s not too hot. You can also visit just before sunset for a different view.

Mount Kyar Inn

Address: Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

5. Learn history and culture at the Kayin State Museum

Take a quick tour of the town’s main cultural center and learn about the customs and lifestyles in Kayin State. It only takes an hour to explore, and you get a nice glimpse of the region’s treasured artifacts.

Some of the things you can see here include ivory, figurines, and literary texts from the Kayin races. Gain a better understanding of Hpa-An’s sacred past by visiting this museum.

Kayin State Museum

Address: Kayin Street, Myawaddy, Myanmar (Burma)

Opening hours: 6am - 3pm (daily)

Price: 2,000 MMK (1 USD)

6. Chill out and relax at Veranda – Youth Community Café

This café has a modern, laid-back vibe, perfect for the younger crowd. The rustic and stone wooden interiors will draw you to this place. At night, the yellow lights perfectly complement the garden’s ambiance.

You will love this café even more if you’re a foodie. They serve healthy juices, coffee, cocktails from traditional rice liquor, and Thai dishes with a Burmese twist.

Veranda - Youth Community Cafe

Address: Zwe Ka Bin Street, Ward 4, Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

Website: Veranda - Youth Community Cafe

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 3pm; Tue - Sun: 9am - 9pm

7. Watch the black phenomenon at the Bat Cave

At around sunset, thousands of bats emerge from the mouth of the Bat Cave to hunt for food. As they fly out to the sky, they leave a black streak that creates a terrific sight for those who have never seen it before.

Wait around 5 pm and find a spot where you don’t disturb the bats’ natural behavior, so you can enjoy watching the bats perform as they zigzag through the changing sky for half an hour.

Bat Cave

Address: Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

8. Catch the sunset in Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda

You haven’t completed your stay in Hpa-An unless you’ve witnessed the stunning sunset at Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda. Located in the town center along the Thanlwin River, this pagoda is an excellent spot for viewing the sunset against beautiful landscapes.

You can climb the viewing tower and see the pagoda glitter in the afternoon sun.

Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda

Address: Thanlwin River, Hpa-An, Myanmar

Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)

9. Eat Burmese delights at San Ma Tau Myanmar Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This buffet-style restaurant offers a wide selection of homemade dishes served with 10 kinds of local dips. They have vegetarian and budget-friendly options, including rich curries, hearty soups, tart salads, and fresh vegetables on a platter.

Tea and local sweets are also available. San Ma Tau is the place to visit if you want traditional Burmese cuisine.

San Ma Tau Myanmar Restaurant

Address: Main Road, Hpa-An, Myanmar (Burma)

Website: San Ma Tau Myanmar Restaurant

Opening hours: 9:30am - 8:30pm (daily)

Discover the secrets of an idyllic town

These are some of the best things to do in Hpa-An, Myanmar. Explore the rest as you warm up with the locals, and don’t forget to try delicious flatbreads in a traditional teashop. There’s a lot to discover in this idyllic town.