Caves in Thailand

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Which are a temple with a roof, and which need a guide and a lamp

Thailand's caves split in two: shrine caves you walk into in sandals, and river caves in the north and south that need a guide, a lamp and a bamboo raft.

Here is the list of 13 Caves in Thailand

1. Tham Khao Luang

Tham Khao Luang

Tham Khao Luang is an impressive cave stuffed with stalactite. Accessed via an array of steep stairs, this cave shrine is Rama IV's favourite. Deep inside the cave, there is supposedly a rock formation of Jesus on the cross. The central Buddha figure is sometimes illuminated by the sunlight glow that enters through the skylight.

2. Phraya Nakhon Cave, Hua Hin

Phraya Nakhon Cave, Hua Hin

Situated in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, the Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of the most mysterious caves in Thailand. The mystery of the place owes to the fact that the cave is a little hard to reach to and not a lot of visitors manage to reach the site. A revered Royal golden meeting hall, built for Rama V is the main highlight once you reach the main area.

3. Chiang Dao Cave, Chiang Mai

Chiang Dao Cave, Chiang Mai
4.4 /5

At the foothills of the limestone mountain, Doi Chiang Dao lies the entrance to Chiang Dao Cave. Among all of the caves in Thailand, this cave has one of the largest networks of passageways and tunnels. The interiors of the cave are patterned with the naturally occurring stalagmites and stalactites.

4. Phi Hua To Cave, Ao Luk

Phi Hua To Cave, Ao Luk

Phi Hua To Cave or Phi Hua Toh Cave is located in Ao Luk, Krabi. It is also known as Hua Galok and was once a burial site. The Cave has several paintings, some of which are about 3000 years old. Visitors can also check out the natural rock formations inside the Cave that are shaped like dragons or crocodiles. When seen from the Tha Pring Canal, the Cave looks like a giant head.

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5. Tham Lot, Mae Hong Province

Tham Lot, Mae Hong Province

Situated in the Mae Hong Province of Thailand, Tham Lot Cave is a prehistoric cave and a favourite with thrill-seekers. The caves run deep, about 1600 metres into the mountains, and are sometimes referred to as coffin caves. Tham Lot Cave is perfect for those wanting to explore a somewhat spooky attraction.

6. Tham Lum Khao Ngu Aka, Kanchanaburi

Tham Lum Khao Ngu Aka, Kanchanaburi

Tham Lum Khao Ngu Aka is famous for its 200-feet tall limestone column, which is also the tallest in the world. The Cave is also known as the Snake Mountain Cave and is located at the Lam Khlong Ngu National Park in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Visitors get to see some stalactites and stalagmites here. The attraction is surrounded by nature.

7. Viking Cave, Phi Phi Islands

Viking Cave, Phi Phi Islands
4.3 /5

Sitting at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff in Ko Phi Phi Leh, the Viking Cave gets its name from olden drawings made by sailors who took shelter during passing storms. A visit to this cave is made via a speedboat, but you aren't allowed to enter it. Apart from being treated as an attraction, the cave serves as a nesting ground for the Swiftlet bird.

8. Mae Lana Cave, Mae Hong Son

Mae Lana Cave, Mae Hong Son

Located in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, Mae Lana Cave is a set of two caves, Diamond and Coral. The route to the caves is rugged, goes over a steep slope through a jungle and can be covered over a two-wheeler. However, entry is allowed only with a guide. The dark, cold and dingy caves have a river flowing through them, and the surface is mostly slippery.

9. Tham Phra Nang Cave, Rai Leh

Tham Phra Nang Cave, Rai Leh
4.3 /5

This is an interesting cave with large wooden phalluses. Also known as the Princess Cave or penis cave, this is named after the Phra Nang princess. Here, the fishermen and other visitors make offerings to the symbolic phallus of Shiva to help with fertility. They also believe that the sea-princess will help them bring good results in fishing.

10. Crazy Horse Cave, Mae On District

Crazy Horse Cave, Mae On District

A buttress located in Mae On district in Thailand, the Crazy Horse Cave hosts several caves like the Anxiety State Cave and Morning Glory Cave. It takes a little bit of experience to climb the mountain and access the caves. So, the attraction is not always crowded. Nonetheless, visiting in groups is recommended for safety reasons. Crazy Horse Cave is home to scorpions, red ants, bees, etc.

11. Tham Pla Cave, Pong Ngam

Tham Pla Cave, Pong Ngam

Tham Pla Cave is a popular tourist attraction located in Pong Ngam, Thailand. The Cave is formed in a limestone mountain in the village. The attraction has a fresh freshwater stream with schools of fish right at the entrance. The Cave houses a Burmese style idol of Buddha. Here, locals believe that Buddha blesses devotees with good fortune. So, many visit the Cave to offer prayers.

12. Muang On Cave, Mae On District

Muang On Cave, Mae On District

Muang On Cave is located at a short distance from Chiang Mai, Thailand and is a preferred attraction for a quick adventure getaway for the locals. After climbing a flight of stairs that leads to the entrance of the Cave, visitors get to explore a well-light cave.

13. Phung Chang Cave, Phang Nga Province

Phung Chang Cave, Phang Nga Province

Situated in the mountains of the province of Phang Nga in Thailand, Phung Chang Cave is a popular attraction amongst adventurers. Here, visitors have to canoe through a stream, then proceed over traditional bamboo rafts till they reach a point from where the water level is only about knee-deep. From this point, they then need to wade or hike through to reach the Cave.

Caves are the reliable wet-weather day out. Cities in Thailand helps place them, and day trips from Chiang Mai covers the northern cluster around Mae Hong Son.

This post was published by Harshitha

FAQs on Caves in Thailand

Which is the most impressive cave in Thailand?

Tham Lot near Soppong in Mae Hong Son province. A stream runs straight through the mountain and you cross it on a bamboo raft with a lantern-carrying guide, past ancient teak coffins on the ledges. It is a genuine excursion rather than a roadside stop.

Do I need a guide?

For Tham Lot and the larger northern caves, yes, and guides are arranged at the entrance rather than booked ahead. Temple caves like Tham Pla and Muang On are self-guided and lit.

Are the caves suitable for children?

The temple caves are, with steps and lighting. The river caves involve wet feet, uneven rock and low light, so they suit older children rather than toddlers.

When should I avoid caving in Thailand?

The rainy season, roughly June to October in the north and May to October in the south. River caves flood, and some close entirely. The Tham Luang rescue in 2018 was a monsoon flooding event.

What should I take?

Shoes with grip rather than sandals, a torch even where lighting exists, and cash for the guide. Shoulders and knees covered if the cave is also a shrine, which many of them are.

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