Pha Ta Cave Buddha Handprint

Rating: 2.6/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Generally daily (recommended to check road conditions, especially during the rainy season)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 17:00 (hours may change depending on site management and weather conditions)

 

Pha Ta Cave Buddha Handprint (Roi Phra Phuttha Hat, Tham Pha Ta) is a nature-and-faith attraction in Ban Pong Yaeng Nok, Pong Yaeng Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai. The atmosphere is genuinely calm—no need for heavy “tourist staging.” The area is surrounded by lush forested hills, the air is noticeably cooler than the lowlands, and the visit combines a large Buddha handprint on a rock slab (the main worship point), a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Pong Yaeng area, and several small cave chambers that locals have named over time. It suits both visitors who come with devotion and those who simply want a quieter natural spot away from the busier Mae Rim–Mon Jam highlights.

 

The charm of the name “Pha Ta” lies in local language and the site’s visual identity. “Pha” refers to a cliff face or a large rock, while “ta” is commonly used to describe the action of placing a hand against something. Because this area features a large rock with a visible “handprint” that people come to pay respect to, the place became widely known as “Tham Pha Ta” and the name naturally turned into part of the community’s cultural vocabulary. When you arrive, it doesn’t feel like a place with an object simply put there to be worshipped; the impression on stone itself often evokes a sense of wonder and invites visitors to become quietly mindful without trying.

 

From a nature-travel perspective, the viewpoint here looks out over Pong Yaeng and layered mountain ridges. On clear days, you’ll see a softer, more “hillside Mae Rim” landscape than many people expect. The surrounding environment is shady and refreshing, making it suitable for resting or sitting in quiet meditation without too much disturbance. If you enjoy places that offer just the right amount of silence, this spot works well because it is still cared for as a community-and-nature space rather than a fully commercial tourist complex.

 

Another highlight is exploring the “smaller caves,” which are commonly described as 3 main zones based on their features and local names: Tham Kub (Hat Cave), Tham Kaew (Crystal Cave), and Tham Ngern (Silver Cave). Each cave feels different depending on the rock formations and how enclosed or open the chambers are. It’s worth emphasizing that natural caves are beautiful but conditional: lighting can be low, floors can be slippery, and some passages can be narrow. Walk carefully, wear shoes with good grip, and don’t force yourself into areas that feel unsafe or beyond your comfort level.

 

As for legends and local stories, the community has long shared narratives connected to “Khun Luang Wirangkha,” along with spiritual meanings tied to the Buddha handprint—something you often find at faith-related destinations across Northern Thailand. A good approach is to listen with respect and discernment, because the value of these stories is how they reveal what the place means to local people, not only how it looks in photos.

 

If you have to choose the best season, late rainy season through the cool season is the fairest answer: the weather is comfortable, the road is usually less slippery, and the views are clearer. You can still visit during the rainy season, but take extra care with sections of dirt road and steep slopes—especially if you drive a low-clearance car or ride a motorcycle. Keep speeds low, increase braking distance, and avoid driving in heavy rain when possible.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, head toward Mae Rim and take Highway 1096 (Mae Rim–Samoeng). Then turn into the Pong Yaeng area and follow signs toward Ban Pong Yaeng Nok. The destination is not far from the main road, but the access route may include dirt-road sections and some steep parts. A pickup truck or a higher-clearance vehicle will be more comfortable. Motorcycles and bicycles can also reach the site, though in the rainy season you should assess road conditions carefully before going.

 

If you want a relaxed, well-paced visit, plan at least 1–2 hours to walk around the worship point, enjoy the viewpoint, and explore the smaller caves without rushing. After that, you can continue to the Pong Yaeng–Mon Jam area for food or a cafe, and finish the day with an overnight stay in Mae Rim where there are many nature-style stays and onsen options. That makes for a one-day trip that balances calm, scenery, and comfort.

 

 

A: Generally yes, it is open daily. If you visit during the rainy season, it’s best to check road conditions and site readiness before you go.

 

A: Morning to early afternoon is most comfortable for views and walking around, especially from late rainy season into the cool season.

 

A: A pickup truck or higher-clearance vehicle is more comfortable because parts of the access road can be unpaved and steep. In the rainy season, extra caution is recommended.

 

A: The site is commonly described as having 3 smaller cave zones: Tham Kub (Hat Cave), Tham Kaew (Crystal Cave), and Tham Ngern (Silver Cave), each with a different feel.

 

A: Wear non-slip shoes, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and walk carefully because some sections can be dim and slippery. Avoid entering areas that feel unsafe or beyond your comfort level.