Kayin State, also known by the endonyms Kawthoolei and Karen State, is a state of Myanmar. The capital city is Hpa-An, also spelled Pa-An. The relief of Karen State is mountainous with the Dawna Range running along the state in a NNW - SSE direction and the southern end of the Karen Hills in the northwest.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.
The capital city of Kayin State, Hpa An is a pretty riverside town surrounded by dramatic limestone karst mountains. Although it is the capital city of a state and located only only 5.5 hours’ drive from Yangon, Hpa An is a laid back town which helps travellers to rewind and take a much-deserved break from daily life. The Than Lwin River and the surrounding lush green paddy fields present a picture postcard scenery, especially during sunset. Several caves surround the town, some of which have been converted into pagodas. From natural swimming pools to pagodas perched precariously on rocks, Hpa An offers a lot of things to explore during a vacation in this town.
Generally there are two types of seasons in Kayin State; the winter dry season and the combination of summer and wet season. It is suitable to go during November to February; the winter dry season of the year. For exploring pagodas, villages, caves and trekking, this season is the most suitable.
Kayin Don Dance is famous as its traditional dance. The dance involves a line of men and a line of women moving in unison to accompanying music. They sing while dancing and music is played by Kayin traditional instruments. Kayin done dance is part of an entertainment when karean celabrate their new year festival or opening celemonary.
People who attend the wrist tying ceremony must wear full traditional costume. The ceremony could only be sponsored by an elderly couple who had lived together as husband and wife for their entire married life. This senior couple called upon the spirits of the children to come back from the place of darkness and to stay with parents, grandparents and relatives. The senior couple then prayed that the young children would behave themselves well, and act with good discipline and preserve our culture. "By celebrating this traditional in local community event yearly, Karen people remember our culture and beautiful traditions, respect each other and forgive each other for the mistakes they may make in the past. Everybody makes mistakes in one's life. Forgiveness is one of the best solution in society", Saw Thaik Soe explained. Karen wrist tying ceremony is one of the ancient traditions of Karen people. It is not a Karen Buddhist tradition that we maintain and celebrate, but rather a reminder to citizens of all nationalities of what we can live together in unity and strength not as Karen people but also with other ethnic nationals in a multicultural society.
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By Ko Kayut
"The hotel is on the main road and can oversee the beautiful Thanlwin River and a green panoramic view around the area. Hotel is good for budget travelers as the room rates are not so high and food and drinks are also available at resonable prices"
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By María Fernanda Restrepo Suescún
"Amazing hostel. Staff were very nice all the time. Breakfast of local food was really delicious and each day was different, creative and generous. The boys that work there are always very kind and want to help you all the time. The place is very good located close to bus stop. Room was very clean and comfortable. They organized a very good tour of an entire day around the caves. I really recommend it and it costs only 7000 Kyats per person. But if you prefer to do it yourself you can also rent a motorbike with them. They have also free water refill what is very convenient."
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By Aye Chan Wynn
"Rooms are pretty small for the price they ask for. You can get bigger rooms in Yangon for the same price. Breakfast options are very limited. No lock on the bathroom door - which is something I've never seen in other hotels. Car parking is quite small. I gave two stars because the location is quite nice and staffs are friendly. Not a place where I'd stay again"
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By Niharika Arora
"NICE EXPERIENCE! the hotel thought located a little away from the main city, is a relaxing experience overall because of least amount of road disturbance. the rooms are nice and airy. i like the english breakfast on their menu. the staff is super warm and helpful. loved it."
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