3 Days 2 Nights Hpa-an Myanmar Itinerary: A Filipina Solo Travel Motorbiking Experience

Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo

I booked myself a 3-day and 2-night Hpa-An Myanmar Itinerary. Hpa-an in Myanmar is mysterious and a different experience compared with Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. I left Yangon with a heavy heart as I booked a night bus ticket to Hpa-An, Myanmar. Wondering what would happen to me as the travel companion, I decided to separate due to misunderstandings. But that’s another story. Now, let’s just focus on Hpa-An Myanmar.

How to Get to Hpa-An Myanmar from Yangon?

Booking a night bus ticket to Hpa-An, Myanmar

I booked a night bus ticket to Hpa-An Myanmar for 14,000 Kyat from my hostel near Sule Pagoda. From my hostel, I walked to the mini-bus station near Yangon City Hall. A mini-bus to Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station cost 1,000 Kyat.

Are you interested in staying more than two weeks? Check out this article on how to apply for a 28-day Myanmar tourist visa.

Aung Mingalar  Highway Bus Station Experience

Several bus companies are going to Hpa-An. Upon arrival at Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station, you must find the terminal. I can say that the bus station is kind of chaotic. You need to walk and ask a local, show them your ticket the name of the bus company and they will help you where it is.

The Night Bus Experience to Hpa-An

I forgot the name of the bus company that was going to Hpa-An. The bus provides a bottle of water and a blanket to keep you warm and sleep. The bus left at 9 PM and arrived in Hpa-An at 3 AM.

As a small woman traveling alone, fortunately, a Myanmar woman helped me talk to the driver in case there was a lost-in-translation. She made sure that the bus would drop me off at the Clock Tower in Hpa-An. We exchanged WhatsApp numbers in case I had questions. She thought I was Thai. When I told her I was from the Philippines, she told me that she used to work in Manila.

Where to Stay in Hpa-An? Hpa-an Myanmar Itinerary

Soe Brothers Guest House

The cheapest guesthouse in Hpa-An is Soe Brothers Guest House. I stayed in the second guesthouse since the first one was always full. The first guesthouse is near the Clock Tower, and the second guesthouse is near the river.

Agoda Link Soe Brothers Guest House

Agoda Link Soe Brothers II Guest House

When I arrived at 3 AM, the staff who was sleeping in the common area opened its door for me. I decided to sleep on their sofa. I looked so tired. The owner woke me up and offered the room for me in the morning so that I could sleep again, and I woke up again at 12 Noon.

Soe Brothers Guest House offers a day tour around Hpa-An, and the cost depends on the number of people who join the tour.

DIY Motorbike Tour in Hpa-An Myanmar Itinerary

You can also rent a motorbike from the hostel or from the hotel of your choice for 8000 Kyat a day. Since I woke up at Noon, I did the half-day tour on my own, but I never got the chance to get a half-day motorbike rental, so I paid like I was renting for a whole day.

Day 1

This happened around Noon to 6 PM, so I’ve only been to two spots. Part of this trip was getting lost, so you can see how time-consuming it was. My map never worked, so I asked some locals to find the way.

I asked the receptionist at that time which places are good to visit in a short time, and she recommended seeing the caves.

Kaw Ka Taung Cave

Going to Kaw Ka Taung Cave was easy. I just needed to follow the national road. Visiting the cave is free.

Saddan Cave

I got lost going there, so I asked some locals where to find this, as my map didn’t work. To reach this spot, you need to pay 1000 Kyat for the entry and 2000 Kyat for the boat ride.

After Saddan Cave, I got caught in the rain. It’s a good thing I brought my raincoat with me since September is Myanmar’s rainy season.

Day 2

I woke up at 8 AM for breakfast but started my next adventure at 9 AM. I just followed the maps and discovered the spots on my own.

Lumbini Garden

A foreigner needs to pay 4000 Kyat to get in.

Mount Zwegabin

From Lumbini Garden, you can climb Mount Zwegabin, so I dared myself to go there alone. It wasn’t easy, but I made it. My legs were sore afterward. Here’s an article about Hiking to Mount Zwegabin with a broken heart.

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda

After Mount Zwegabin, time to visit Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda. Coming here was very relaxing.

Bat Cave

I was driving again going to Bat Cave. You have to pay 500 Kyat to see the bats going out at 5 PM or during sunset. I went to this area around 3 PM so I wasn’t able to pay anything.

Kawgun Cave

I went to a cave with many Buddha images and got lost. During my motorbike refueling, I was so touched that the Myanmar woman gave me a bottle of cold water for free because I looked so exhausted.

Yathaypyan Cave

I paid 3000 Kyat for an entry here. Another cave of Buddha images.

Day 3

I left Hpa-An for my next destination going to Mawlamyine with a bus for 1200 Kyat only.

Additional Tips

• If you don’t know how to drive a motorbike, better get the day tour offered from your guesthouse.
• Motorbiking on a wet season, always bring a raincoat and a dry bag.
• Wear a pair of slippers because they’re easy to take off when visiting temples.
• If you’re alone and found a travel buddy, you’d better share a hotel to split the cost.
• If your travel buddy knows how to drive a motorbike, better and split the cost of the rental and gasoline.
• Always eat the breakfast offered at your guest house. Sometimes, I have my second meal in the evening.

Budget or Expenses in Hpa-An Myanmar Itinerary

14,000 Kyat – bus from Yangon to Hpa-An

$18 through Agoda online payment on accommodation day 1

24,000 Kyat accommodation day 2 paid in the guest house asking for a discount

8000 Kyat – motorbike rental on day 1

8000 Kyat – motorbike rental on day 2

1000 Kyat for 1 Liter of gasoline x 5 = 5000 Kyat

2000 Kyat – food budget per meal or you can splurge if you like with drinks but I spent 8000 Kyat already

1000 Kyat – Saddan Cave entry

2000 Kyat – Saddan Cave boat

4000 Kyat – Lumbini Garden entry

3000 Kyat – Yathaypyan Cave entry

500 Kyat – Bat Cave entry

Conclusion

So far, traveling alone to Hpa-An has been relaxing for me, as I don’t feel any pressure from somebody about getting lost or being a slow traveler. I love the motorbike experience here. To be honest, this is the first time I have driven a motorbike in a different country without a driver’s license.

Anything you need to ask? Please leave your comment below.