Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Temples & Culture
Kanchanaburi

Tham Lawa Cave

3.9(445 reviews)

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.

Book tours & tickets in Kanchanaburi

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Tham Lawa Cave — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Visitor Reviews

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).

In awe with the cave formations and the bats were super calm. Just don’t touch anything as you might find bat droppings sticking onto your hand. Had a very entertaining guide !

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.

Also Popular in Kanchanaburi

The Village Farm To Café

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(30,594)$$$$
ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

A deceptively spacious farm-to-café on Highway 323 that opens into a lush, village-like retreat.

Keeree Mantra Restaurant

Keeree Mantra Restaurant

4.8(14,742)$$$$
88, 8 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

Scenic open-air Thai restaurant with limestone mountain views, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and traditional dishes.

Keereetara Riverside

Keereetara Riverside

4.9(10,896)$$$$
433 1 Tambon Tha Ma Kham, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

Gourmet Thai dining on the banks of the River Kwai, with views of the iconic bridge.

Keeree Tara

Keeree Tara

4.6(7,390)$$$$
431 1 Maenamkwai Road, Tambon Ban Tai, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand

Riverside Thai restaurant with sweeping views of the iconic River Kwai Bridge, open daily.

Tham Lawa Cave: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tham Lawa Cave worth visiting?

Tham Lawa Cave holds a 3.9★ rating from 445 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

Tours & tickets nearby

+66 89 028 1958
Opening Hours
Monday08:00-16:30
Tuesday08:00-16:30
Wednesday08:00-16:30
Thursday08:00-16:30
Friday08:00-16:30
Saturday08:00-16:30
Sunday08:00-16:30

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

Moderate

Peak: November – February

Getting there

Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire recommended for 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

Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Free cancellation on most rooms
  • No booking fees
  • Compare live prices

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.6(85,000)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.6(58,000)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(76,723)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

4.7(43,616)
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.