Hpa-An Lodge , Hpa An

Hpa-An Lodge is a pleasant hotel in a picturesque valley gazing upwards towards Mount Zwe Kabin. Simple and spacious rooms with air conditioning coupled with lovely views of the limestone mountains make this place a decent base for an overnight stay.

Mt. Zwe Kabin towers at 723 metres above sea level, beckoning adventurous travellers to conquer her sacred peak. The mountain’s base is famous for the more than 1,000 hand-carved Buddha pictures. You can hike to the top in around two hours using mostly steep stairs, and if you manage to reach the top before noon, stay for the 11 am monkey feeding and grab some lunch in the pagoda. Once you return, exhausted, to Hpa-An Lodge, you can take a dip in the swimming pool, relax in the manicured gardens, grab a snack or dinner on the pool terrace, or take a sunset boat cruise along the River Than Lwin.

The 18 individual cottages are designed in a unique and traditional Karen architectural style, and all contain plenty of natural light, private balconies and lovely wooden interiors. Choose from a Karen cottage or a Karen Family Duplex for up to five people. All rooms are air-conditioned with rain showers and modern facilities.

Don’t expect five-star standards and great communication: the staff here is earnest and friendly, but the service is not exactly slick. But it’s a safe, practical and pleasant enough stay for a night as you tackle the peak of Mt. Zwe Kabin and then continue on your tour of Myanmar.