“A pristine limestone cave with living stalactites and stalagmites sparkling beautifully amidst the Ban Mae Lek community forest, offering a pure nature exploration experience without artificial lighting.”
Tham Jam Ma Fa Cave is a medium-sized limestone cave with a highly intact internal ecosystem. Inside, visitors will find several chambers with unique characteristics, including impressive large limestone columns connecting the ceiling and floor, as well as sections filled with curtain-like and coral-shaped stalactites formed over thousands of years.
A Cave That Still Breathes
What makes this cave exceptional is that many of its formations are still actively growing. Water droplets continue to nourish the mineral deposits, classifying it as a “Live Cave.” The cave walls remain naturally moist and sparkle beautifully under flashlight beams, reflecting the richness of the forest above, which serves as a natural water reservoir feeding the cave system.
The Power of Community Conservation
Although the cave once faced intrusion in the past, today the villagers of Ban Mae Lek have united to protect and manage it through community-based ecotourism. Visiting this cave is not only about admiring its beauty, but also about supporting sustainable forest and watershed conservation led by the local community.
How to Get There
- By Private Car: From Lamphun town, drive toward Mae Tha (Tha Khum Ngoen area). Take Highway 1033 (Mae Tha – Tha Chak Road) and turn into Ban Mae Lek, Moo 8. The route consists of paved roads and local access roads. Sedans can reach the site, but caution is advised when entering the community forest zone.
Travel Tips
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Bring a high-powered flashlight, preferably a headlamp, with spare batteries.
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Wear non-slip shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing.
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Do not touch stalactites or stalagmites, as skin oils can stop their growth permanently.
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Do not litter or write on cave walls.
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It is highly recommended to arrange a local guide from Ban Mae Lek for safety and deeper insight.
Admission Fee:
- Free of charge (Visitors are encouraged to offer a small donation to local guides or the community forest fund.)
Opening Hours:
- Open daily 09:00 AM – 04:00 PM
(Not recommended to enter after 03:30 PM for safety reasons.)