Is one of Northern Thailand's largest caves and by far one of the most
interesting.
I had the pleasure of visiting this cave with the previous governor prior
to it's official opening. Since then, I had the pleasure of returning on
at least three more occasions. Although I am not an avid "plunker" I have
found this cave with its stalagmites and stalactites to be very
interesting and beautiful as have all the people I have taken there.
The Luang Phawieng cave is located about 45 minutes from Lamphun and just
past Ban Hong. ( a good day trip out of Chiang Mai, Thailand) As you leave
the main road you will travel on a dirt road that runs through a rock
quarry. This road runs across a stream and you are at the cave site. You
will find food and drink available in the parking area. Accessibility to
the cave has been one of the reasons in the past, that it has not been
developed into a tourist attraction although it was discovered about 400
years ago.
Legend says that this cave was carved out of the hillside approximately
500 million years ago and a noted place in the past for the robbers of the
area to stash their booty, as well at certain periods a storage area for
the Lanna royalty to store their gems. It also has been and still is a
favorite place for Thai monks as they journey to stop and rest overnight,
or for a day or two of meditation.
In comparison to the Cave at Chiang Dao which may leave you, feeling a
little claustrophobic the Tham Luang Pha Wiang cave is an open and
spacious cave. There are some bats but not too many.
The "shimmering curtain" and "precious stones" are highlighted buy signs
at present only in Thai. There is a total of 9 chambers in the cave. There
are guardrails present where need. The stalagmites and stalactites are in
a continual state of creating this natural scene.
If you're going to visit this cave you should dress appropriately and be
prepared to pace yourself. It is a fifteen minute climb to the top of the
hill in order to enter the cave. You should also carry a bottle of water.
There is a handrail along the path to the top to help those individuals
who need that little extra boost.
