“The sacredness of the cave temple and the walk through the cave decorated with Buddha images and stalactites and stalagmites to see the view of the lake and vast rice fields at the other side of the cave entrance.”
Sadan Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple nestled within a large natural cave in the mountains of Pa-an, Kachin State, Myanmar. It is considered one of the most important and artistically stunning religious tourist attractions. The cave contains numerous halls and smaller chambers, each strategically arranged to facilitate pilgrims and tourists alike.
The cave is made of naturally formed limestone. Inside, a large, high, open chamber is flooded with natural light from the ceiling, creating a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. Each chamber houses Buddha images of various sizes, ranging from small to large. Wall murals depict religious stories and local legends. Visitors will find depictions of the Buddha, scenes from the life of the Buddha, and scenes from the daily life of Burmese people in the past.
In addition to the paintings and Buddha images, the cave also features beautiful natural pillars and stalactites and stalagmites. The cave's paths and steps ensure safe access to all halls, though some areas can be steep or slippery, so caution is advised.
Another highlight of Sadan Cave Temple is the panoramic views surrounding the cave. Visitors can climb to a viewpoint along the path above the cave, offering panoramic views of the mountains, rivers, and rice paddies of Pa-an, a popular photo opportunity. This is especially true during the morning and evening when the sunlight is beautiful.
The Sadan Cave Temple is also an important site for local Buddhists who come to pray, practice Dhamma, and occasionally hold religious ceremonies. A visit to the caves offers both cultural tourism, learning about the art and history, and experiencing the serenity and spirituality of the place.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes to enter the sacred area and carry drinking water, a hat, and a flashlight for the dimly lit areas. It is important to respect temple regulations and not disturb the faith of other visitors.
How to Get There
- The cave entrance can be reached from Hpa-An town by car or motorbike, taking about 30–40 minutes. After that, you have to walk inside the cave for about 10–15 minutes. Along the way, you will see beautiful mountain and natural scenery
Travel Tips
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Wear shoes that are easy to remove, as you will be entering sacred grounds.
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Bring water and a hat, as the weather will be hot and some outdoor activities will occur.
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Morning or late afternoon is ideal for landscape photography.
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Respect temple rules and traditions, such as no flash photography inside the main hall.
Admission Fees:
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Cave/Temple Entrance Fee: 1,000 kyat (MMK) per person
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Boat Fee: If you walk through the cave and exit out the back, there is a lake that requires a boat ride back to the starting point. The boat fare is approximately 2,000-3,000 kyat per person.
Opening Hours:
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Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Please note: Sadan Cave may only be open to visitors from approximately November to April and closed from approximately May to October for safety and accessibility reasons.