About 15km south of Mae Sai is Tham Pla (fish cave), which is famous not only for its underground lake crammed with fish, but also for its monkeys.
In contrast to nearby Tham Luang, which is usually deserted, Tham Pla is a popular destination for locals who come to make merit at the temple at the foot of the limestone outcrop in which the cave is located. They also like to feed the koi carp and catfish in a pond outside the cave, as well as give bananas to hordes of squabbling macaques that live around the temple.
Don’t go too close to the monkeys, and hang on to your bags, as they can be aggressive. Sadly, there’s also a small pond with crocodiles, suggesting that the monks here are trying to turn the place into a kind of zoo.
A run of 300 steep steps leads up the mountainside to the entrance to the cave and a magnificent view across the countryside. Since it’s such a steep ascent, few people actually go up to the cave, preferring to hang out with the animals in the temple.
Getting There
Since the cave is several kilometers from the main road, public transport is not an option. Best to hire a motorbike taxi in Mae Sai as it’s a bit tricky to find.
Need to Know
- What is it? A cave in a limestone outcrop with a temple and lots of animals.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: none.
- Address: Off Highway 1.
- Where: About 15km south of Mae Sai.