The river journey to Mawlamyine along the Thanlwin River is a beautiful one, taking in local riverside villages and karst mountain scenery; you can get a small fast boat from Hpa An for K10,000 (since the building of a new road bridge, the government ferry to Mawlamyine no longer runs).

Boats typically depart Hpa An at 1pm and arrive in Mawlamyine at around 5pm; tickets can be bought at at guest houses and hotels in Hpa An.