Mount Zwegabin, Hpa An

Took me 1h 50m to get up from the "buddha gardens" and I am reaaaaly slow. Take 3 steps, stop and wanna cry 😂 It was challenging, only stairs up (please, do not go in flipflops in dark), though when the sun is up, locals do it in slippers. Don't go without a flash light if you go for sunrise/sunset (mobile would do in the worst case). The view it breathtaking. Would go again. Watch out for the monkeys, don't leave your things around, or they'll take it. Remember, they are wild and can be really aggressive.

Reached the foot of the mountain at 430am to hike up for the sun rise. You will be surprised that there are many people who are climbing up and down at that hour too. The whole hike is largely made up of stepz hence it is suitablr for many, although it can still be tiring for the average person. However the mountain has much litter and rubbish from people who climb up and eat along the way. Might not have tge best smells and views at certain points of the climb as compared to other mountains in South East Asia. Sunrise was covered by mist but I was still able to see the movement of the orange ball rise upwards. Still worth the climb.

A very nice hike and view from the top. Please note that there is the western entrance (Lumbini Buddha gardens) that is half stairs, half hiking and there is the eastern entrance (other side of the mountain), which is purely stairs. Eastern entrance is faster but less scenic, good for the sunrise hike up. It took me 1 h 20 mins up and 1 h down. If you don't have a motorbike, I suggest going up east side and going down west side. Having a motorbike western one would be more logical. For west side grippy shoes are required. Suggest going as early as possible for sunrise or at least good visibility or late afternoon for sunset. Both cases would need a headlamp, even while big parts of the paths are illuminated.

Lots of people, tons of plastic covers the hills. We started our hike at 9am and it was really exhausting because of temperature. Some views are nice, although the sky is not clear and you can see that much

Amazing place and beautiful view. Do carry enough water as it's a long hike. It took me 4 hours up (I am not a hiking kind of guy) & 2 hours to come down. Start as early as possible to avoid dehydration and do carry less luggage as you'll be climbing lots of steps, rocks and steps made of rocks. There are small shops up on the top for water, food & snacks. Wooden beds to take rest. Enjoy your trip