Where is Shiva Cave? I've been to Sa Kaeo many times and seen signs for Khlong Hat District, but I've never heard of Shiva Cave before. However, when my friend invited me, I readily agreed. I'm always up for an adventure!

According to a friend, Khao Siwa Cave is a limestone cave located in Khlong Kai Tuean Subdistrict, Khlong Had District, Sa Kaeo Province. It is approximately 80 kilometers from Sa Kaeo city and 70 kilometers from Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet.

The cave is a year-round flowing stream, so visitors must swim to enter.

This type of cave with a stream naturally invites stories about the naga. Some people call it the Naga Cave of Sa Kaeo or the Underworld City of Sa Kaeo.

Hearing this makes unfamiliar places seem much more appealing, doesn't it?

Visiting Khao Siwa Cave

Khao Siwa Cave is managed by the Khlong Kai Thaen Subdistrict Administrative Organization. The cave is generally open to visitors year-round, but during the heavy rainy season, it is advisable to check the conditions before visiting. For more information, please contact the local guide, Mr. Amnuay, at 061-108-4986, or the Khlong Kai Thaen Subdistrict Administrative Organization at 037-543-031.

This trip saw us split up and travel in various directions. We hired a van from Bangkok and three of us drove our own cars, making a group of over twenty people. Our meeting point was at the entrance to Khao Siwa Cave, as the newly paved concrete road allows access for all types of vehicles.

The cave boasts a spacious parking lot, a tourist information center, and newly renovated restrooms. These facilities have been upgraded within the past year. Additionally, there are a few small shops selling food and drinks for those who need a quick bite. The entrance fee for the cave is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.

As we will be staying overnight, there is no need to rush, as exploring Tham Nam Khao Siwa Cave only takes about an hour and a half. I spent the time walking around and taking photos of the area, which was quite shady and pleasant.


This sign displays photos of various media channels that have visited and reported on this location.

At around 1:30 PM, we prepared to explore the cave. The local government provided life jackets, rubber boots, or studded boots for us to borrow. Wearing flip-flops is not recommended here as they will definitely come off. If you choose to wear your own shoes, they should be something that is heel-strapped and dries easily.

For all electronic devices, if it is not really necessary, do not bring them in. Even if the guide has a plastic box placed on a rubber ring or we use a good waterproof bag, because anything unexpected can happen. There are always warnings. One of our friends had to sacrifice a mobile phone this time.

Only waterproof cameras are recommended. I wouldn't risk taking a DSLR myself. Tripods are not necessary as there is no space to set them up.

Alright, we're ready. More than twenty of us are exploring the Tham Nam Khao Siwa cave. There are a couple of other tourist groups joining us. The distance is about 300 meters, with water depth ranging from knee-deep to overhead. The round trip takes about an hour and a half.

The flashlight illuminated the cave, revealing a faint bat guano odor. The water level was knee-deep for the first few meters, but it quickly deepened to waist level.


No text provided for translation.


The water level gradually rose from the waist to the chest, and in some sections, it became so deep that our feet could not touch the bottom, forcing us to swim with our heads above water.




From a side view, the rock formation resembles a human face, or according to local belief, the Hindu deity Shiva. This resemblance is the origin of the cave's name.


Upon reaching this area, the beautiful stalactites are a sight to behold. I believe this is the most stunning spot in the cave.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.


Move a little closer, it's called the Elephant Trunk Waterfall, with an amazing rating of ten. The underground water swirls down in a spiral towards this stalactite, and the amount of water is so much like turning on a faucet, not just a few drops of water.


Next, there is a point where the uneven ground creates a low limestone waterfall. You will need to climb and exert some effort. Let's help each other out.

No text provided for translation.


At 2:45 PM, we reached the final point of the cave, a dead end. It is believed that if you touch the cave wall here and make a wish, it will come true. Needless to say, most people wish for the same things. There are two main categories: either love or money. (laughter)


The guide informed us that if we were to dive another ten meters, we would find a passage leading to the other side of the wall. Inside, there are layers of small waterfalls, similar to the ones we had already passed, but in much greater numbers. However, only professional divers with oxygen tanks can reach that point. For us, this was already an incredible experience.

The journey in and out of the cave took roughly the same amount of time, and we emerged at the mouth of the cave at 3:25 PM. In total, we spent about an hour and a half inside the cave. While the stalactites and stalagmites were not as impressive as those found in other tourist caves, every minute spent inside was memorable. The highlight wasn't the rock formations, but rather the thrill of wading through the water to reach them.


We had not been out for long when another group of four or five people crossed our path, young students from Sa Kaeo. Although the number of tourists was not yet very high, there were still a steady stream of visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, providing the villagers with income from tourism.

After a refreshing shower, it's time to set up camp. The spacious area allows you to choose between a concrete or earthen ground, depending on your preference. There are enough trees to hang hammocks, and the well-maintained bathrooms provide comfortable showers. Access to water is convenient, and electricity can be extended from the guardhouse, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Translation:

This trip may be a relaxing one without any strenuous hiking, but we still couldn't resist bringing our own provisions to cook and eat. Buying ready-made food just doesn't feel like real camping (laughs…).

As dusk fell, I took a walk to find a spot for astrophotography. However, due to our low elevation and the surrounding mountains and trees, the overall view for stargazing was not ideal.

After waking up in the morning, we helped each other cook another meal. We then packed up the tent and cleared the area before going our separate ways.

Summary of fees: Entrance fee for adults is 40 baht per person, children 20 baht per person. There is no camping fee, but a contribution to the site maintenance is appreciated. Similarly, the guide fee is at your discretion.

This was a simple yet enjoyable trip. I witnessed stunning and unusual sights, as well as the community's efforts to promote their local treasures as tourist destinations. The locals' enthusiasm for serving visitors was also evident.

Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers, this is for you! Explore the Tham Nam Khao Siwa cave, a hidden gem in Sa Kaeo. Whether you choose to camp overnight like us or explore and return to the city for the night, the choice is yours.

Unseen Sa Kaeo, a hidden gem in Thailand, offers an unforgettable experience.

Contact Khao Siwa Cave Tour

0611084986 Local guide Mr. Amano

037543031 Khlong Kai Thun Subdistrict Administrative Organization

Adult admission fee 40 baht, children 20 baht.

Accommodation is available for an indefinite period. Guests are welcome to maintain the facilities as they see fit.

The guide fee is not fixed, and a tip is appreciated.

Follow my travel adventures on another channel:

http://www.facebook.com/alifeatraveller


Translation:

A link to the Facebook page "A Life at Traveller".

#khao siwa cave#sa kaeo#cave#thailand#cave exploration#thailand
Comments