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Tham Lot Cave, also known as Spirit Cave, is located within the Pang Mapha District of Mae Hong Son Province, approximately halfway between Pai and Mae Hong Son.
The cave stretches for more than 1.6 kilometers, with the Lang River flowing directly through its enormous limestone chambers.
Visitors explore the cave by walking and riding traditional bamboo rafts, passing towering stalactites, stalagmites, ancient teakwood coffins, and thousands of swallows and bats.
Archaeological discoveries show that humans inhabited the cave over 20,000 years ago, making it one of Thailand's most important prehistoric sites.
Large teakwood coffins dating back approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years have been discovered inside the cave, believed to belong to ancient communities that once lived in the region.
Today, Tham Lot Cave is protected within a wildlife sanctuary and is one of northern Thailand's premier eco-tourism destinations.
Bamboo Raft Ride: Float through sections of the cave along the Lang River.
Massive Chambers: Explore huge limestone caverns with towering ceilings.
Stalactites & Stalagmites: Spectacular rock formations created over thousands of years.
Ancient Coffins: Historic teakwood coffins displayed inside the cave.
Swiftlets & Bats: Thousands emerge from the cave around sunset in a spectacular natural display.
Nature Trails: Scenic forest walks surrounding the cave entrance.
Open daily, generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
An entrance fee applies, with additional charges for the mandatory local guide and bamboo raft.
November through February offers pleasant weather and comfortable cave conditions. Visiting late afternoon allows guests to witness thousands of bats leaving the cave at sunset.
Opening hours, admission fees, river conditions, and guide requirements may change. Please verify current information before your visit.
Follow Highway 1095 toward Mae Hong Son.
Turn off at Ban Tham Lot and follow the clearly marked local road to the cave entrance.
Travel east along Highway 1095 toward Pai, then follow signs to Tham Lot Cave.
Public transportation is limited. Most visitors travel by rental car, motorbike, private taxi, or guided tour from Pai or Mae Hong Son.
Wear sturdy footwear, as cave pathways may be uneven and slippery. A local guide is required for cave exploration.
Ban Tham Lot: Small local restaurants serving Thai food, noodles, and simple meals.
Cafés Near the Entrance: Coffee, drinks, snacks, and light lunches.
Pai: A wide variety of Thai, vegetarian, international, and café dining options.
Tham Lot Cave is a peaceful natural attraction with no nightlife.
Most visitors return to Pai after exploring the cave, where numerous bars, live music venues, cafés, and restaurants can be found.
Mae Hong Son town also offers a quieter evening atmosphere with a handful of cafés and bars.
Pai Walking Street: A vibrant evening market featuring street food, handmade crafts, clothing, and live performances.
Mae Hong Son Night Market: Local food stalls, souvenirs, handicrafts, and regional products.