Overview Compare Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Inle Lake to Hpa An
Inle Lake is a 22 km long lake situated in the Shan Hills of Myanmar. Hpa An, on the other hand, is a small and serene town in the Kayin State and inhabited by people from the Karen ethnic group. While Hpa An does not have the tourist infrastructure of Inle Lake, it is an ideal destination for travellers who want to experience local Myanmar culture and it’s surrounding nature. You can hike up a mountain, explore caves, visit rice fields or just enjoy the laid back atmosphere.
If you want to travel the 490 km distance from Inle Lake to Hpa An, you have 2 options that both go via Yangon. The cheapest option is by taking a bus via Yangon to Hpa An ($16) which takes 19 hours. Alternatively, you can take a 70-minute flight ($93) to Yangon and a 7-hour bus ride to Hpa An ($5).
2 ways to get from Inle Lake to Hpa An
Inle Lake to Hpa An via Yangon by Bus
At present, it is not possible to take a direct bus from Inle Lake to Hpa An. You will have to take a bus to Yangon irst and then another bus from Yangon to Hpa An.
Step 1: Inle Lake to Yangon by Bus
There are several bus companies operating from Inle Lake to Yangon. See the schedules below:
Bus schedules from Inle Lake to Yangon
Travel time usually takes about 9-12 hours and a ticket costs between $11 to $19 depending on the type of bus.
Shwe Lun Pyan
- Departs from May Bus Ticket Centre (May Gate) located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Arrives at Shwe Lun Pyan Express Bus Terminal in Oak Thar Street located about 10 kilometers from Yangon International Airport
Elite Express
- Departs from Full Moon Bus Ticket Office opposite Ever Green Restaurant located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Arrives at Aung Mingalar Highway Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
Lumbini
- Departs from Ko Kyaw Lwin Oo Lumbini Bus Gate in front of Nyaung Shwe Wet Market and next to KBZ Bank, Nyaungshwe, Myanmar
- Arrives at Aung Mingalar Highway Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
Mandalar Minn
- Departs from Bagan Min Thar Bus Station located 10 kilometers from Inle Lake
- Arrives at Aung Mingalar Highway Station located 15 kilometers north of Yangon city
Step 2: Yangon to Hpa An by Bus
From Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station in Yangon, there are several buses that depart for Hpa An. Travel time is 7 hours and you can buy a ticket for just $5.
Most buses arrive at Sat Pyit Kwin Bus Terminal located 4 kilometers from the centre of Hpa An.
If you choose one of the 2 schedules indicated in the table below, you will leave Inle Lake at a reasonable time in the evening and arrive in Hpa An in the early afternoon. Another advantage of this schedule is that you save a night on accommodation.
Bus schedules from Yangon to Hpa An
| Bus company | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shwe Lun Pyan (Inle Lake – Yangon) Mi Ba Gone Express (Yangon – Hpa An) | 17:00-05:00 7:30-14:30 | 12 hours 7 hours | $11 $5 |
| Elite Express (Business Bus) (Inle Lake – Yangon) Mi Ba Gone Express (Yangon – Hpa An) | 19:00-05:00 06:30-13:30 | 10 hours 7 hours | $19 $5 |
Inle Lake to Hpa An via Yangon by Flight + Bus
The fastest way to reach Hpa An is by taking a 1 hour and 10-minute flight from Heho Airport to Yangon Airport. However, from there you will still need to take a 7-hour during bus ride from Yangon to Hpa An.
From Inle Lake, you can take a 1-hour taxi ride to Heho Airport. This 40 km journey will cost you $20.
Step 1: Inle Lake to Yangon by Flight
A handful of airline companies serve the Heho Airport to Yangon Airport route including Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Air KBZ, Myanmar National Airlines, and Hahn Air.
These airlines operate up to 10 flights daily. One-way ticket starts at $93.
Step 2: Yangon to Hpa An by Bus
From Yangon Airport, you will have to make your way to Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station to take the bus to Hpa An. The distance from the airport to the bus station is 8 kilometers and a taxi ride should cost you only $2.
To continue your journey from Yangon to Hpa An, you choose from several bus companies.
The earliest bus leaves at 06:30 in the morning and the last bus leaves Yangon at 9 in the evening. Travel time is 7 hours and tickets cost as low as $5 for a standard bus and $15 for a VIP bus.
Our favourite places to stay in Hpa An
Hotel Champion
Hotel Champion is located in central Hpa-an and features a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast.
- Great location
- Helpful concierge
- Family-friendly
- Breakfast included
Private rooms start at $19 per night
Hpa An Boutique Inn
Hpa An Boutique Inn offers rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. The property provides free private parking and free WiFi. A continental breakfast is available each morning. The staff are known to be very friendly and welcoming.
- Amazing staff
- Very good breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Good location
Private rooms start at $28 per night
Hotel Perfect Hpa-An
Hotel Perfect Hpa-An is centrally located near amenities and sights. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. There is an on-site restaurant, 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. A buffet breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Close to attractions
- Large and comfortable rooms
- Amazing staff
Private rooms start at $42 per night
More routes to Hpa An
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
