“An Unseen Thailand natural wonder where visitors must ride a paddle boat into the cave and lie flat inside the boat to pass through an extremely low ceiling section (the Dragon Belly Passage).”
Tham Le Khao Kob is one of the most thrilling adventure attractions in Trang Province. The cave lies beneath a long limestone mountain through which the Huai Yot Canal flows. Because the entire cave is submerged by the canal, visitors must enter by taking a small paddle boat operated by local villagers.
The full round-trip boat journey takes about 45–60 minutes. The boat paddlers also serve as local guides, pointing out unique rock formations and describing the history and beauty of the cave’s interior.
Inside the cave are several chambers of different sizes and ceiling height_s, each named after the shapes of the natural stalactites and stalagmites, including:
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Human Chamber: Named for a stalagmite that resembles a standing person
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Chao Khao Chamber: A large hall that once housed sacred statues
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Royal Hall Chamber: The most striking room, partly illuminated by natural light, featuring unusual formations such as the Grandfather–Grandmother Rocks and Fish Rock
The highlight is the Dragon Belly Passage, the peak of the adventure. In this section, the gap between the water surface and the cave ceiling becomes extremely narrow, causing the boat to glide just a few centimeters beneath the rock. All passengers must lie completely flat inside the boat to pass through — creating a sensation like traveling through the belly of a mythical serpent. It is the most exciting and memorable part of the tour.
Note: Access to the Dragon Belly Passage depends on water levels. During heavy rain or high water, staff will suspend the passage for safety.
How to Get There
- Private Car: Tham Le Khao Kob is about 35 km from Trang City. Take Highway No. 4 (Trang–Huai Yot Road) to Huai Yot District, then follow the signs toward Khao Kob Subdistrict. Large signs clearly point the way to the cave.
- Public Transportation: From Trang City, take a bus or minivan on the Trang–Huai Yot route. Upon reaching Huai Yot District, hire a local taxi or motorcycle taxi to reach Tham Le Khao Kob, located a short distance from town
Travel Tips
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It is recommended to call ahead to check water levels, especially during the rainy season (June–November), to ensure the Dragon Belly Passage is accessible.
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Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as you may get slightly wet during the boat ride, and guides may need to step into the water to maneuver the boat.
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The boat fee is charged per boat (300 THB per boat), so visiting in groups of 3–5 people reduces the cost per person, and the boat can depart immediately when full.
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Be mindful of low-hanging rocks while admiring the stalactites—especially when the boat rocks or passes through narrow sections.
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The cave has lighting installed, but due to moisture and low-light conditions, a small tripod and a camera with good low-light capability are useful for photography.
Entrance Fee:
- Boat Tour: 300 THB per boat (3–5 passengers per boat)
- No entrance fee for the cave area itself.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may vary depending on water levels).