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Key Takeaways
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Chiang Rai, known for its picturesque mountain ranges, lush tea plantations, and Lanna-style temples with intricate art, also boasts natural attractions such as enchanting caves and gorges. Among these natural wonders are Tham Pum, Tham Pla, and Tham Saohin Phayanak.
1. Tham Pla
Nestled within the Wat Tham Pla complex in Ban Huay Puu Kang, Pong Ngam subdistrict, Mae Sai district, lies Tham Pla cave. To reach this place, turn left at the intersection near the police kiosk adjacent to the road leading to Doi Tung. The temple grounds house two main sections: the temple itself and the caves, including Tham Pla and Tham Ku Kaew. Tham Pla, situated beneath a limestone mountain, features a small stream flowing towards its entrance, originating from the Huay Lang waterfall. This stone cavity is 2.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters high, with water about 0.5 meters deep. Visitors can enter to pay respects to the Pang Song Krueng, a revered Burmese-style Buddha image adorned in royal attire. The stream is home to various fish species, including the Mahseer barb, resembling a catfish with blue fins and silver stripes. Recently, tourists have introduced ornamental fish like carp and goldfish, along with turtles. A troop of monkeys inhabits the cave, often approaching tourists for food.
2. Tham Pum
Located at Ban Dong, Moo 2, Pong Ngam subdistrict, Tham Pum is accessible from Wat Tham Pla and sits atop a hill with manageable steps. At the cave’s entrance stands a 200-year-old sculpture of a mythical lion. Inside, stalagmites resemble the Thai decorative pattern Poom Khao Bin, lending the cave its name. A 60-meter walk leads to a cliff with stunning stalactites resembling cascading flows. A further 28 meters along the path, the route splits; a right turn reveals a natural well with crystal-clear water, locally known as Bo Namthip. Continuing for another 110 meters unveils dazzling stalagmites and stalactites, with a prominent Buddha image at the cave’s end.
3. Tham Saohin Phayanak
The final destination in this cave exploration is Tham Saohin Phayanak, near Wat Tham Pla and Tham Pum. Accessible by land or water, the cave features tubular stalagmites resembling pillars. The three-story cave’s ceiling opens to allow sunlight to reflect brilliantly on the stalagmites. Reaching the second and third stories requires rock climbing skills, making this cave ideal for adventurers. Visitors should bring appropriate equipment for safety. To get there, head from Mae Chan district to Mae Sai district along Highway No. 10, turning left at KM. 877-878. The entrance is at Ban Tham market, with signs indicating Wat Tham Pla is 1.5 kilometers away. For more information, contact the Ban Pong Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization or visit their website.
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Detailed Article with Headings
Discovering the Caves of Chiang Rai: Tham Pla, Tham Pum, and Tham Saohin Phayanak
Chiang Rai, a province in northern thailand, is celebrated for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual landmarks. Among its many attractions are the captivating caves of Tham Pla, Tham Pum, and Tham Saohin Phayanak. These caves offer visitors a glimpse into the area’s geological wonders and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll delve into each of these fascinating sites, providing detailed descriptions and insights to enhance your visit.
Tham Pla: A Sanctuary of Nature and Spirituality
Located within the Wat Tham Pla complex in Ban Huay Puu Kang, Pong Ngam subdistrict, Mae Sai district, Tham Pla is a cave that combines natural beauty with spiritual significance. As you venture into this area, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the serene ambiance of the temple and the allure of the cave itself.
The Journey to Tham Pla
To reach Tham Pla, travelers should take a left turn at the intersection near the police kiosk, which is adjacent to the road leading to Doi Tung. This path will lead you to the temple complex, which consists of two main sections: the temple and the caves. Of particular interest are Tham Pla and Tham Ku Kaew. The temple provides a place for visitors to pay homage, while the caves invite exploration.
Exploring the Cave
Tham Pla is nestled beneath a limestone mountain, with a small stream flowing toward its entrance. This stream originates from the Huay Lang waterfall, creating a picturesque setting. The cave itself is a stone cavity, measuring 2.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters high, with a water level of about 0.5 meters. Inside, visitors can pay respects to the Pang Song Krueng, a revered Burmese-style Buddha image dressed in full royal attire.
The stream within the cave is home to a variety of fish species. Historically, it was known for the Mahseer barb, a fish resembling a catfish with blue fins and silver stripes. However, in recent years, tourists have introduced ornamental fish such as carp, goldfish, and turtles. Additionally, a troop of monkeys inhabits the cave, often seeking food from visitors.
Tham Pum: A Hidden Gem of Natural Beauty
Tham Pum, located at Ban Dong, Moo 2, Pong Ngam subdistrict, is another captivating cave in the region. Its proximity to Wat Tham Pla makes it easily accessible to visitors seeking a deeper exploration of Chiang Rai’s natural wonders.
Ascending to Tham Pum
The journey to Tham Pum involves a manageable ascent, with steps leading to the cave’s entrance. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a 200-year-old sculpture of a mythical lion, setting the tone for the mystical experience that awaits inside.
Inside the Cave
Tham Pum is renowned for its stalagmites, which bear a striking resemblance to the Thai decorative pattern known as Poom Khao Bin. This unique feature is the inspiration behind the cave’s name. As you explore the cave, you’ll come across a cliff with stunning stalactites that resemble cascading flows.
Continuing deeper into the cave, the path diverges, offering an opportunity to discover a natural well with crystal-clear water. Known locally as Bo Namthip, this well has a diameter of 10 meters and is a source of fascination for visitors. Further exploration reveals dazzling stalagmites and stalactites, culminating in a prominent Buddha image at the cave’s end, providing a place for veneration and reflection.
Tham Saohin Phayanak: A Haven for Adventurers
The final stop on this cave exploration journey is Tham Saohin Phayanak, a site that promises adventure and breathtaking beauty. Situated near Wat Tham Pla and Tham Pum, this cave is accessible by both land and water, offering multiple avenues for exploration.
Accessing Tham Saohin Phayanak
Visitors can reach Tham Saohin Phayanak by heading south along the path near the water reservoir. This cave is characterized by its tubular stalagmites, which pile up to resemble pillars, giving the cave its name. The three-story structure of the cave features a ceiling with an opening chamber, allowing sunlight to create a glistening reflection on the stalagmites.
The Adventure Awaits
For those seeking a thrill, Tham Saohin Phayanak offers an adventurous experience. Reaching the second and third stories of the cave requires rock climbing skills, making it an ideal destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Safety is paramount, so visitors are advised to bring appropriate equipment for cave exploration.
Practical Information for Visitors
To embark on this cave exploration journey, travelers should head from Mae Chan district toward Mae Sai district along Highway No. 10. At the intersection between KM. 877-878, a left turn leads to the entrance at Ban Tham market. Signs indicate that Wat Tham Pla is 1.5 kilometers away, and the temple is located at the road’s end. Tham Pla is approximately 100 meters from the parking area.
For additional information, visitors can contact the Ban Pong Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization or visit their website. With these details in mind, you’re ready to embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating caves of Chiang Rai.
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This expanded article provides a comprehensive guide to the caves of Chiang Rai, offering visitors detailed insights into the natural beauty and cultural significance of Tham Pla, Tham Pum, and Tham Saohin Phayanak.
Address And Location:
Pong Ngam Mae Sai Chiang Rai 57130