Tham Luang is right up in the northwest of Nan Province in Song Khwae district, on the border of Phayao Province. It is a remote cave known for its stalactites and stalagmites.
While not worth the trip from either Nan or Chiang Kham, Tham Luang is worth a look when traveling between the two towns.
The cave is situated within the Tham Sakoen National Park and it displays some of the best examples of stalagmites and stalactites in the region. There are four entrances to the cave, including the main entrance (the lowest), the top entrance (highest), and the swift and side entrances.
The cave is almost 600 meters in length and over 100 meters high. The main entrance is a 20-meter wide hole in the mountain that can be seen from way off and it can be accessed by a small track from a nearby gateway village. This track also serves the national park and leads to an impressive temple.
The trek up the trail to the entrance of Tham Luang is an interesting walk in itself, taking in views of Song Khwae district. Apart from the impressive stalactites and stalagmites of the cave there are so-called circle rocks on the floor, along with lots of swifts and bats. Guano (bird droppings) is mined in Tham Luang near the main entrance via an aerial ropeway.
You can combine a trip to Tham Luang cave with a look at some of the other caves in Tham Sakoen National Park, including that of Tham Pla Kang. There is also some decent trekking in the park.
Getting There
Highways 1080 and 1148 lead toward the park from Nan (two hours), after which a side road leads to the entrance and Tham Luang. Nan-Chiang Kham buses also pass by the route.
Need to Know
- What is it? A mid-sized cave in northern Nan that is located at altitude and known for its stalactites and stalagmites
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily
- Entrance fee: free, but there’s charge for guide and lantern; national park: free
- Where: north of Nan city on the border with Phayao Province and near the border with Laos