LATELY, hiking has been the main activity for the majority of visitors to Hpa-an. Mount Taungwine, Mount Zwegabin, and Mount Kyainn are significant destinations.
"Visitors come from different cities but majorly from Yangon and Mandalay. Among visitors, some go visit popular tourist destinations, and some don't go to such places but go hiking Mount Taungwine. Most of the visitors come here by travel and tour packages. Some who have time go hiking Mount Zwegabin. Some go hiking at Mount Kyainn, which is situated downtown. Just a few people go to Zwegabin and Kyar Inn. The number of visitors who go hiking has increased recently," said a travel operator in Hpa-an Township.
During the forthcoming Thadingyut holidays, visitor arrival from Yangon and Mandalay is expected to rise in Hpa-an, and currently, residents from Mawlamyine, Ye and Myeik are among the visitors. It is uncertain whether hotel rooms will be available if bookings are made late.
"Among visitors, the majority will be Yangon and Mandalay residents during the coming Thadingyut holidays. It is expected that many people will visit Hpa-an during the Thadingyut holidays, and they will go hiking Taung Wine. It is not easy to get hotel rooms if bookings are made late. Some already booked in last month. Visitors are coming from Mawlamyine, Ye and Myeik," he said. – Thit Taw/ZS
