The Most Beautiful Caves in Thailand
Tham Lot, Pang Mapha
Tham Lot Cave is roughly a 40 minute drive south of Pai in Sappong. There are two options to explore this stunning cave, both require the expert help of a local guide. The first option is to go both ways on a raft through the cave, the other option is to go into the cave on a bamboo raft and then walk back through the forest. This adventure requires a fair level of fitness as you’ll climb up and down staircases discovering the caves highlights. Contact Cave Lodge for exciting caving, kayaking and hiking adventures.
Tham Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao
Explore the wonders of the limestone temple caves in Chiang Dao. There are over 100 caves in the complex that extend over 10 kilometres into the mountain range. Many of the caves have shrines, statues and Buddha images. There is a small entrance fee and to explore deeper into the caves it is expected that you hire a local guide to lead the way. Chiang Dao is also famous for its hiking trails.
Phraya Nakhon Cave, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Located 45 minutes drive south of Hua Hin, in the Khao Sam Rot Yot National Park, Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of Thailand’s most beautiful caves. The journey to the cave will take you past white sand beaches, rugged mountains and lush forests. The cave has two chambers both of which are open at the top, which allows the sun to stream in. The main chamber houses the Kuha Karuhas pavilion, a truly magical sight to behold.
Open daily: 8 am – 4 pm
Phraya Nakhon Cave, ถนนรพช. ปข. 4033 สามร้อยยอด(กิ่ง) Amphoe Sam Roi Yot, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, +66 32 603 571
Phi Hua To Cave, Krabi
Phi Hua To Cave, or otherwise known as “big-headed Ghost Cave”, is Krabi’s most famous cave located close to the Than Bok Khorani National Park. The limestone caves are surrounded by mangrove forests and are adorned with prehistoric paintings depicting humans and marine animals. The name “big headed Ghost Cave” is apt considering the site is believed to have been a burial site over 3,000 years ago. A large number of skulls have been uncovered here. The cave is also known for a tiger paw which is embedded in the stone.
Open daily: 10 am – 4 pm
Tham Pee Hua Toe, Ao Luek Tai, Ao Luek District, Krabi, Thailand
Viking Cave, Koh Phi Phi Ley
A stunning limestone cave with beautiful drawings of ancient Viking ships on the walls. The cave is also a popular site to harvest a certain type of bird nest that is used in a traditional Chinese soup. The cave is no longer open to tourists however boats will get you as close enough to check out this stunning cave.
Tham Lum Khao Ngu (Snake Mountain Cave), Kanchanaburi
Be prepared to be awe-struck. Tham Lum Khao Ngu houses the tallest cave column in the world at a mighty 62 meters tall (200 feet)! This impressive structure looks like a mega-church organ and is truly a breathtaking sight.
Monkey Cave (Wat Tham Suwan Khuha Cave Temple)
This cave is home to a magnificent reclining gold Buddha statue. The cave is also very light with plenty of room, so a perfect caving option for those that get claustrophobic in tight spaces. As the name implies there are numerous monkeys jumping about outside of the cave. Be careful they can be feisty.
