The Kayin State Hotels and Tourism Department identified new tourist destinations in the region, including Padonma Cave, PhaungdawU Pagoda, and a waterfall, which will be developed as new travel attractions in Hpa-an City.
The newly developed destination, Padonma Cave, is located in the mountain far south of Tawpon Village, approximately six miles and two furlongs from Hpa-an, and it takes just over 15 minutes to travel by car. Natural water outlets inside Padonma Cave ensure that the water does not dry up, and fish are released into the cave on New Year’s Day.
In addition, authorities conducted ground surveys to ensure that tourists can visit PhaungdawU Pagoda and the waterfall, which are located in Kyauktaung Village, Hlaingbwe Township, about 24 miles from Hpa-an. It takes about 45 minutes to travel by bus from Hpa-an, thanks to safe and reliable transportation available in all seasons.
Between 200 and 300 visitors come to PhaungdawU Pagoda and the waterfall every day, and rice with vegetable curries is served daily to the tourists. Currently, there are 22 tourist destinations in Kayin State and 60 hotels and guesthouses licensed by the government, with a total of 2,159 bedrooms. — TWA/TH
