Traveling to Myanmar? Find Kayin hotels

We initially paid for 2 nights at the Angels Land Hotel but had to extend for another 3 nights, for which we paid directly to the hotel. On the first night following our Agoda booking, we were put up in the "dungeon", which we used to describe what is the smallest, darkest room in the building since it has no window and previously only rented out to local drivers. I could see why. That room was small, dark and damp, with little room to maneouver and no desk, just a dresser. The other rooms, including the ones on the first floor without windows are much better - for 4 out of the 5 nights we stayed in a deluxe room with window, spacious and with a shower cubicle. Breakfast was OKish but nothing special. Some days there was a buffet, other days a-la-carte. Even if there was a buffet you could order something off the menu. Staff performance was excellent, (although having 3-4 people open one door felt a bit strange) especially the night shift supervisor Mr. Saw who previously spent 15 years living in Mae Sot, Thailand, followed by another 15 years in Canada, before returning to his native Kayin State. We shared many interesting conversations, alternating between Thai and English, both of which he speaks almost equally well. Although the wifi barely worked during our stay and only very occasionally in the rooms, otherwise it was OK in the lobby and sometimes on the restaurant floor, there was apparently an issue that was affecting internet service throughout the city of Hpa-an at that time, except those places that had Thailand sourced internet service, such as at least one restaurant located just outside of town.

Hotel Gabana is sufficient and serves its purpose. The location is good; it is relatively close to the sights of Hpa An, although you will still need to get a tuk tuk out to the countryside. It is close to the bustling local market and places to eat across the road (there was one woman who makes everything fresh on her work top and made me an amazing chicken noodle soup). It is also very close to the bus pick up / drop off point. You will need to catch your bus back to Yangon from the Clock Tower just round the corner NOT the bus station! Also there is NO VIP bus back to Yangon yet but the standard bus is comfortable. Staff will advise you. There is also an ATM cashpoint machine a few minutes walk from the hotel (I found this to be true throughout my stay in Myanmar. On my next visit I will not carry all my cash with me as there are now cash machines readily available in towns and cities). We arrived at Hotel Gabana late around 3am and check-in was a bit chaotic as they could not find the reservation and had us wait in reception until they could which was not ideal after 6 hours on a bus (although the road from Yangon is very smooth and comfortable). That said, staff were friendly and did their best to help us in anyway they could during the 3 night stay. Their English is improving and they were very helpful. The breakfast each morning, which had a Thai influence, was fantastic-I was surprised and impressed. There is also a desert shop just next to the hotel where they sell some delicious cakes, tarts and deserts to eat in or takeaway. The single room was basic with a small window over the hotel entrance. The bathroom was large with a shower over the bath. It also had a TV with local channels and aircon. There were a lot of electrical boxes in my room for the fridge and different things which were humming and buzzing through the night but it was OK. I did have hot water for bathing in my room but I heard another couple did not. I also had to request hot water

This was my second stay at the Thiri Hpa-an hotel and unlike last time, I actually had time to enjoy it. We arrived for check-in around lunchtime and then went for lunch in town. After finishing the day's activities and dinner, came back and experienced a comfortable stay in the room, which was very large and had good quality wifi. Unfortunately, only 1 TV channel had English (the movie channel, but technically it's a Myanmar movie channel usually showing Hollywood movies in original soundtrack with Burmese subtitltes that sometimes broadcasts movies that are not in English such as from India, China, Korea etc.) but as I had to work all evening I wouldn't have had time to watch TV anyway. Still couldn't find time for the pool but as the weather was overcast with drizzle and a little cool it wouldn't have been the best weather for a swim anyway. I will definitely stay at this hotel again on future trips to Hpa-an, which I make regularly for business.

This hostel exceeded my expectations. The location is perfect with easy access to the main roads to take to get to most destinations around Hpa-An and also walking distance to a good, cheap restaurant (Wadee), the pagoda for sunset, and the delicious street food night market. The beds are super comfortable and are all in a room with no curtain or bunks so you really get to know your roommates and plan some of your time with them. Staff is very helpful and friendly with anything - maps, suggestions, motorbike rental, bus tickets, etc. The breakfast buffet has a good selection of food with healthy options too (fruit, hard-boiled eggs).

I arrived at 6:30 am after a night bus from Inle Lake, and decided to join the all day cave tour from 8:30am–5-ish. The tour was only 5000 kyats (7 people in the tuk-tuk) plus 4000 kyats in entry fees, and it was a highlight of my stay. The room itself was perfectly fine, but nothing special; fairly standard southeast Asian fare. The breakfast on the rooftop was good (friend rice, fried noodles, toast and fruit, plus tea and coffee), and there were some great places to eat within walking distance (a thai place around the corner, the night market by the lake and Verandah Youth Community Cafe). The staff very kindly turned on the TV in the lobby for those of us who was interested in the final of the Australian Open, and they were helpful in booking taxis and getting laundry done.

I only stayed at Hotel United for 2 nights, but had a nice time. The hotel is located off of the main road so it is quiet. But, it is just a short walk to the main road for motorcycle taxis, shops, restaurants and beer stations. There is also a small restaurant/bar just a few steps away from the hotel. The room was basic, but very clean and comfortable. The breakfast was buffet style with fruit, Asian dishes, an egg station and a few other side dishes. It was definitely enough to fill me up for a day of exploring. The staff were great. They arranged a car for me to tour several caves and took care of my bus ticket. They even had a taxi waiting for me at check out so that I wouldn't miss my bus. They were attentive without being overbearing, which is often hard to find. Be aware that there is a common balcony for smoking, which is convenient. But, if the smell of smoke bothers you, request a room further back away from the balcony. It wasn't a strong smell and didn't bother me, but some might be bothered. Overall, it was an enjoyable stay and I would definitely stay again.

Even though we have booked the hotel and fully paid in agoda in advance, upon arriving the staff did not provide us the room, keeping us waited for hours, and lying and not informing about the process. Even though we conformed the correctness of booking at 8am, and they agreed, we could not manage to receive the room from 2pm to 4pm, and we talked practically to all staff and all managers who were around. At 4pm we decided to leave and find another hotel. Thankfully the extremely bas business ethics exists only at Hotel Zwekabin and not with other hotels in the city. NOT recommended, due to the incapability of providing service and treating clients fair. They can ruin you well-planned holiday.