Hpa-An, Myanmar 🇲🇲
#1488
16.890263, 97.636274
Nomad Score:
52%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State in Myanmar, known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural sites. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10 Mbps, with variable connectivity in different areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,100 MMK; ATMs are available, major credit cards accepted in some locations. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/D sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Ooredoo and Telenor; prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is king, but some establishments accept international cards. Mobile banking and apps are increasingly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to hotels; Airbnb is available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in most transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses offer short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Wandering Star Guesthouse, with dorms starting around $5 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kayin Co-Working Space located near the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Paris is popular among digital nomads for its atmosphere and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local Facebook groups like 'Hpa-An Expats' facilitate meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings organized at local cafes and restaurants. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available in Hpa-An for easy transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available from local shops starting at $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ngapali Beach is around 5 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Mandalay Yadanarpon Airline operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Myanmar National Airlines connects to international airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway facilitates travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hpa-An Railway Station connects to Yangon. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is primarily bus-based, no special passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minivans connect Hpa-An to nearby cities like Mawlamyine and Yangon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hpa-An General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Wellness Baan, which offers yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Hpa-An, a local gym offering basic workout equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service is widely available at local guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda operates in the area for easy delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mohinga, a traditional fish soup often enjoyed for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian meals available at local restaurants; Try 'The Green Plant'. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Sweet Tooth' for a variety of local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hpa-An Central Market offers various local fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JNQ Marketplace, a local online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Available through local grocery shops via phone orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | 'The Hill' bar offers a lively atmosphere for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Dagon Beer' is a local favorite for quality brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local restaurants may provide a small selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls around the Central Market selling local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Thai dishes available at 'Hpa-An Kitchen'. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kyauk Kalap Pagoda, a stunning landmark and photography spot. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kayin State Cultural Museum highlights local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Saddan Cave, featuring impressive limestone formations and local myths. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site near Hpa-An. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kayin New Year Festival celebrated in every July with traditional festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local market area reflects the vibrant culture of the region. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community performances often held at local schools and public spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hpa-An Central Market, a hub for local trade and culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is occasionally hosted at 'The Hill' and local festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be found in various alleyways near the market. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available; inquire at guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries; check local community events for showcases. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings can be found around the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is rich in indigenous cultures and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Zwegabin offers hiking opportunities with scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kayakhin National Park is a few hours away featuring diverse wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the countryside provide stunning views of rice paddies. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Linnoho Peak, perfect for sunset photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hpa-An area is home to various migratory birds during season. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Thanlwin River for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services available through local post office and private couriers like DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local mobile shops can repair phones and gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer basic Burmese classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Hpa-An Library provides a quiet study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host local events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; primarily at cafes with gaming consoles available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not widespread; local bars may have card games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value assessed locally. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% on property purchases. |