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If you’re in Pai for a few days we highly recommend a visit to the stunning Tham Lod cave. Everything from the beautiful journey to the cave, the surrounding jungle and village and the impressive caverns make this a perfect north Thailand adventure… BUT lots has changed in the past couple of years and there is a lot of old out dated information floating around. So we have pulled together a complete guide to help you plan your own adventures to the Tham Lod cave in 2026.
Due to the new ticket system in Pai, it is more important than ever to plan your trip carefully so if you want to visit the epic Tham Lod cave, please do take some time to read everything in this article.
We will share everything you need to know. The location of the Tham Lod, how to get there, what to expect and of course prices and how to book tickets. Also your experience of the Tham Lod cave will depend exactly when you visit – so we will also tell you the best time of year to visit the Tham Lod.
Having visited many caves around the world, Tham Lod is still one of my absolute favourites. It may be a long journey, but it is a beautiful journey and is well worthwhile.
Looking for AMAZING to stay in Pai? Don’t miss our complete guide on The Best Hotels in Pai
What is the Tham Lod cave?
The Tham Lod cave (ถ้ำน้ำลอด) is a stunning cave system with chambers, subterranean passageways, stalactites and stalagmites, ancient cave paintings and a teakwood coffin probably dating back thousands of years to the Lawa tribe.
The Nam Lang river passes through the Tham Lod cave. During the dry months (December – July) it is possible to take boat trips into the cave. During the rainy months (August – November) there are no boats due to the high water levels in the river. It is still possible to explore Tham Lod by foot during the rainy months. These seasons can vary a little depending on the year.
Tham Lod cave is located in the Mae Hong Son province in Thailand, approximately 30km northwest of Pai. Tham Lod is sometimes called “Nam Lod cave” or just “Lod cave”.
What will you see in the Tham Lod cave?
You will see massive stalactites and stalagmites and an impressive column (21.45m in length) formed by a stalactite and stalagmite converging. You can sail on a bamboo raft down an underground section of the Nam Lang river flowing through a huge cavern (600m long, 200m across and 130m high).
You can generally see loads of birds and bats and ancient carvings and a coffin that is thought to be around 1,400 year old and a 2,000-3,000 year old painting of a deer. You can also see fish in the river near the cave entrance and some very beautiful jungle around the cave.
Important: Some tours involve walking up a steep set of steps and some rough terrain. We recommend good walking shoes for this tour.
Important update on tickets for the Tham Lod cave
If you want to visit the Tham Lod cave the entrance ticket is a one day pass for the Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary costing 200 baht. This pass can be purchased from the ticket office at Tham Lod cave or from any of the other destinations included on the ticket.
This pass gives you access to lots of other attractions around the Pai area. So if you only wish to pay for one pass, you will need to plan your itinerary carefully. A visit to Tham Lod is likely to take around 4-5 hours in total from Pai (including transport there and back).
The one day Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary gives you access to the following attractions near Pai for only one day. We do recommend see each of these:
- Pam Bok waterfall
- Doi Mieng viewpoint
- Sai Ngam hot spring river
All of these attractions are highly recommended. So if you only plan to pay for a single one day pass, we recommend taking a trip to the Tham Lod cave in the morning and then squeezing in these other attractions in the afternoon.
The Lum Nam Pai wildlife sanctuary pass also covers some attractions further afield: Trekking above the Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint. This viewpoint is actually on the way to Tham Lod. You can visit the viewpoint without a ticket, but to trek further up the hill you now need a ticket. Nam Bor Pee sinkhole, Mae La Na cave, Susa waterfall and the Luk Khao Lam view point.
How much does it cost to visit the Tham Lod cave?
If you plan to visit the Tham Lod cave independently you can visit for around 750 baht in total (this is around £15 or $20). This total cost includes the following:
Entry ticket: 200 baht per person (Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary one day ticket)
Raft: 400 baht (up to 3 people)
Guide: 150 baht (you cannot enter the cave without a guide. The guides have lanterns.)
Each person needs to purchase the entry ticket, but the price of the guide and boat can be shared across a group. So for example, if a group of 3 people wish to visit the Tham Lod cave the total price is as follows: 600 baht (for three entry tickets), 400 baht for the boat and 150 baht for the guide. A total of 1,150 baht for the group (this is around £24 or $30).
If you visit the Tham Lod cave during the wet season the cost is a little lower because you do not need to pay for the boat.
Note: The prices for the raft have changed a little over the last few years, so be aware these prices may be subject to change.
Book Tham Lod cave tour in Pai town
One of the cheapest ways to book tours in Thailand is to book with local tour operators. Most towns and tourist spots have plenty of tour agents who can hook you up with local tours for a good price. Make sure you check carefully what your tour includes. A good tour should includ transport, entry tickets and they may even include soft drinks or water.
Tours to the Tham Lod cave can be booked from many offices in Pai along the main street (walking street). It costs 600THB (£12 or $15) for a tour to the cave (not including entry fees, raft or guide).
Check out Duang Trekking in Pai for more information on affordable local tours to Tham Lod and many other destinations:
Duang Trekking, 6 Rangelyanon, M3, T.Wiangtai, Pai, Mae Hongson, 58130
+66847 418648
junepai2522@gmail.com
Visit the Tham lod cave independently from Pai
It is possible to do the Tham Lod cave independently by motorbike or car from Pai. Car rental in Pai is pretty expensive. We were typically quoted over 1,000 baht per day. You can get much better and cheaper deals in Chiang Mai (around 700 baht per day). So if you’re considering car rental, you may be better to do it in Chiang Mai and use your car to drive up to Pai.
Motorbikes can be rented in Pai for as little as 80 baht (£1.80 or $2.50) for 24 hours from Aya Services (the bus company). The drive to the Tham Lod cave is nearly 50km. In total it is around a 1.5 hour motorbike ride one way (not including stops). The directions are as follows.
1 Drive up the 1095 north bound. 45 minutes up to the Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint (LOVE this spot, it’s where we got engaged!)
2 After 30 minutes down the hill take the right turn in Soppong village.
3 There is a t-junction immediately after the right turn, turn right again.
4 Follow the road for another 15 minutes.
5 When you get to the Tham Lod village the road forks- go right
6 Follow the road. After about 500m you will come to a carpark and the cave ticket office is here
Top tip: Make sure you top up your petrol before the journey and keep an eye on your fuel level. Petrol normally costs 30-40 baht per litre in Thailand.
Tham Lod cave opening hours
The Tham Lod cave is open daily from 9am – 6pm
The best time of year to visit the Tham Lod cave is during the dry season (December – July). During this period it is possible to take boat trips into the cave. During the rainy months (August – November) boat trips may not be available due to the high water levels and some of the deeper caverns may not be accessible.
How long does it take to visit the Tham Lod cave?
It will take 4-5 hours to visit the Tham Lod cave from Pai (including travel time). The Tham Lod cave tour takes around 1 hour + 15 minute walk back. The journey time to Tham Lod cave is around 1.5 hours each way. We recommend a stop at the beautiful Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint.
What to bring to the Tham Lod cave
If you are travelling by bike it is worth being equipped for a long journey (water, snacks, suncream). Bring good shoes- trainers are ideal. They provide lanterns but if you really want to see the cave well bring your own torch.
What is the best place to stay to visit the Tham Lod cave?
If you are planning a visit to the Tham Lod cave we recommend staying in Pai village. Pai village is a beautiful little village in the jungle hills of Mae Hong Son. There’s plenty of accommodation in Pai, lots of lovely little restaurants and boutique coffee shops and a wonderful night market selling food, clothing and gifts. Pai village also has a very scenic river with bamboo bridges. Pai is a great place to slow down and relax.
The Oia Pai Resort – TOP PICK for character
If you’re look for something quirky in Pai, make sure you check out the Oia Pai Resort – themed on a greek village, you get around this hotel using Kayaks. Totally unique and quirky.
Reverie Siam Resort – TOP PICK for luxurious style
If you’re looking for something more luxurious in Pai check out the Reverie Siam 5 star resort – you wont believe what you can get for the money here!
Pai Village Boutique – TOP PICK for location
For amazing style and value for money check out the The Pai Village Boutique Resort
Golden Hut Chill Bungalows by the river – TOP PICK location and budget
If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Pai check out the Golden Hut Chill Bungalows. They are super close to the river and centrally located.
If you’re planning to book a stay in Pai, please click on our booking links. This allows us to earn a small commission for our hard work, and wont cost you a penny more.
Looking for more inspiration?
Check out our guide on AMAZING hot springs around Pai. You will be amazed at what you can find! Our absolute favourite is the Sai Ngam hot spring – it is a warm river with a pool for bathing and relaxing.
AND don’t miss these INCREDIBLE waterfalls in Pai
Don’t miss our ULTIMATE Pai itinerary – plan the perfect trip to Pai AND don’t miss our ultimate guide on Things to do in Pai
