Tham Lod (Lod Cave)
Explore a massive limestone cave system by bamboo raft, guided by lantern light, revealing ancient art and bat colonies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Better cave access
Tham Lod (Lod Cave)
Best Time
Better cave access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a massive limestone cave system by bamboo raft, guided by lantern light, revealing ancient art and bat colonies.
"Glide through mystical chambers on a bamboo raft, a truly unforgettable adventure in Northern Thailand."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be steep & slippery. Normal shoes are recommended for safety.
💰 Guided Tour Fee
A guide is mandatory for entry. Expect to pay around 300-450 THB for transport & entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
River Rafting Adventure
Through the main cave system
Glide through the massive limestone chambers on a bamboo raft, guided by lantern light.
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Ancient Cave Paintings
Within the cave systems
Discover prehistoric art etched into the cave walls, hinting at ancient human presence.
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Bat Colony Spectacle
Near the cave exit
Witness thousands of bats roosting in the cave ceiling, a truly unique natural phenomenon.
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Stalactites & Stalagmites
Throughout the caves
Marvel at the impressive and unique limestone formations sculpted over millennia.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Rafting & Cave Access
Best Footwear & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be steep & slippery. Normal shoes are recommended for safety.
💰 Guided Tour Fee
A guide is mandatory for entry. Expect to pay around 300-450 THB for transport & entry.
💧 Water Level Check
Access to all 3 caves depends on water levels; Cave 1 is usually open.
🦇 Bat Dropping Alert
Be aware of potential bat droppings during the raft ride.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be steep & slippery. Normal shoes are recommended for safety.
💰 Guided Tour Fee
A guide is mandatory for entry. Expect to pay around 300-450 THB for transport & entry.
💧 Water Level Check
Access to all 3 caves depends on water levels; Cave 1 is usually open.
🦇 Bat Dropping Alert
Be aware of potential bat droppings during the raft ride.
⏳ Tour Duration
Tours can be quick, around 15 mins for Cave 1, or up to an hour for all three. +1
📸 Lantern Light Magic
Embrace the mystical atmosphere lit only by your guide's lantern.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tham Lod Cave for its unique natural beauty, the adventurous bamboo raft ride through illuminated chambers, and the chance to see ancient cave paintings and bat colonies. The mystical atmosphere created by the lantern light is a significant highlight. However, some find the tours brief, the smell from bats noticeable, and note the lack of extensive safety briefings.
"After parking (which is free) you are required to hire a tour guide who will go with you to guide you through the cave. The guides know plenty about the cave, but not all of them speak English.
The cave is VERY dark, so bring either a small tripod or a (flash) light if you're planning to take photos.
It's well worth the price and a nice experience (floating in on the bamboo raft kinda feels like hopping onto a theme park darkride)."
Mr Manders
"It was awesome nice big cave. Long walk. Not good for hips problem. Like my husband we haven’t seen all the way on the top inside the cave causing him hip problem. You will walk on the step ladder man made need to be careful."
Ann M
"Let us step into the historical and magical cave of Thailand, full of history and interesting things to see. This is my second time visiting back in january 2025 after my first visit in december 2018. I went to visit this cave to forget about my worries as something has happened to me back in 2018 but visiting here again, I wanted to replace the bad memories by enjoying the cave and replace it with good memories.
Tagged along with two other travellers from Indonesia and Spain, plus our elderly tour guide, who told us interesting, funny and scary stories during the tour. We had a fantastic time!
We went on a tour together because it was cheaper for us to split the cost of 600 baht to 200 baht each. So if you're travelling alone, would highly recommend you wait for two other travellers, just to split the cost of the tour as going alone will be expensive."
Saif Albalooshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tham Lod Cave is about a 2-3 hour drive from Pai. You can book a tour from Pai center which includes transport and entry fees, or rent a motorbike/car.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Pai. The journey is scenic and the cave experience is well worth the travel time.
Many visitors opt for organized tours from Pai for convenience, while others prefer the freedom of a motorbike or car.
Yes, Sai Ngam Hot Spring can often be visited with the same entrance ticket, making it a good combination for a day out.
The drive is scenic, but be prepared for winding roads. Renting a motorbike offers an adventurous way to get there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around 300 THB, which includes a guide and the bamboo raft tour. Some packages might be around 450 THB if transport is included.
Yes, hiring a local guide is mandatory to explore the caves. They provide lanterns and navigate the raft.
Access to all three caves depends on the water level. Cave 1 is usually accessible, but Caves 2 and 3 might be closed during high water periods.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's best to visit during daylight hours. Tours typically run until late afternoon.
Some visitors report being able to use the same entrance ticket for both Tham Lod Cave and Sai Ngam Hot Spring if visiting on the same day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is a guided bamboo raft tour through the massive limestone cave system, illuminated by lanterns.
It's highly recommended to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the paths can be steep and slippery.
You'll see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, ancient cave paintings, and a large colony of bats.
Yes, it's generally suitable for families, but younger children might need closer supervision due to slippery paths.
The cave has a mystical and adventurous atmosphere, enhanced by the darkness and the guide's lantern light. Some mention a strong smell from bats.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of the low light conditions and the guide's instructions.
Capture the dramatic limestone formations, the bamboo rafts on the river, and the ancient cave paintings.
Use a tripod if possible and a wide aperture to capture details in the low light. High ISO might be necessary.
Drone usage is typically not permitted inside natural attractions like caves to protect the environment and wildlife.
Photographing bats can be challenging due to low light and their movement. Focus on capturing the scale of the colony.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to wear sturdy shoes as some paths can be steep and slippery, ensuring kids have good grip. While the presence of bats might be a highlight for some, be prepared for the potential smell and the darkness. The guides are generally accommodating, and the experience provides a memorable educational opportunity about geology and ancient history. 🎒 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
The adventure of rafting through the dark, lantern-lit cave is thrilling, and you might meet other like-minded travelers on the tour. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tham Lod Cave Experience
+1The experience extends beyond just the natural beauty. Tham Lod Cave is also an important archaeological site, believed to have been inhabited by the Hoabinhian tribe as early as 9,700 BC, and possibly even Homo sapiens around 40,000 BC. Evidence of this ancient presence can be seen in the cave paintings found on the walls, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
Furthermore, the cave is home to a large colony of bats, and the raft ride culminates with passing under their roosts, a thrilling spectacle for many visitors. +1While the experience is generally positive, it's important to be prepared. The paths inside the cave can be steep and slippery, making sturdy footwear essential.
Navigating Tham Lod Cave: Practicalities and Tips
When it comes to practicalities, footwear is paramount. Many reviewers emphasize the need for good, non-slip shoes due to steep and potentially slippery pathways within the cave.
For those looking to combine their visit, Tham Lod Cave can be part of a larger itinerary. It's often visited alongside attractions like Sai Ngam Hot Spring, with some reports suggesting a shared entrance ticket can be used.
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