The opening of the international
checkpoint in Mae Sot has generated a great deal of excitement among
travellers who prefer to explore countries without needing to fly.
According to the Tak Chamber of Commerce, the checkpoint is mainly being
used Thai visitors to travel the 17 kilometres to Myawaddy and return
to Mae Sot the same day.
There were - and may still be -
checkpoints in the Karen area on the road from Myawaddy to Hpa-an and
it's impossible to say for sure whether these restrictions have been
lifted. While some Thai tour groups have gone through, it seems they
were led by local authorities inside Myanmar.
Local people commute by old buses along a
narrow and crowded road to Hpa-an. Some Burmese immigrants charter a
bus from Myawaddy to Hpa-an. It's 150 kilometres, and usually takes two
hours. However, if one vehicle breaks down, and there is no-one fix it,
travellers can be stranded for hours.
Early this month, Nok Air launched a
direct flight from Mae-Sot to Mawlamyine and it's possible to travel
from there to and from Hpa-an through Zarthapyin Road.
Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin State, sits
on the east bank of Than Lwin (Salween) River. It is surrounded by
rocky hills and caves and boasts the 1,000-metre Zwe Gabin Mountain as
its landmark. At the foot of the mountain, you will find a large field
displaying thousands of life-size Buddha statues. An interesting sight
is Kyauk Kalap pagoda built on top of an unusual rock formation
surrounded by a natural lake. A few years ago, ancient cave paintings
were found in the mountains near the city. Caves to explore include
Kawgoon cave 13 kilometres from Hpa-an, and Bayin-Nyi Naung cave 24
kilometres away. Have a great trip!
source: Eleven Myanmar
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