Lam Khlong Ngu National Park

Lam Khlong Ngu National Park

Amphoe Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi

Named after a creek that snakes through the jungle, eroding limestone cliffs along the way and turning them into large caves and grottoes with attractive stalagmites and stalactites. There are many beautiful caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park such as: Tham Sao Hin, located 6 km. from the mouth of Lam Khlong Ngu which flows through the cave.

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Tham Sao Hin houses a floor-to-ceiling column formed by the joining of stalagmites and stalactites, measuring 62.5 metres high, which is the tallest rock column ever found in Thailand. There are also other spectacular stalagmites and stalactites of different forms within the cave. To get there, the cave is accessible by a boat sailing northbound from Srinagarindra Dam to the mouth of Lam Khlong Ngu. A walk for another 6 km. or some 2 hours will lead to the cave, with several breathtaking waterfalls originating from Lam Khlong Ngu along the way.

To get there by car, start from Namtok Erawan via Tham Phra That to Namtok Huai Mae Khamin, continue for another 1½ hours to Ban Phu Toei and walk on for approximately 3 hours to the cave. The walking trail will lead through scenic valleys and cliffs. Visitors to Tham Sao Hin need to be adventure-lovers who are physically fit. Guidance by a national park official or local guide is necessary. February – April is the suitable period for visiting the cave, as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season.

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Tham Nok Nang Aen, located around the middle section of Lam Khlong Ngu at Mu 5 Ban Khao Phra In, Tambon Chalae. It is a spacious cave approximately 3 km. long, with the Lam Khlong Ngu flowing through it. It features the so-called Karst windows formed by the subsidence of the cave’s ceiling, which divided the cave into 3 roomy chambers that look like 3 connected train carriages. The cave is home to a large flock of swallows – Nok Nang Aen in Thai – and houses spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.

To get there, take the same route as Tham Sao Hin and continue for another 6 km. from Ban Phu Toei to Ban Khao Phra In, turn right into a dirt road for another 3 km. and walk further for some 30 minutes to the cave. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, or rent an ‘I Taek’ – adapted from a local ploughing vehicle – from Ban Khao Phra In. Otherwise take Highway 323 (Thong Pha Phum – Sangkhla Buri), turn right at Km. 26 (Phuttho Intersection) via Namtok Thung Nang Khruan until getting to Ban Huai Suea, continue toward Ban Phu Toei and turn left into a dirt road for 3 km. From the parking area, a walk of some 30 minutes will lead to the cave. Please contact the national park’s official or villagers for guidance. Advance arrangements as well as preparation for physical fitness is suggested.

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Tham Namtok, similar to Tham Sao Hin and Tham Nok Nang Aen in that it is a cave with a creek flowing through it. It features underground water cascading down the rock to form a 17-tiered waterfall, with the tallest tier being some 20 metres high. There are also spectacular stalagmites and stalactites in various forms throughout the 2,710 metres long cave.

To get there, visiting the cave is not recommended in the rainy season as the water level inside will be very high. Please contact the national park official for guidance. Advance arrangements and preparations are suggested.

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Tham Yai, a large spacious cave with a mouth of approximately 50 metres wide. The chamber inside can accommodate thousands of people. It is the province’s largest cave located about 1 km. from Tham Namtok.

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Visiting caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park needs advance arrangement of itinerary, necessary equipment for cave exploration, and preparation of physical fitness. A local guide is a must. March – May is the most appropriate period for visiting the caves as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season. Admission is Bt400 for adults and Bt200 for children. For further details, please contact the Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, P.O. Box 4, Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi 71180.