Tham Lawa Cave
Tham Lawa Cave sits within Sai Yok National Park in Kanchanaburi province and draws visitors with its striking limestone formations spread across five distinct chambers. The cave is home to a large colony of bats, which roost calmly overhead throughout the visit, adding a genuine sense of wild atmosphere to the natural spectacle of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years.
Reaching the cave entrance requires a 10 to 15 minute climb up stairs, which may be tiring for visitors with limited mobility but is manageable at a steady pace. Once inside, guided tours run approximately 45 minutes, with local guides on hand to lead visitors to the most visually impressive spots throughout the chambers. The entry fee is 300 baht per person, and torches are available to borrow on site, which reviewers strongly recommend taking as the internal lighting is limited and much of the cave's detail is easily missed without one.
Visitors should wear enclosed shoes with good grip, as the cave interior can be slippery and some of the wooden steps on internal staircases have shown signs of wear. The cave is open every day from 08:00 to 16:30, so an early arrival is advisable to avoid the midday heat during the uphill approach. Avoid touching the cave walls and formations, as bat droppings can accumulate on surfaces throughout the chambers.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tham Lawa Cave, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
It was excellent! The cost was B300 per person and was well worth it. They even loned us a torch which you really need because the lighting is not great and you'll miss a lot. There was a man sitting by the entrance who offered us a tour for no cost and that made it very special (we tipped him B100).
An interesting cave with the tour through the cave taking about 45 minutes. The climb up to the cave will be challenging for some people, but just take your time.
300 baht person is reasonable. I would give 2 stars due to the level of maintenance and safety reasons. A few of the wooden steps on a stairs inside the cave are loosening due to poor maintenance and I almost slipped. It is quite dangerous especially for kids.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 465 reviews on Google.
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Tham Lawa Cave: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tham Lawa Cave worth visiting?
Tham Lawa Cave holds a 3.9★ rating from 465 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.
What are the opening hours of Tham Lawa Cave?
Tham Lawa Cave is typically open 08:00-16:30 — 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 Tham Lawa Cave?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is Tham Lawa Cave located?
Tham Lawa Cave is at 7XXJ+RWJ, Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
7XXJ+RWJ, Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand+66 89 028 1958Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Tham Lawa Cave
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places

Wat Phutakhian
A working village temple in Sai Yok, quiet and unstaged, where the prayers aren't put on for you.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Tham Lawa Cave
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river