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Tham Lawa Cave
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.

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.

Location Info

7XXJ+RWJ, Wang Krachae, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand+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

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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.

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