Hpa-an (also called Pa-An) is the capital of Karen State, Burma (Myanmar) The population as of the 2014 census is 421.575. There are three famous caves to be seen around the city. Saddar Cave is an enormous cave with a reclined Buddha and other religious monuments. Kawt Ka Taung is covered with bathroom tiles and numerous Buddha statues. There is a swimming hole a little bit down the lane and also a small hill that can be climbed for the views (10 minutes to go up).
Bat cave is an absolute must-see. It’s a small cave that cannot be entered but you can go there for sunset when, literally, hundreds of thousands of bats fly out. They are said to be flying all the way to Moulmein to feed and come back every morning. The cave is part of a complex of a few pagodas, one on top of the rock, accessible by a steep ladder, with amazing views over the river and the bridge. Consider making a small donation for them to take care of the place. When the bats start flying out, they start beating drums (actually jerry cans) so that the bats make interesting patterns in flight.
