Hpa-An to Dawei is a road through Myanmar's southern corridor
Myanmar, asia
368 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising from Hpa-An to Dawei in Myanmar is way more than just another drive—it’s your backstage pass to the country's incredible diversity, linking the heart of Kayin State with the coastal vibes of Tanintharyi Region.
Snaking down south for 368km (229 miles), this route kicks off in Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, and throws you straight into a world of dramatic limestone karsts and mysterious caves. Fast forward, and you roll into Dawei, the coastal capital of Tanintharyi Region, serving up a dose of Myanmar's seafaring past. With big plans bubbling for the Dawei Special Economic Zone and a deep-sea port, this road is only going to get more important. Think potential game-changer for trade in the whole Mekong area!
But let's be real, the scenery is where it's at. Picture this: endless paddy fields stretching as far as you can see, broken up by epic mountains and classic villages that give you a peek into the real Myanmar. Hpa-An and Dawei bring their own A-game too. In Hpa-An, you’ve got to check out mind-blowing spots like Saddan Cave and the majestic Mount Zwegabin. Then Dawei chills you out with gems like Maungmagan Beach.
Oh, and heads up: this fully paved road has killer views, but it can get dicey when it rains, especially during monsoon season. So definitely peek at a weather report before you head out.
Where is it?
Hpa-An to Dawei is a road through Myanmar's southern corridor is located in Myanmar (asia). Coordinates: 22.1682, 95.4102
Road Details
- Country
- Myanmar
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 368 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 22.1682, 95.4102
Related Roads in asia
hardHow to drive the 705 County Road (X705) in Tibet?
🇨🇳 China
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the Ngari Prefecture of Tibet, China, lies the X705, or the 705 County Road - a high-altitude stunner that’ll leave you breathless (literally!). We’re talking about a route where the entire 60km stretch sits above 4,000m. Seriously, check conditions before you go! It’s been paved recently, so your average car can handle it, but don’t get cocky. The altitude is a beast. Oxygen is thin, so watch out for Acute Mountain Sickness and take it easy. You'll peak at a whopping 5,160m (that's 16,929ft!) at Longga La pass. Stretching 114 km (71 miles) east to west, it connects the G219 to the tiny town of Zanda. Pro Tip: Southwest Tibet is known for crazy weather. Check the forecast before you head out – winter brings heavy snow, which can turn this epic drive into a no-go. Get ready for views you won’t believe!
extremeA Very Bumpy, Grueling Road to Mahodand Lake
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a hidden gem in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that you HAVE to add to your bucket list: Mahodand Lake. Perched way up high in the Swat Kohistan region, this alpine beauty sits at a cool 9,400 feet above sea level. Getting there? Well, that's half the fun (and the challenge!). The route, known as Saifullah Lake Road, from Kalam in Swat District stretches for about 20 miles of mostly unpaved, bumpy, and often tricky terrain. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Hindu Kush mountains, Mahodand is a summertime paradise. Winter? Forget about it. Heavy snow and avalanche risks make it nearly impossible to reach. Even in summer, expect to see snow clinging to the peaks! The views? Absolutely unreal.
hardDiscovering Japan's Alphabetical Ascent: The Iroha-zaka Winding Roads
🇯🇵 Japan
# Iroha-zaka: Japan's Legendary Mountain Switchback Tucked away in Tochigi Prefecture's mountains, Iroha-zaka is a pair of beautifully winding roads that connect the charming lower elevations of central Nikko to the misty heights of Okunikko. What makes this route truly special? Each curve is labeled with a letter from the ancient Japanese alphabet, and you'll encounter them in perfect alphabetical order as you climb. Here's how it works: this one-way system features two separate roads—the newer Second Iroha-zaka handles all the uphill traffic, while the classic First Iroha-zaka (now downhill-only) takes you back down. Together, these asphalted roads showcase an impressive 48 hairpin turns, which is exactly where the name comes from. "Iroha" refers to the first three syllables of the ancient 48-letter Japanese alphabet, and "zaka" simply means slope. Brilliant naming, right? The road climbs over 1,300 feet (396 meters) through dense forest, gaining popularity back in the early Showa era when locals started referring to it by its now-famous name. Originally used by Buddhist pilgrims heading to Lake Chuzenji at the summit, this route carries serious cultural weight in Japanese history. Both roads were built in the 1950s and '60s as some of Japan's pioneering toll roads, though thankfully they're now free to drive. The journey is stunning—especially on the older downhill road, where you can pull over to admire two beautiful waterfalls. And if you're heading up the newer route, you'll eventually reach the gorgeous Akechidaira Plateau near the summit.
moderateJinshajiang Bridge is the world's largest span suspension bridge
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up for a seriously epic drive across the Jinshajiang Bridge in northwest Yunnan, China! Seriously, this thing is HUGE. They say it's the world's largest span suspension bridge, and after driving it, I believe it. This steel giant hangs way up high over the Jinsha River – construction wrapped up in 2020 after starting in 2016. Building it was no joke, given the earthquake risk and crazy altitude. Speaking of height, you're looking at a 461-meter (1,512 feet) drop from the top! It’s the highest bridge over Asia’s biggest river. And at 1,386 meters (4,547 feet) between towers, it's one of the longest suspension bridges on the planet. Connecting Panzhihua to Lijiang as part of the G4216 Chengdu–Lijiang Expressway, this bridge shaves the journey from a grueling 6 hours to a breezy 2. Peering over the edge? Get ready for a 335-meter (think 110-story building!) view when the Jin'an Dam is full, plunging down 461 meters to the original river surface below. If you're after stunning views and a little bit of an adrenaline rush, this drive is a must!