Hpa An Myanmar – Best Value Hotels and Guesthouses
Accommodation in Hpa An can be a sticky point for travellers who are looking for decent standards on a budget. Although there are several different options available, the area has many of the issues associated with Myanmar accommodation in general such as electricity outages, poor wifi and generally poor standards and facilities.
It’s continuing to improve though, as more tourists visit, and it is possible to find a decent room, especially if you’re able to book in advance.
Much of the accommodation tends to be clustered around the riverside area, although as the town is so small it doesn’t matter too much where you choose to stay.
Budget
The most popular option for backpackers on a budget who are looking to meet others and stay in accommodation where tours can easily be booked is the Soe Brother’s guesthouse. The rooms aren’t up to much, and bathrooms are shared and not modern, but if you’re on a budget it’s a decent enough option. It’s less than USD10 for a dorm or single, and not much more for a double room. Reports suggest the wifi is pretty good for Hpa An although others have complained of power cuts.
Another budget friendly option is the Than Lwan O Guesthouse which is just up from Soe Brothers and is another place that’s renowned for not having the nicest rooms but a friendly atmosphere and an option to get a local map and some tips for exploring the town. Whilst the wifi is slow, there is air-conditioning which is always a bonus and it’s also possible to rent bikes for not much money at all. Rooms cost less than USD15 and there are various options available from dorms to private doubles.
Mid-range
If you have a little more to spend on your accommodation then Hpa An is probably a good place to invest for a slightly more comfortable stay. The best accommodation available that’s still affordable is the Hotel United which is around 3* although this is by local standards and costs around USD45 for a private double room. It’s situated conveniently in the centre of town, and offers an onsite breakfast as well as wifi throughout. The buffet breakfast also gets high praise.
For a similar budget and quality of stay, there’s also the Hotel Gabana nearby which features clean rooms, friendly staff and mountain or garden views.
Top end
Also in Hpa An is the Hpa An Lodge – a 4* resort that offers the best rated accommodation in the area, although it’s definitely a squeeze on most budgets at around USD140 per night and more in high season. It’s known for the beautiful setting and mountain views, as well as having an outdoor pool and a well reviewed restaurant offering a range of local specialities. English speaking staff can help you out with everything from bicycle hire to golf days, and they will also assist with any tours that you would like to book to help you explore more of the area.
General notes on Accommodation in Hpa An
All in all there’s something for every budget in Hpa An although the town may not offer the widest choice compared with other destinations in Myanmar. As it gets more popular as a tourist location the range is bound to increase, and hopefully the standards of some of the more budget options alongside!
Be sure to book in advance in high season as with so relatively few options available you want to be sure that you’ve definitely got a bed for the night and can choose something that fits within your budget.