Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally accessible every day (recommended to check with the community/local authorities about road conditions, especially during the rainy season)

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (visit during daytime and return before dark)

 

Tham Lak Lan is a nature-and-local-legend destination in Phrao District, Chiang Mai, distinguished by the idea of being a “closed cave.” Local stories say it was once an open cave believed to store treasure or ancient belongings, until a theft incident became the trigger for a rockfall that sealed the cave mouth. Today, visitors don’t come expecting a deep cave exploration like typical show caves, but rather to experience a small sacred atmosphere, listen to community lore, and visit the key spot located below the cave entrance.

 

The place most valued by locals is the “Nam Bo Thip” (sacred spring), a small pool where water seeps out year-round, situated below the cave approach. Villagers believe the water is sacred and spiritually significant, not merely a natural spring but a “symbol of auspiciousness” passed down alongside the story of Tham Lak Lan. Visiting here tends to slow people down—standing quietly, observing, listening, and behaving respectfully, rather than rushing for photos and moving on.

 

Another defining image of Tham Lak Lan is the annual water-pouring tradition, said to take place around June each year. The heart of the event is not only the act of pouring water, but the community gathering to make merit, pray for blessings, and reaffirm the bond between people and their natural surroundings. If you visit during the event, dress modestly, speak gently, and respect the ceremony’s flow, so your presence remains friendly to the community and doesn’t disrupt the meaning of the tradition.

 

Although it is a closed cave, the charm lies in the journey and the authentic atmosphere of the area. After the concrete road section, there is a dirt road segment running alongside Huai Mae That, and you then walk up about 300 meters to reach the cave area. This makes the trip ideal for people who enjoy “a little bit of movement” and want to trade city noise for nature sounds. In good weather, the walk is comfortable; in the rainy season, extra caution is essential because some dirt and steep sections can become slippery.

 

What you should prepare includes grippy shoes, drinking water, a hat or umbrella for sun protection, and insect repellent. If heavy rain is imminent or has just fallen hard, it’s better to postpone—safety matters more than anything. And to keep the area pleasant for future visitors, help maintain cleanliness: do not litter, and avoid any behavior that could dirty the sacred spring or the surrounding area.

 

Getting There From the Phrao District Office area, the distance is approximately 11 km. Take Highway 1150 (Phrao – Wiang Pa Pao) to the Ban Ton Kok intersection, then turn left, passing Ban Ton Rung, Ban Thung Ku, and Ban Sahakon Plaeng Ha (this section is concrete road for about 4 km). Continue on the dirt road alongside Huai Mae That for about 4 km. From the parking/start point, walk up roughly 300 meters to the cave area. Plan your time, and avoid approaching the site near dusk.

 

 

A: Tham Lak Lan is described as a “closed cave” based on local stories and current conditions, so it’s best visited for the surrounding area and the sacred spring rather than expecting a deep cave exploration.

 

A: Late rainy season into winter is generally easier for walking, while the rainy season requires extra caution due to dirt road conditions and slipperiness.

 

A: From the parking/start point, you’ll walk uphill about 300 meters to the cave area, and there is also a dirt-road approach segment before you reach the start point.

 

A: The community treats the spring with great respect. Follow local rules, take only what is appropriate, and help keep the area clean without contaminating the spring.

 

A: It’s recommended to go with others, or at least inform someone beforehand, because there is a dirt-road approach and a walk into the area—especially in the rainy season when conditions can change quickly.