Things to see and do Hpa-An

The rocky walls of these magnificent caves are fully carved with Buddhist effigies. At the bottom, a cave dating back to the century houses Buddhas represented in all positions. The caves are located two kilometers walking along the Salouen, from Hpa Gat. A pick-up connects Hpa-An to Hpa Gat early in the morning for 500 K. It starts around 11:30 a. m., which is a little short to make the visit, to take one of the pickup, later in the day, on the big road that connects Hpa-An to Kyaikto (on the bridge).

Beyond the place of worship, we go to Kyauk Ka Lat for its environment. This monastery in the middle of which stands a rocky peak surmounted by a pagoda is much visited by the locals. It is erected in the middle of a small lake, which makes it very photogenic, as is the view from its top, or almost. You have to cross a small footbridge over the water to reach it. At the end, as if it were on stilts, one can admire the pagoda and the Buddha of course, which are almost unreal and poetic at the same time.

An exceptional cave is sunk into the bowels of the mountain. Here are sculptures of Buddhas and nats. Behind the lit and sacred part, you put your shoes back on to enter a dark gallery which opens, ten minutes later, on the other side of the mountain, with a lake with turquoise waters where live fishing families who will be pleased to take you on a pirogue for a few kyats. The ceiling of the gallery is stained with bats. You can rely on the torch or ask the monks at the entrance.