Hpa-An, Myanmar 🇲🇲
#1488
,
Nomad Score:
49%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, is known for its stunning limestone mountains and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 140,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, suitable for basic remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2,150 MMK; major banks include KBZ Bank and AYA Bank, with ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/I sockets; power outages can occur. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Ooredoo and Telenor, with data plans starting at around 1,000 MMK. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is preferred; credit cards accepted at major hotels and some restaurants. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb options available, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is king and cashless transactions are not widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and guesthouses available for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Hpa-An Youth Hostel starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Hpa-An offers easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the Hpa-An River is recommended for quieter stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no established coworking spaces; cafes serve as informal work spots. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Corner offers good Wi-Fi and a conducive atmosphere for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups on Facebook occasionally organize meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cultural festivals in Hpa-An attract both locals and expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis can be arranged through hotel desks; ride-hailing apps are not common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented at local shops for around 3,000 MMK per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kawthoung Beach, about 45 minutes away, is the nearest beach access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air KBZ operates flights from Hpa-An to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Myanmar National Airlines provides some international connections through Yangon. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Yangon-Mawlamyine Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hpa-An Station serves as the main railway connection. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses and shared taxis operate, with no formal transit pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Hpa-An with nearby cities like Mawlamyine and Yangon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hpa-An General Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; yoga classes can be found in local gyms. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Zawgyi Gym offer basic facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundry services available; approx 1,000 MMK per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps available; local restaurants may offer delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kayin-style curry, especially the chicken and coconut curry. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Local markets provide fresh vegetables; options are limited in restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet treats like Shan cakes available at local bakeries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Hpa-An Market offers affordable fresh produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited local online shopping; relying on physical markets is common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few local stores may offer delivery; generally, shopping is in-person. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; bars like Moonlight serve local drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Myanmar Beer is widely available; local breweries are rare. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; some restaurants may serve local wine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some tourist-friendly restaurants serve Western food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda (Golden Rock) and Mount Zwekabin are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Hpa-An’s cultural center highlights local traditions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ancient temples dot the area, notably Kyaut Ka Latt Paya. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Numerous pagodas, including the well-known Lawkananda Pagoda. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of lights and local harvest festivals celebrated annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The old city center is rich in culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances may happen at festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Hpa-An Market is vibrant with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Music performances during festivals showcase local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art, though local murals may be found. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes upon request. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries; local exhibitions may pop up in communal spaces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional wooden houses and religious sites are prominent. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Buddhist traditions and Kachin ethnic culture shape the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Locations like the Hpa-An River offer picturesque views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Hpa-An Mountain Range provides hiking options. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Pathways along the Hpa-An River are excellent for leisure. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Zwekabin Mountain offers breathtaking vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kayin State is rich in birdwatching spots, particularly around rivers and lakes. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Open areas near the river can host bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited services; the local post office handles parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronic shops offer basic repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools are limited; local exchange can aid learning. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Small local libraries are less formal; study can happen in cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community hubs often hold cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Rare; most gaming is done at home or in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; Myanmar has strict regulations on gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 500,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 20,000,000 MMK) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 350,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 14,000,000 MMK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 36,000,000 MMK) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 27,000,000 MMK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 650,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 52,000,000 MMK) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500,000 MMK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 40,000,000 MMK) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approx. 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Approx. 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax rates based on progressive taxation principles. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | No direct tax; income from overseas is generally untaxed. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited applicability in Myanmar. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% of property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Generally favorable for expatriates with overseas income. |