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Saddan Cave
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Saddan Cave is a massive limestone cavern located in the Kayin State, near the city of Hpa-An in Myanmar. Known for its impressive size and spiritual importance, the cave is filled with numerous Buddha statues, pagodas, and religious wall carvings. The main passage through the cave extends for approximately 800 meters, leading visitors through chambers adorned with large stalactites and stalagmites. At the exit of the cave, visitors emerge into a hidden valley containing a small lake and lush vegetation. From here, local boatmen offer rides through a flooded section of the cave back towards the starting point. The cave is named after a legendary elephant king and serves as an important pilgrimage site.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Saddan Cave (back) · Saddan Cave (front) · ကော့နန်းသာစမ်းချောင်း
- Nearby: Ma Yin Gyi (50 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 3 | 28 | 51 | 242 | 388 | 506 | 456 | 316 | 180 | 27 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Adventurous visitors can hike directly through the entirety of this colossal karst cavern. The journey begins among majestic Buddha statues and enormous stalactites, eventually exiting at a striking hidden lake.
Typical hours
The site typically operates from the morning until the late afternoon. It is generally advisable to complete your cavern walk well before sunset, ensuring you have clear daylight for the return boat trip outside.
Photography
The sheer scale of the interior and the scenic lake exit offer incredible, dramatic photographic opportunities. Wide-angle lenses are particularly useful for capturing the massive proportions of the central cavern.
Time needed
Exploring the cave interior usually takes around an hour of careful walking. Add at least another hour if you opt to hire a traditional wooden boat across the photogenic hidden lake for your return journey.
Combine with
The wide-open karst landscapes around Hpa-An are spectacular. Consider pairing this excursion with a climb up Mount Zwegabin or visiting the nearby Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda, which perfectly complements the natural beauty.
Getting there
The cavern is situated in the scenic countryside near Hpa-An. Most tourists reach the entrance by renting a motorbike, hiring a local tuk-tuk, or securing a private driver for a customized full-day tour of the area.
Insider tip
Returning via the local canoe ride through the flooded rice paddies and cave passages is highly recommended as a memorable experience. Wear sandals, as you will definitely have to walk barefoot in the sacred sections.
Geography
Facts
- The cave passage has a total length of approximately 800 meters.
- It is one of the largest and most significant caves in the Hpa-An region.
- The cave entrance features a large reclining Buddha statue.
- A hidden lake, known as Lake Saddan, is located at the cave exit.
- The cave system is home to a large colony of fruit bats.
- Boat trips through the cave are only possible when water levels are sufficient.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Saddan Cave (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to walk through the cave barefoot?
Yes, as in almost all religious sites in Myanmar, walking barefoot is mandatory.
How long does it take to cross?
The walk through the cave takes about 30-45 minutes.
Is there a boat trip at the end of the cave?
Yes, you can hire a boat to take you back for a small fee.
Is the cave lit?
There is some lighting, but a flashlight is recommended.
What should you bring?
Comfortable clothes and mosquito repellent for the exit area.
Saddan Cave: where is it located?
Saddan Cave is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Saddan Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saddan Cave (back), Saddan Cave (front), ကော့နန်းသာစမ်းချောင်း.
Saddan Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Saddan Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Saddan Cave is a massive limestone cavern located in the Kayin State, near the city of Hpa-An in Myanmar.
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