Limestone is part of the core foundation on which most of the islands and coastal inlands of Southern Thailand are based, and this base provides the unique “look and feel” of the area. In increasing to towering natural sculptures that are beloved by rock climbers, these same limestone formations also supply someone else type of outdoor adventure: cave exploration!

THAILAND 2011

Thailand has become well known worldwide for its many attractions. Many attractions can all over the country, offering visitors interesting knowledge of Thai culture to be found uniquely.



For instance, there are numerous Buddhist temples that the tourist can visit to learn about the national religion co Thailand. In Bangkok, the capital city of the country, there are many important temples. One of the most important temples is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where a Buddhist image made from a large Emerald is kept. The Temple of Dawn is also in Bangkok on the bank of the chao Phraya River. These are only two of the many important Buddhist Temples in the Bangkok area. There are many more throughout the country.

For those that love the famous and subterranean atmosphere of caves, Krabi offers many opportunities to examine the underside of mum earth in dozens of locations, approached from both the shore on kayak or canoe, or by short inland treks.

Thai Krabi

Within many of the limestone caves found near Krabi, you can also find collapsed caverns called “hongs.” These hongs offer an perfect advantage point to see the miracles of nature and age, as these classic spaces were carved by wind and sea over the ages, and many of these tunnels and caverns consist of both natural charm as well as the mark of man. For example, prehistoric humans painted many of these limestone portals, and here they have left their mark in pictograms, shards of ceramics and antique stone tools.

Excavation of many of these mysterious limestone sites is ongoing, and a museum has been established just southeast of Krabi Town that contains exhibits full of ceramics and bronze tools from an era now gone by. Even today, these caves hold a place in modern Thai culture, as many locals believe that confident caves hold the spirits of gods and goddesses, and even in this modern age, they are worshipped with all the respect they were given hundreds or thousands of years ago.

To get started in your own explorations, here is some information about the most beloved of caves in the area, and some tips on making your cave adventures memorable ones:

Khao Khanab Nam

These two limestone hills mark the province in which Krabi Town is located, and can be seen from most vantage points in town. These two 100-meter towers also mark the Maenam River that flows in the middle of them. The right-side tower entombs a cave worth visiting, and there are two entrances: one with an very steep walkway and the other favorable for children and the elderly to use. Here you will find well-made steps, and within 10 minutes or so these steps will lead you to the cave entrance. The best way to get to the site is to take a longboat from the town pier, and within 15 minutes you will be there.

Tham Sadet

This cave can be found by traveling just 7 kms from Krabi Town along Highway 4034, and is placed in Ban Nong Kok, Tambon Sai Thai. The point of this cave is in the fact it has earned the royal title of “Sadet,” indicating the site has been bestowed by royalty. In 1901, the then prince (King Rama Vi) visited the cave to give it this title. The cave interior is very beautiful, and filled with many consuming stalactites and stalagmites.

Wat Tham Sua (The Tiger Cave)

This is probably the most famous of caves in the area and can be found just 9 kms from Krabi Town. The cave is undoubtedly attached to a “working” temple where monks use the cave while their daily ritual ceremonies. The cave gets its name from what looks like fossilized tiger prints found along parts of the stone floor. In increasing to the cave filled with golden Buddha’s and other statues, there is a steep climb to be made to see the “footprint of the Buddha” – after ascending 1,272 steps to the top of the limestone tower. Once at the summit, you will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding countryside.

Tham Phi Hua To

This large cave is known as the “Big-headed Ghost Cave,” and was used as a ceremonial burial site some 3,000 years ago. You can still see some of the prehistoric paintings on the cave ceiling, and from the outside, the cave is undoubtedly a bit scary, as it’s mouth does look a large face. Inside the cave, there are more likenesses in the form of rocks shaped like a dragon and crocodile head. Tham Phi Hua To is placed in the Ao Luk District, and can be reached by long tail boat or canoe from the Bor Thor Jetty.

Exploring Thailand – The phenomenal Caves of Krabi