Stalactite caves in Pai, northern Thailand
Pai, Thailand, is a small town located north of Chiang Mai, known for its laid-back atmosphere and natural landscapes. In this area, stalactite caves are one of the popular natural attractions for tourists, among which **Tham Lod Cave** is one of the most famous stalactite caves.
Introduction to Lok Cave
Located in the northeast of Pai County, about 40 kilometers by car from Pai County, Lok Cave is a huge limestone cave system with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, formed by thousands of years of water erosion and sedimentation.
Cave Features
1. Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites
The cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes, some of which form natural pillars, like an underground palace.
2. Cave Structure
Lo Cave is divided into three main areas:
Part I: Where light can reach, there are strange rock structures formed naturally.
The second part: You must take a bamboo raft to enter, because there is a river winding through the cave, and the stalactites are reflected on the water surface, creating a dreamy scenery.
Part 3: The deeper caves have more delicate stalactite structures and require a flashlight for exploration.
3. Prehistoric cultural relics
Prehistoric human bones and pottery have been found in the cave, indicating that this was once a place where ancient people lived or moved around.
4. Bat Habitat
The cave is also a habitat for bats and swallows. Every day at sunset, thousands of bats fly out of the cave, creating a spectacular sight.
Tour Information
Transportation: It takes about 1-1.5 hours to get to Lodong by chartering a car or renting a motorcycle from Pai County.
Tickets and guides: You need to pay a ticket to enter the cave and hire a local guide (experienced villagers usually provide interpretation services).
Best time: It is recommended to go in the morning to avoid the large number of tourists in the afternoon.
Lok Cave is not only a paradise for geology enthusiasts, but also a unique experience to explore the nature and culture of Pai County.