Wat Tham Erawan, located in Ban Pha In Plaeng, Wang Thong Subdistrict, Na Wang District, Nong Bua Lamphu, belongs to the Dhammayut sect. Besides being a peaceful and serene temple, it is home to Erawan Cave, a famous natural attraction of the province.
The history of Erawan Cave remains uncertain, with no clear evidence of who first discovered it. However, folklore tells that around 1563 CE (2106 BE), King Chaiyachetthathirat of Lan Xang led his army against the Burmese King of Hongsawadi but was defeated. The king, along with his commanders and people, fled westward in search of a safe refuge. They reached the Phawang mountain range and stationed half of their forces at what is now known as Erawan Cave to regroup, train soldiers, and store supplies for future battles.
Centuries later, Phra Khru Palad Fan Paresko, a revered monk, came to meditate at the cave and deemed it suitable for practice. With the support of devotees, a temple was established on December 10, 1969, originally named Wat Tham Chang or Wat Pha Tham Chang. Later, donors built a statue of Erawan, the mythological elephant mount of the god Indra, at the cave’s staircase, leading to the renaming of both the temple and the cave as Wat Tham Erawan and Erawan Cave.
Access to the cave was once difficult, requiring a climb up the mountain, but in 1975, benefactors funded the construction of a winding cement staircase with 621 steps. At the cave entrance stands a large Buddha image named Phra Phuttha Chai Si Maha Muni Tri Lokanath, built in 1976 and given its name by Somdet Phra Maha Virawong of Wat Phra Si Mahathat. The terrace in front of the Buddha provides scenic views. Inside the cave are wide chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and it is regarded as the setting of the local folktale Nang Phom Hom.

• By car: From Nong Bua Lamphu city, take Highway No. 210 (Nong Bua Lamphu – Loei) for about 60 km. At kilometer marker 13, turn right and continue for about 3 km to reach the cave.

• By bus: Take a bus from Nong Bua Lamphu city to Na Wang District, then transfer to local transport to Wat Tham Erawan.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for hiking and climbing.

• Bring enough drinking water for the climb.

• Check the weather forecast before your trip.

Entrance Fee

• Free of charge

Opening Hours

• Daily, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM