“Explore a massive limestone cavern housing sacred Buddha images, complemented by a stunning cliffside viewpoint and the daily natural phenomenon of millions of bats taking flight.”
Khao Khong Chai Cave is located within Wat Khao Khong Chai, a large limestone mountain renowned for both its geological and historical significance. The cave is spacious and well-ventilated, making it an ideal place for meditation as well as eco-tourism. Inside the cave, there are Buddha images in various postures, allowing devotees to pay respect and find spiritual peace amid the serene environment. The surrounding area remains lush with native vegetation and wildlife, creating a perfect harmony of sacredness and natural beauty.
Khao Khong Chai Cave also holds national archaeological importance. Excavations have uncovered stone tools, human skeletal remains, and ancient pottery fragments, reflecting prehistoric human settlements in the area. There is also a local legend about the sound of gongs heard from inside the cave on significant religious days, which gave the mountain its name “Khao Khong Chai” and continues to inspire reverence among the local community.
The cliff-side viewpoint at Khao Khong Chai is a major highlight, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests of Lan Sak District. Particularly in the evening, visitors can witness an extraordinary natural spectacle: millions of bats emerging from the cave simultaneously, flying in long, twisting streams across the sky for hours. This rare phenomenon leaves a lasting impression on all who see it.
Besides general visitors, Khao Khong Chai Cave attracts nature photographers and biological researchers who wish to capture images of bats, birds, and the limestone cliffs. It is also ideal for pilgrims and meditators seeking a peaceful environment for mindfulness practice. The surrounding area provides shade and coolness from large trees, making it suitable for families or groups of friends to enjoy both tranquility and excitement together.
Activities for tourists include hiking to the cliff viewpoint, studying the archaeological traces inside the cave, meditating or chanting within the cave, and photographing natural phenomena both day and night—especially during the evening bat flights.
Everyone is invited to experience the legend of the gongs and the wonders of nature at Khao Khong Chai Cave, a landmark in Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani Province, where history, art, and nature converge in a single remarkable destination.
How to Get There
By Private Car:
- From Uthai Thani city, take Highway 333 toward Lan Sak, then merge onto Highway 3438. Look for the prominent entrance sign for Wat Khao Khong Chai along the main road.
By Public Transport:
- Take a van from Bangkok to Nong Chang or Lan Sak, then hire a local "Songthaew" or taxi to take you directly to the temple grounds.
Travel Tips
Best Visiting Season:
- Can be visited year-round; however, to see the bats, you should arrive at the temple between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
Equipment:
- Bring a flashlight if you wish to explore the deeper, unlit sections of the cave, and wear sturdy shoes for the trek up to the viewpoint.
Photography:
- The best vantage point for the bat flight is the open courtyard in front of the temple or the higher cliff path; a telephoto lens is recommended for close-ups.
Etiquette:
- As this is a sacred temple site, please dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and maintain a quiet demeanor inside the cave.
Trip Planning:
- This site can easily be combined with visits to "Hup Pa Tat" or "Khao Plara," as they are all located within the same general area of Lan Sak.
Admission Fee
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Local visitors: Free (Donations to the temple are welcome)
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Foreign visitors: Free
Opening Hours
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General daily hours: 08:00 – 18:30
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Note: Cave exploration is best done during daylight hours for safety