Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KAYIN STATE
The limestone escarpments and luminous paddy fields, coupled with a fascinating ethnic
mix, would make Kayin State a Myanmar highlight but sadly, like so many of the na-
tion's border regions, significant parts of the state remain off limits to foreign visitors.
Ever since Myanmar attained independence from the British in 1948, the Karen have
been embroiled in a fight for autonomy - a war that is by some accounts the world's
longest-running internal conflict. In 2012, after more than 60 years of fighting, the main
insurgent body, the Karen National Union (KNU), and the Burmese government signed a
ceasefire agreement. The KNU's military component, the Karen National Liberation
Army (KNLA), continue to control parts of the northern and eastern parts of the state,
but the newfound peace has meant the opening up of parts of Kayin State to the outside
world, most notably in the 2013 general opening of the border at Myawaddy.
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Hpa-an
058 / POP C50,000
Hpa-an, Kayin State's scruffy, riverside capital, isn't going to inspire many postcards
home. But the city is the logical base from which to explore the Buddhist caves, sacred
mountains and cloud-scraping islands of the surrounding countryside.
