Htanhsam Cave in Hopong becomes significant tourist destination

Hopone February 16

Number of local and foreign visitors is increasing day by day at the Htanhsam Cave near Nawngkha village, at the junction to Mongpawn, Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, 12 miles from Hopong, southern Shan State.

Myitta Khantan novice Shin Porisa found the cave. Cornerstones were laid for renovation of the cave on 12 February 2009. The consecration and Buddha Pujaniya ceremonies were held there the same year.

The mouth of the cave is about 35 feet wide, and the cave is more than 1,000 feet long. About 400 Buddha images made of gold, silver and bronze can be seen on the interior walls of the cave.

Visitors can enjoy wonderful scenes of stalactites and stalagmites, small stream and rocky lake inside the cave and natural scenes, hills and rock walls outside the cave. They can purchase souvenirs and gifts from the handicraft shops of ethnic people and fruits shops. Moreover, they can have meals free of charge at two public rest-houses arranged by the Htanhsam Sayadaw. Decorations are being made inside the cave.

Moreover, the Cave of Nang Hla Huam, who was a daughter of a hermit, also catches attractions of tourists in Saum Village, Hopong Township, more than 2 miles south of Htanhsam Cave.

Yadanarpon Newspaper