Hpa-an (, ; ; , also spelled Pa-an) is a large city in southeastern Myanmar and the capital and largest city of Kayin State (Karen State). The population as of the 2014 census was 421,575, mostly of the Karen ethnic group. Hpa-An has surpassed Taunggyi as the fifth largest city in Myanmar.
Legend
Legend has it that Hpa-An was created by the dragon king and the frog king. King Mandu (မဏ္ဍုဖားမင်းကြီး), a giant frog lived the top of the Mount Hpan Pu. One day, while out searching for food, he saw a large magic ruby with an emerald club placed on the throne in the foot cave of Mount Hpan Pu, and the frog king thought the ruby was his food and swallowed it. He gained powers by swallowing the magic ruby and was able to resist his enemy, the dragon king. The place where the dragon king vomited the frog king is called
Hpa-An (lit. 'vomit frog').
The impressive statues of these figures can be seen in the Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda's compound.
Climate
Hpa-An has an extreme tropical monsoon climate (Köppen
Am). Temperatures are hot throughout the year, although maximum temperatures are somewhat depressed in the monsoon season due to heavy cloud and rain. There is a winter dry season (November–April) and a summer wet season (May–October). Torrential rain falls from June to September, with over per month in July and August.
Population history
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1953: 4,100
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1983: 41,500
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2014: 421,525
Transport
Air
Hpa-An Airport was linked to Yangon, Mawlamyine and
Papun Airport by air but the airport ceased operations.
Buses
There are express buses from Hpa-An to
Yangon,
Mawlamyine, the border crossing at
Myawaddy and other towns.
Education
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Computer University, Hpa-An
-
Hpa-An Education College
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Hpa-An Nursing Training School
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Hpa-An University
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Technological University, Hpa-An
Religion
The majority of residents are Theravada Buddhists, followed by Baptist, Anglican and Roman Catholics.
Sights
Kayin State Cultural Museum is located in Hpa-An.
Mount Zwegabin and Mount Taung Wine are attractive places for visitors, as well as Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda in which the sacred hair relic of Buddha is enshrined. Hpa An is famous for many limestone caves, like
Such caves are well worth visiting because of their incredibly beautiful landscapes and ancient Buddha images and other cultural items in them which were once less known due to regional instability.
The Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda and Thit Hta Man Aung Pagoda are in the center of Hpa-an. Enjoying the beauty of Than Lwin River from the platform of the pagoda is an opportunity that should not be missed. Other interesting places are Kyone Htaw Waterfall which is 2 hours driving from Hpa-an, and the Saddan Cave (mentioned above) which is the biggest and longest cave in Kayin State.
Health care
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Hpa-An General Hospital
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Taung Kalay Military Hospital
Sports
Football
Zwegabin United FC founded in 2010, is based in Hpa-An. The club is competing in Myanmar National League.
Trekking and hiking
Mount Zwegabin is around 8.5 km south of Hpa An. It is visited by tourists for its views and natural environment.
At Bayint Nyi cave (literally: "King's Younger Brother cave"
External links
