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Kayin State provides the variety of a mountainous terrain amidst the beaches and seas of Southern Myanmar. The state is encircled by karst limestone peaks that soar above the lush green paddy fields. Interspersed with incredible caves, Kayin offers a stunning view of the western mountainous area of Myanmar. Hpa-An is the capital city of Kayin state. The city itself is beautiful, surrounded with limestone peaks on all sides. A typical Kayin landscape is characterized by lush green farms which make way to lush green mountains. Kayin is famous for its tea and coffee production. Tourists have a lot to explore in Kayin State including Mt. Zwekabin, Lumbini Garden, Thandaung, Sadan Cave and other things. From lively festivals to cultural dance shows, tourists will be pampered by the range of things Kayin has to offer.
Kayin has people from Karen, Padaung, Bamar, Shan, Pa-O, Mon, Rakhine and Burmese-Thai lineages. Most people speak Kayin, Bamar and Mon languages and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and animism.
With a total area of 12,296.6 sq km/ 4,747.7 sq. miles, Kayin is bordered by Thailand, Mon State, Bago Region, Mandalay Region, Shan State and Kayah State and has a hot and humid climate.
Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State. The state is characterised by mysterious caves, lush green farms and limestone hills. Currently, around 1.57 million (2014) live in Kayin State.
Bayin Nyi Cave is located on the northwestern bank of Thanlwin River. The steps leading up to the cave has 28 Buddha images on the hillside. The cave has an ancient pagoda and innumerable Buddha statues in a variety of colours and plenty of lateritious bricks. At the foot of the hill, there is a natural hot spring and a cold spring which are ideal to enjoy a swim.
This is one of the natural limestone caves and is situated around 14 km away from Hpa An. The cave is located at a height of 50 metres from the foothill. It contains votive tablets and Buddha images of different sizes which date back to 13th Century AD. There is a natural pool of holy water behind the reclining Buddha statue.
Located around 13 km south of Hpa An, Kawgun Cave is a natural limestone cave 61 metres high and 91 metres long. The surface of the rock is decorated with different kinds of clay Buddha images and votive tablets of 7th Century artwork depicting Buddha in different sizes and postures. The statues and wall carvings are in excellent conditions.
Kawkathaung Cave is located around 1 km south of Hpa An. It is semicircular in shape with a width of 30 metres. The cave has 28 images of Buddha in the row on both sides of the entrance. This stunning cave has innumerable stalactites and stalagmites presenting a breathtaking view to visitors.
Sadan cave is located at the southernmost part of Zwekabin mountain range, on the eastern bank of Thanlwin river, around 32 km from Hpa An. It has a two-sided mouth in a rectangular shape with is 107 metres long and 10 metres high. It is a walkthrough cave hosting dozens of Buddha statues, a couple of pagodas and some newer day wall carvings.
Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda is located on the eastern bank of Thanlwin in Hpa-An and is a favourite spot for tourists to watch the stunning sunset. The compound is home to statues of a dragon and a giant frog, who according to legend created the city. The pagoda has a viewing tower located by the side of the river.
Mt. Zwegabin at 722 metres height is one of the most sacred mountains in Myanmar. Although the 2-hour climb to the top is steep, the effort is rewarded by the fabulous views from Kayin‘s most famous landmark. Visitors who wish to enjoy the sunset can spend the night in the monastery atop the mountain. Thousands of large statues of Buddha can be seen at the foot of the mountain.
Kyauk Kaalap, a pagoda perched on the summit of a sheer rock is one of the most stunning sights of Kayin. The pagoda overlooks an artificial lake and is topped with a golden stupa. Tourists can spend time marvelling at the unspoiled natural surrounding of the pagoda. Sometimes, the still water of the lake reflects back a mirror image of the pagoda, a view which can hardly be forgotten.
The naturally green coloured water of Kyone Htaw waterfall is another attraction of Kayin which cannot be missed. The waterfall is located next to Htiklawtho, near the town of Hlaing Bwe. The waterfall is encircled by a pristine forest ideal to enjoy nature in its true form. The best time to visit this waterfall is during the dry season.
Myawaddy is a town on the Thai border which is connected with the rest of the country through a newly constructed road which. passes through the scenic Dawna mountain ranges. Myawaddy is an important town since it is one of the entry points to Myanmar through Thailand. A Friendship Bridge at Myawaddy marks the connection between Thailand and Myanmar.
Thaundaung was developed as a hill station during colonial times by the British. It is a beautiful hill station important for coffee, tea and fruit production. It is quaint hill town offering few days of peace to visitors. Tourists can relax, unwind and enjoy the greenery of the surrounding area. The view of sunrise between the hills is a memorable one.
This festival is celebrated in the Myanmar month of Waso which falls at the beginning of the monsoon rains and Buddhist Lent. Since monks are prohibited to travel overnight from their monasteries, yet are expected to perform their duties, they need spare robes. This festival is celebrated to offer robes to monks to use during the wet season.
Around the full moon day of Thadngyut, this festival is celebrated for 3 days throughout the country to commemorate the time when Buddha returned to earth after preaching in the above of celestials. People decorate their houses with candles and coloured lanterns to symbolize this event. The festival of Light marks the end of Lent.
