Tham Luang Cave Complex Has An Emerald Pond, Shrines & Wildlife Trails
Remember the Thai Cave rescue that was all over the news in July?
Months after the famous incident, the cave at the centre of the rescue has become an unlikely tourist hotspot.
This isn’t surprising, since some people even visit the tunnel that Princess Diana was killed in in 1997.
But unlike the Pont de l’Alma, the Tham Luang cave complex is now home to numerous stalls as well as a fast-growing tourism industry.
But don’t expect to visit the actual cave where the boys were trapped for days. Authorities have blocked off that entrance with a fence. Probably wise.
Here’s what what you can look forward to at the site, which is an hour’s drive north of Chiang Rai.
1. Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park
The Tham Luang cave complex sits within the Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park, a sprawling tropical rainforest. Teeming with diverse wildlife, the forest park’s trails are a must-visit for nature lovers.
You can relax and enjoy the serenity of the emerald pond. It is this pond’s waters that reportedly flooded the Tham Luang caves.
If you prefer something brighter for the ‘gram, frolick in the flower fields that skirt the park.
But if you prefer a view from the top, trek to one of the vantage points at the mountains near the park and take in views like this.
2. Wat Tham Pra
Wat Tham Pra’s entrance features a scenic stairway with towering trees and Buddhist statues.
A small temple locally known as Tham Blo Pla, resides inside the limestone cave. The main chamber has a large golden seated 2000-year old Buddha and smaller seated Buddha statues. Holes in the cave’s ceilings, enable the sun’s rays to shine on the statues.
The pathway to the nearby Nangnon shrine is adorned with colourful umbrellas, as far as the eye can see. In Buddhism, umbrellas serve as protection from harm and suffering.
3. Majestic rock formations & bamboo groves
While you can’t explore Tham Luang cave yet, you can check out the other areas of the cave complex like Thum Saohin Phayanak, also known by locals as Naga.
The road to the cave is clustered with bamboos and thick vegetation.
Walk along the grove to get a slice of Kyoto’s Arashiyama, if you don’t have the budget to fly to Japan.
Once you get there, navigate past the stalagmites on the ground and keep an eye out for bats.
4. Hundreds of Thai vendors
We all know that Thailand is the go-to place for a shopping trip, so you’ll be pleased to know that hundreds of vendors have set up shop to sell souvenirs, trinkets and T-shirts.
Look out for these cute Tham Lung brooches adorned with a pig to prove to your friends that you went to the Thai cave rescue site.
Ready to visit?
We’re sure that this destination is on your radar if you were very kaypoh during the Thai cave rescue.
But how do you get there?
Book a flight from Singapore to Chiang Rai Airport on SilkAir, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia. From there, you can ride a taxi to Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park for one hour.
You can check out nearby hotels through Booking, Agoda and Trivago. We recommend the Khunnam Rimtarn Resort, which starts at $24 per night.
Featured image from Instagram and Instagram.
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