Kayin State is an area to the East and South of Yangon and is a great destination to consider for fantastic scenery and for the interesting ethnic diversity of the state, home mainly to the Karen.

The capital of the state is Hpa-An town, picturesquely located but a rather dusty, ramshackle half-forgotten place which has come on to the map somewhat with the upgrading of the highway from Yangon and the opening of the border with Thailand.

A visit to Kayin state is perhaps best combined with a stop at the Golden Rock and a visit to Moulmein, further to the south in Mon State.

A stay at Keinnara Lodge is our recommended way of seeing this off the beaten track area of Burma.