It's been a while since I wrote my last travelogue here. Today I would like to report again from my trip to Hpa-An in Myanmar. Because quite unexpectedly, this place, which was not actually on the plan, has become a real highlight.
The town of Hpa-An has about 50,000 inhabitants and is located in the east of Myanmar, only about 100 kilometers from the Thai border. The influences of Thailand are also felt here, especially when it comes to food. However, today it's not about the food, but about the sights. And Hpa-An has a lot to offer!
The Kyauk Kalat Pagoda
These are not located in the town itself, but in the beautiful surroundings. The landscape is simply unique and a highlight here are especially the cave temples. One of them is Sadan Cave. On my tuk-tuk tour in the area this was the first stop. You can go through the cave, which is full of Buddha statues and come out on the other side. There you can then take a boat back to the entrance of the cave temple. The boat ride through the green landscape and the rice fields is great fun!
Going around with a driver and this tuk-tuk
Sadan Cave
Another must in Hpa-An is the Lumbini Buddha Garden with its countless Buddha statues spread over the whole area. There is also the famous Mount Zwegabin, which you can climb. In the midday heat, however, it was unmanageable, so it had to be left out. This will definitely be made up next time!
Lumbini Buddha Garden
The Kyauk Kalat Pagoda is the true reason why I came to Hpa-An at all. The remarkable rock with the temple on top is a dreamlike photo opportunity and without doubt a must-visit.
The last stop of my tour through Hpa-An was another cave temple: Kawgun Cave. Again, you will find many images of Buddha and impressive engravings in even impossible places. There is also a lookout point where you can see the picturesque surroundings of Hpa-An.
Kawgun Cave
At the end of the day, there was a beautiful sunset right at the Thanlyin River. Hpa-An I can only recommend to any Myanmar traveler and it certainly was not the last time for me.
Night market in Hpa-An town
