Mae Sap Cave
A colorful cave system near the Samoeng Loop, featuring four distinct grottos with vivid rock formations and surrounding nature trails.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:30–16:00
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Details
- Phone
- 052 000 410
Full opening hours
Is this your business?Feature it
Tours that include Mae Sap Cave
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mae Sap Cave.
Why go, and how to do it well
Known locally as Rainbow Cave, Mae Sap Cave is a natural attraction situated about an hour outside central Chiang Mai along the scenic Samoeng Loop. The site comprises four separate grottos, each with its own distinct character, showcasing richly colored rock formations that were once submerged underwater. The interplay of light and shadow across the cave walls makes it a rewarding spot for photography, and the surrounding area features well-maintained nature trails with opportunities for birdwatching and hiking.
Visitors can expect a genuinely immersive outdoor experience rather than a polished tourist setup. The caves require some physical effort, including a steep section of around 200 meters, and the terrain inside is uneven and rugged. A helmet is mandatory on entry and contributes to the sense of authentic exploration. The wider grounds are peaceful, with birdsong and forest scenery adding to the atmosphere beyond the caves themselves.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Tours that include Mae Sap Cave
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mae Sap Cave.
Stay within reach of Mae Sap Cave
SponsoredSearch Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Mae Sap CaveOpens Booking.com with your dates
Experience hints
Reviews from Google
Mae Sap Cave, also known as the Rainbow Cave, is located just about an hour outside Chiang Mai and is truly worth the trip. There are several caves to explore, each with stunning and colorful rock formations. There’s also a beautiful nature trail that takes about an hour to walk. The small entrance fee includes a safety helmet with a light, and I recommend bringing the walking stick they provide as some areas inside the caves can be a bit slippery. There’s also a small café on-site where you can enjoy coffee or a cold drink after your adventure. A great place to visit if you enjoy nature and unique experiences.
Worth visit cave- million year old . Use to be an underwater cave , colorful and nice play with light and shadow , can take creative captures. Entrance fee is 100b for foreigner 20 for Thais. Additional small fee for helmet and headlight . Nice and helpful staff. Place is well maintained which is a bit rare in Thailand. The trail around also nice for hiking . Soft drinks available as well at the reception.
The four grotto's are nice. There are also lota of options for hikes that looked very interesting (we didn't have time now). Entrance fee is 100 baht + 20 for a helmet (mandatory) + 20 parking fee
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 547 reviews on Google.
VP67+85V ทางหลวงแผ่นดิน 1348 Tambon Samoeng Tai, Amphoe Samoeng, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50250, Thailand
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Mae Sap Cave: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Sap Cave worth visiting?
Mae Sap Cave holds a 4.6★ rating from 547 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Sap Cave?
Mae Sap Cave is typically open 08:30–16:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Mae Sap Cave?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is Mae Sap Cave located?
Mae Sap Cave is at VP67+85V ทางหลวงแผ่นดิน 1348 Tambon Samoeng Tai, Amphoe Samoeng, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50250, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).
Also popular in Chiang Mai
Khao Soi Maesai
Wat Chedi Luang
Central Chiangmai
Calm Massage and Spa ( Chiang Mai Gate branch )
Similar Activities & Tours across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Singha Park Chiang Rai
Yun Lai Viewpoint
