Nam Ta Lu Cave

A different cave to the ones I have visited so far, as you go through the subway river and at some points you have to swim a little. I recommend it! I would only say that I missed some time to observe the bats and the formations of the cave. We went on a tour with a lot of people in which you had to walk very fast, with no time to observe. Bring a bathing suit, appropriate footwear and a headlamp.

Nature walk with a cave portion. Accessible by boat, most tour companies and on-lake accommodations being tourists here (we attended with Smiley Bungalows).

It’s about a 2 km hike out, then about 1 in through the cave, then about 1 km back. Add a bit during fry season because boats can’t get as far up river.

The land hike is pretty flat, but there are some stream crossings and hopping over logs. Your feet will get wet and muddy, even during the dry season.

The cave is amazing. About 1000 m from one end to the other. Can only be safely done during the dry season.

Bats, snakes, fish, spiders, crickets. Some amazing karst geological features. A lot of wading and a few short swims (depending on season). Most of the cave is pretty open but there are a few short narrow (touch both walls at same time) sections.

Would recommend bringing a fry bag and some water shoes. No flip flops, as the terrain is a bit rough.

Very much recommended, but be safe and don’t think about it during the rains. A few people died a while back because they went after a rain and got washed down.

Just to inform you if you go during monsoon season, sudden rain can flood the cave. A wave of water can suddenly surge into the cave and either smash you into the rocks or drown you. One year 8 members of a tour group including the guide died. There was only one survivor. Google it if you don't believe me. Mr. Ballen on YouTube did a video on it. I don't know if they've made any changes to prevent this from happening (or simply don't go during monsoon seasin). But hey, if it's not monsoon season, it's a great place to visit.

One in lifetime experience!
Walking, climbing and swimming (!) in total black. Where else do you get this?
If you visit Khao Sok Nationalpark, stay in one of the floating home which is close to this cave and do this trip (not during rain!).
Khao Sok. One of my top 5 spots on this earth ️

We went during rainy so it was difficult and fun. Only accessible via long adventure jungle trail of 45 minutes

You take a jungle trek to the cave entrance, most of the hike is walking through jungle which is awesome. Once inside the cave you wade or maybe swim through water. The final part is usually swimming to see a small waterfall inside the cave, which for me wasn't very impressive considering it's like 1.5 feet or. 5 meter tall.

Your guide may not want you to but if you get the opportunity to climb the ropes at the waterfall do that too, it adds a little adventure at the end.

The upper entrance to the cave gets you to a waterfall. It requires swimming and some climbing thus can be very dangerous. Bring good footwear and a waterproof torch. If you don't feel fit don't take the risk. It is a great experience and fun though.

This is the most adventures part of visiting Khao sok. When you go through 800 metered inside the cave the water is up to 1.6 metres. There are bats, spiders and sometimes snakes in the cave. It took us about an hour to go through slowly.
It gets busy by afternoon so try to ask your guide to get there earlier when no one around. Also if you are joining the group make sure to join one without kids. I'm sure no guide will go to that cave with small kids, it is obviously too dangerous because of the water level.