Kayin

Hpa-An is the riverside capital of Kayin State in southeastern Myanmar, set on the eastern bank of the Thanlwin (Salween) River. The town is small and relaxed, but it is surrounded by dramatic limestone karst hills, caves and pagodas that give the region its distinctive scenery.

At the centre of local life are the clock tower, market and nearby riverfront, while Mount Zwegabin rises to the east as the city's most recognisable landmark. Hpa-An has a strong Karen identity alongside Burmese influences, and its temples, monasteries and Kayin State Cultural Museum reflect the area's heritage.

Popular excursions include Saddan Cave, a large cave temple with a lake reached through its chambers; Kyauk Kalat Pagoda, a stupa-topped limestone pinnacle; and Lumbini Garden, where more than a thousand Buddha statues face Mount Zwegabin. Kawgun Cave is also known for its dense wall carvings and ancient Buddha images.

Most visitors use Hpa-An as a base for exploring caves, viewpoints and small villages by bicycle, motorbike or tuk-tuk. The town has a modest but practical range of guesthouses, tea shops and riverside restaurants, and it is a convenient stop between Yangon and Mawlamyine.

Tourism infrastructure remains low-key, but Hpa-An matters as a regional centre for trade, administration and travel in Kayin State. Both leisure and business travellers are drawn by manageable distances, distinctive landscapes and its role as a gateway to the wider Karen region.