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How to get from Mandalay to Hpa An
Mandalay, situated on the Irrawaddy River, is upper Myanmar’s major cultural and commercial centre. On one hand, Hpa An is a city in Kayin State inhabited by people from the Karen ethnic group. Hpa An is an evolving tourist destination for those who want to enjoy laidback Myanmar culture. Here you will get to experience the local life, explore several caves, see the rice fields, and visit the biggest reclining Buddha in the world.
2 ways to get from Mandalay to Hpa An
To travel the 700 km distance from Mandalay to Hpa An, you have 2 options: The cheapest option is to take a bus via Yangon ($36) for 15 hours. Alternatively, you can take a quick 85-minute flight ($100) to Yangon and then continue with a 7-hour bus ride ($5) to Hpa An.
Mandalay to Hpa An via Yangon by Bus
At present, there are no direct buses going from Mandalay to Hpa An. You will need to take a bus from Mandalay to Yangon first and then another bus from Yangon to Hpa An.
The journey is quite long as travel time between these 3 cities is 15 hours. The total cost of the journey by bus starts from $36 for standard seats and $40 for VIP seats.
Bus schedules from Mandalay to Hpa An
| Bus company | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandalar Minn Express (Mandalay – Yangon) Mandalar Minn Express (Yangon – Hpa An) | 09:00-17:30 20:30-03:00 | 8hrs 30m 6hrs 30m | $23 $13 Check Bus Tickets |
| Elite Express (Business Bus) (Mandalay – Yangon) Mandalar Minn Express (VIP Bus) (Yangon – Hpa An) | 09:30-18:30 21:00-03:30 | 9 hours 6hrs 30m | $22 $18 Check Bus Tickets |
All buses going to Yangon will depart in Chan Mya Shwe Pyi Bus Station located at Tharyarwaddy Mingyi Road in Mandalay.
To get to the bus station from the city centre, taxis are available for $5. For a cheaper option, several motorbike taxis will be more than happy to give you a lift for $2.
The first bus shall arrive in Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station in Yangon, the same location where buses going to Hpa An will depart. Arrival is at Hpa An Clock Tower in the centre of the town.
Mandalay to Hpa An via Yangon by Flight + Bus
The fastest way to travel from Mandalay to Hpa An is by taking a 1 hour and 25-minute flight from Mandalay to Yangon and then a 7-hour bus ride from Yangon to Hpa An.
Step 1: Mandalay to Yangon by Flight
Several airline companies operate more than 10 flights daily from Mandalay International Airport to Yangon Airport. To get to Mandalay Airport from the town centre, taxis are available for $10.
A one way ticket to Yangon starts at $100 and travel time is only 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Step 2: Yangon to Hpa An by Bus
From Yangon International 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 costs around $2.
Travel time from Yangon to Hpa An is 7 hours and a one way ticket starts at $5.
Our favourite places to stay in Hpa An
Hotel Champion - Budget Friendly
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 - Budget Friendly
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 - Mid Range
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
Routes from Hpa An
Most popular routes in Myanmar
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.
