“A cave adventure filled with various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, featuring the phenomenon of sunlight streaming down from the ceiling, creating a mysterious and visually stunning natural beauty.”
Tham Sai Cave is another large limestone cave located within the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, attracting visitors with its incredible natural beauty. The cave derives its name from the large Bodhi Fig Tree (Sai Tree) that once grew near the entrance, a common feature in the limestone cave ecosystem. The journey to Tham Sai requires a relatively steep hike for a short distance, approximately 300-400 meters, serving as a light workout rewarded with a scenic view overlooking the Sam Roi Yot Wetlands before entering the cave itself.
The unique characteristic of Tham Sai is its spacious chambers that are partially lit by natural skylight openings in the cave ceiling. This creates an interesting and less oppressive atmosphere. The interior is filled with beautiful and diverse stalactites and stalagmites in unusual shapes, such as rock draperies, columns, and formations resembling animals, all formed over millions of years. Exploration inside the cave is relatively straightforward and can be done quite independently, though a flashlight is still recommended for spotting details in darker areas.
The most suitable time to visit Tham Sai Cave is during the late morning (around 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM) or afternoon (around 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM), as this is when the sunlight best penetrates the cave opening, creating stunning light beams that hit the rock surfaces. Visiting during the cool season (November to February) ensures the external hike is not too hot. The atmosphere inside the cave is peaceful and cool, making it perfect for photography and relaxing after the climb.
Tham Sai Cave is an extremely interesting location for photographers looking to capture the interplay of light and shadow within the cave, and for light adventurers, as well as families who wish to bring children to learn about geology and nature in an exciting environment. The short hike up to the cave also offers opportunities to see local flora and fauna.
We invite everyone to experience the wonder of Tham Sai Cave, a place where nature has perfectly blended light, shadow, and limestone formations within Khao Sam Roi Yot.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- Drive to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Head towards the Visitor Center, then drive to the starting point of the Tham Sai Cave trail, located near a Park Sub-station (requires a short uphill walk).
Local Transport:
- You can hire a local taxi or motorcycle taxi from the National Park entrance area or nearby accommodation to reach the trailhead for Tham Sai Cave.
Travel Tips
Best Visiting Season:
- It is best to visit between November and April, during the dry season, as the uphill trail is less slippery and easier to walk than during the rainy season.
Footwear and Equipment:
- You should wear sturdy trainers or hiking shoes with good grip. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some areas remain dark despite the skylights.
Photography:
- Prepare equipment for photographing in high contrast conditions to capture the sunbeams streaming into the cave. Be careful when placing tripods.
Safety:
- Do not touch the stalactites and stalagmites to prevent damage. Be mindful of the cave paths, which can be slippery or uneven.
Admission Fees (National Park Entry - Covers Tham Sai Access)
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Local Visitors (Thai): Adult 40 THB, Child 20 THB
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Foreign Visitors: Adult 200 THB, Child 100 THB
Opening Hours
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Open Daily from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM.
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Special Note: It is advisable to visit during daylight hours to ensure enough light for viewing the beauty inside the cave.