Caves in Krabi
Everything you need to know about Krabi's caves
The limestone scenery which dominates the entire region offers
a fascinating network of cave systems, both inland and along the
coastline. Many contain wonderful crystalline formations, stalagmites
and stalactites. A number are said to be the home of spirits and
are steeped in local forklore, containing Buddha images and items
of spiritual worship.
Many of the coastal caves reveal collapsed caverns or "hongs"
Inside the hongs are many interior lagoons open to the sky and accessed
only at certain tides through tunnels in the rocks. Local kayaking companies provide excellent tours inside these cave systems
giving an unobtrusive view of a unique eco-system.
Many of the caves also contain prehistoric paintings, stone tools
and pottery shards, giving a clue to Krabi's rich past.
Klong Thom Museum, south-east of Krabi Town, has a collection of
ceramics, stone tools and bronze implements found at various excavations
throughout the area. Drive through the province or take a tour.
Around Krabi Town
Located 9 kilometres from Krabi Town, Wat Tham Sua or 'Tiger
Cave' is one of the most famous caves in the area. Part of a temple complex where monks live and
worship within a maze of natural caves surrounded by lush jungle.
Inside one of the caves are what appears to be tiger paw prints
embedded in the stone.
Wat Tham Sua teaches a form of Buddhism called Vipassana (insight
meditation), which is based on the teachings of the earliest Buddhist
texts and is also a famous meditation retreat (see temples).
The main tourist attraction however, is the 1,272 step climb up
a limestone tower to see the 'footprint of the Buddha'.
It's not an easy climb especially in the heat, but you will be rewarded
at the top with stunning 360° views of the surrounding countryside
and the Andaman Sea.
Located about 5 kilometres north of Krabi Town.
Khao Khanap Nam, - Krabi's distinctive landmark
rises over approximately 100-metres above the the Krabi river, dominating
the skyline. It is a “must see” for stunning examples of stalagmites
and stalactites. Just 15 minutes by longtail from Chao Fa Pier in
Krabi town. There's also a large cave inside containing prehistoric
paintings.
Tham Sadet is located at Ban Nong Kok, Tambon
Sai Thai, 7 kilometres from the town on Highway No. 4034. It is
a beautiful cave with stalactites and stalagmites. In 1909 the future
King Rama VI visited the cave here, earning it the title "Sadet"
indicating the presence of royalty.
Ao Luk District
Just north east of Krabi town, surrounded by limestone mountains
and rich in cave systems, lies the area of Ao Luk.
Along the Ao Luk-Laem Sak Road, approximately 2km from the district
offices are 2 caves, Tham Lod Neua and Tham
Lod Tai. The latter is a long narrow limestone tunnel with
stalactites and stalagmites and can be visited by longtail boat
at low tide. Close by is Tham Prah cave, the site
of the Khao Prah Suhn Yah Tah Rahm Meditation Centre, and Tham Petch cave, named because the walls of
the cave reflect light like a diamond.
Tham Phi Hua Toh /Hua Galok is a large cave reputed
to be the home of a large-headed ghost. The cave rests on a hill
surrounded by water and mangroves and contains many grottos and
prehistoric drawings. Accessible by boat from Bor Tor Pier.
Railey Beach (Phra Nang Peninsula)
Take a boat to see this strange cave located on lovely Phra Nang
Beach, within 10 minutes walk of Railay Beach East.
The Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok, reveals
a more recently discovered inner Princess Cave or Tham Phra
Nang Nai, believed by local fishermen to be the home of
a mythical sea princess.
Inside the cave is a collection of strange phallic symbols, offerings
and objects believed to help with fertility.
Located about 90 minutes by boat from Krabi Town, Phi
Phi Ley, the smaller of the Phi Phi Islands contains another
large cave Tham Phraya Nak or The Viking
Cave, contains prehistoric paintings alongside more recent
pictures of modern ships.
The cave is also home to vast numbers of swifts. Their nests, an
essential ingredient in the Chinese gourmet dish Birds Nest soup,
are collected by locals from a series of rickety bamboo ladders.
Note: Phi Phi Ley is only accessible during the high season (Nov
- March).
Koh Lanta has a series of caves collectively known as called Tham
Mai Kaew, reached by a short jungle trek through rubber
plantations and entered from a small entrance of rocks.
Local guides can lead you through the caves to a cavern pool, with
plenty of stalactites and stalagmites to see along the way.
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