Muang On Caves

📍 Location of Muang On Caves 🚘 Directions to Muang On Caves

About Muang On Caves

This hidden gem of an attraction may not be on every tourist's itinerary, but it certainly deserves a spot. Nestled in the heart of Thailand, this cave offers a unique experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The entrance to the cave is surprisingly small, akin to a regular door, and it's not a cave you can simply stroll into. Instead, it requires a descent down steep and narrow stairs, built around rock formations, which may require some body contorting. The spaces can be extremely narrow, posing a challenge for those of a larger size. However, the effort is well worth it as you are greeted by the sight of stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations adorning the cave walls.

Adding to the charm of this cave are the religious icons and figurines that are a common sight in Thailand. This particular cave even houses an electronic fortune teller. Despite the challenging descent, the cave offers a serene and peaceful environment, providing a cool respite from the hot weather outside. It's an ideal place to start the day before moving on to other sights.

Located about an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai, this cave is a wonderful side trip. The lack of crowds allows for a more personal and enjoyable experience. The journey to the cave involves an uphill climb on a paved walkway and stairs, followed by steep steps leading down into the cave. Once inside, the ground is fairly level. While there is some lighting inside, bringing a light for some areas wouldn't hurt.

The experience of going inside the mountain is truly amazing and doesn't cost much. Comfortable footwear is a must as the descent involves quite a few steps in tight spaces. If you're lucky, you might even spot monkeys playing in the trees outside.

The climb may not be easy, but it's manageable for those who are fit. The path is mostly straight up for a couple of hundred meters, but it's shady and beautiful with good stairs and places to rest. The cave is halfway up and there are a few steep steps inside as well, so it's advisable to come early to avoid the heat. The cave is well lit, so there's no need to hire a torch. After the climb, you can enjoy your lunch or head to the hot springs to soothe your muscles.

The size of the cave is surprisingly large, far bigger than one might expect. The main attraction is a giant holy sparkling white stalagmite in the middle of the cave, which is truly stunning. The entry fee is only 30 baht, making it a cheap outing with great views. Yes, there are quite a few stairs (around 55 flights according to one visitor's Garmin), but taking your time to enjoy the views makes it worth it.

The cave can be near pitch black without a torch, adding to the sense of adventure. Inside, you'll find sculptures of Buddhas as well as natural formations of stalagmites and stalactites. It can get pretty humid inside the cave, so be prepared. Despite the physical exertion and perspiration, the experience is a great one, leaving visitors with a sense of accomplishment and awe at the natural beauty of the cave.