Gplace > Thailand > Kanchanaburi > Si Sawat > Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park

“Tham Than Lot Noi and Luang are spectacular massive caverns featuring a stream flowing through the mountain, surrounded by lush jungle trails and stunning waterfalls.”

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park, or "Tham Than Lod National Park" as it's popularly known to tourists, is a relatively small national park in Kanchanaburi province. However, it's recognized as one of the most geologically and ecologically outstanding natural areas in western Thailand. The park encompasses a complex network of limestone mountain ranges with lush dry evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and bamboo forests, making it a habitat for diverse wildlife, including bats, birds, gibbons, and various reptile species. Established as a national park in 1980, it covers an area of approximately 36,875 rai, or about 59–67 square kilometers, depending on the source.

The park's most significant feature is "Tham Than Lod Noi" and "Tham Than Lod Yai," natural limestone caves formed by millions of years of underground water erosion. Inside, the caves are large caverns with streams flowing year-round. Tham Than Lod Noi, in particular, is accessible for visitors to walk through, and is filled with uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites. In some spots, sunlight filters through from above, illuminating the rock walls and creating stunning spectacles. The air inside the cave is cool and comfortable even during the summer, and it's home to a large number of bats, giving it a mysterious and tranquil atmosphere unlike typical natural tourist attractions.

The park's nature trails are another highlight popular with hikers and nature lovers. The main trail starts from Tham Than Lod Noi cave, passing through natural forests and small streams to "Tri Trungs Waterfall," a multi-tiered limestone waterfall with clear, cool water year-round. The waterfall has natural pools where visitors can swim at certain times. Along the way, hikers will encounter large trees, such as the Giant Squirrel Tree, and many rare forest plants, as well as the chance to spot small wild animals. This trail is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 2-3 hours to walk, making it suitable for both general tourists and those seeking a less strenuous hike.

Continuing from Tri Trungs Waterfall, you'll reach Tham Than Lod Yai cave, which features a massive natural rock arch resembling a mountain gateway. The height_ of the cave opening allows natural light to beautifully illuminate the floor below. This area is one of the most striking natural viewpoints in the park and is popular with nature photographers. The landscape of rocky cliffs and large trees surrounding the area creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a prehistoric world, especially during the rainy season and early winter when the forest is lush green and a thin layer of mist covers the mountain ranges.

In addition to the Tham Than Lod cave trail, the park also features nature trails to "Than Ngern Waterfall" and "Than Thong Waterfall," waterfalls hidden deep within the forest. Than Ngern Waterfall is a medium-sized waterfall with multiple tiers, while Than Thong Waterfall is a large waterfall with approximately 15 tiers. The walking paths to both waterfalls are surrounded by tranquil natural forest, ideal for those seeking true relaxation amidst nature. The park also offers accommodation, campsites, and basic facilities for tourists who wish to stay overnight and experience the forest atmosphere and the sounds of nature up close at night.

How to Get There

From Kanchanaburi town, take Highway 324 (Kanchanaburi-Phanom Thuan), then turn onto Highway 3086 toward Bo Phloi and Nong Prue. Finally, take Highway 3480 leading directly to the park entrance. The road is paved and accessible for all vehicle types.

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