Due to its diverse wildlife and activities, Hlawga National Park is a great place for a day trip. The park is located 22 miles north of Yangon yet driving from Yangon takes around one and a half hours due to traffic and twisting roads. The Hlawga National Park was established back in 1982 as an environmental education center and currently serves as a popular day-trip destination for Yangonites, eco-tourists, and run-of-the-mill travellers. It was meant to not only house a collection of Burmese indigenous wildlife but to protect the forests and flora of the Hlawga Lake.
Best time to visit the Park is between November to February, because it's not a hot summer and out of the rainy season.
The Hlawga National Park is a home to various types of deer, rhesus monkeys, pythons, and pangolins. Here the mini-zoo features animals such as small mammals, birds, monkeys, bears and crocodiles, tigers, and leopards. For those into ornithology, resident and migratory birds are abundant inside the park.
You may spot the jungle fowl, red-vented bulbul, lesser whistling duck, Asian Openbill Stork, black-crowned night heron, and white-throated babbler and so on. It's the best place for families with children. Other than the walk-through zoo and drive-through safari, visitors can hitch an elephant ride through the park, hike on jungle trails, boat on the lake, and go bird watching. Picnic areas are located throughout the park where you can dine and take in the sights and sounds of the Hlawga National Park. You can also rent a hut or chalet.
Practical info
What kind of animals can you see at Hlawga National Park?
Hlawga National Park is home to many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Deers, pythons, pangolins, tigers, leopards, bears, and crocodiles are just a few of the over sixty species found in the untouched forests and marshlands of the park. Enthusiasts can also spot resident and migratory birds abundant in the park, like the jungle fowl, lesser whistling duck, Asian openbill stork, white-throated babbler, among others. Show more
What is the best time of year to visit Hlawga National Park?
The ideal time to go to Hlawga National Park is from November to February, during the dry season with comfortable weather. Avoid visiting during the rainy season when trails become muddy, making it harder to hike and spot wildlife. The heat in April and May can also make trekking unbearable. During the summer, road conditions can be treacherous, and wildlife viewing can get limited. Show more
What activities are available at Hlawga National Park?
Spend the day enjoying a myriad of activities at Hlawga National Park. With picnic areas available, visitors can sit down and dine while enjoying the picturesque scenery. Explore the walk-through zoo and drive-through safari and spot different species of mammals and birds. Visitors can rent bicycles or boats, ride an elephant, stroll along different jungle trails, or enjoy bird-watching. Renting huts, chalets, and tents is also possible for visitors who want to spend the night. Show more
How long does it take to drive from Yangon to Hlawga National Park?
For the 22-mile distance from Yangon to Hlawga National Park, it would take about one and a half hours to drive. Keep in mind that travel times will depend on traffic, which can get unpredictable during peak hours and travel season. Private transportation such as a taxi or a private car is recommended since the public transport options are limited. Show more
Are there any accommodations available inside Hlawga National Park?
Accommodations available for rent in Hlawga National Park include huts, chalets, and tents. The park also has a restaurant and picnic areas that provide meals and refreshments to keep visitors fueled and hydrated. Activities like riding elephants, renting boats are also available, ideal for visitors who want to stay up to enjoy the night and maximize their stay. Due to the rush of tourists during peak seasons, it's advisable to book accommodations in advance to avoid availability issues. Show more
