Muang Aon Cave

Rating: 3/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 17:00

 

Tham Muang On Cave is located in Ban Sahakorn 2 Village, Ban Sahakorn Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province. This is a large cave with a distinctive experience of “climbing up first, then descending into the underground world.” What draws many visitors here is not only the cave itself, but also the chance to pay respects to the sacred “Nom Pha Stupa” (Nom Pha), positioned at the center of the cave’s main chamber. When a flashlight beam sweeps across the walls, the stalactites and stalagmites can shimmer with a sparkling, crystal-like effect, making the darkness feel full of hidden details.

 

The visit begins with the ascent, because the cave entrance sits on the hillside. Visitors walk up a staircase that is comfortable to climb, with approximately 187 steps in total. The handrail is designed as a long, elegant naga, so the climb feels less like simply “getting to the top” and more like a gradual transition into a space shaped by both nature and faith. At the upper level, there is a viewpoint overlooking green trees, nearby homes, and a broader landscape than the road below. In winter, the air is often fresh and cool, making the walk especially pleasant.

 

Before entering, many people stop at a spot near the cave mouth to pay respects, as the area is associated with the relics of “Kruba Sriwichai,” the revered Lanna monk widely honored by devotees. A calm, respectful pause here can make the visit feel more meaningful than a simple photo stop, because this place blends nature and belief closely together. Once you begin descending into the cave, a flashlight (or a fully charged phone light) is essential since the interior is quite dark, and parts of the path include steps that require careful footing.

 

One of the most memorable moments inside Tham Muang On Cave is when you shine light across the ceiling and walls and see stalactites and stalagmites catching the beam with a glittering reflection. Some formations have shapes that inspire the imagination and are often playfully compared to animals or strange creatures—such as dinosaurs, multi-headed elephants, seals, and more. The best way to enjoy this is to slow down and let the textures and shadows tell their own story. At the same time, it’s worth remembering that these formations develop extremely slowly through minerals and dripping water over long periods, so visitors should observe with their eyes only—no touching, no carving, and no leaving anything behind—so the cave remains in its natural state.

 

At the heart of the cave, you will find the “Nom Pha Stupa,” a naturally formed sacred feature that has become the symbol of Tham Muang On Cave. Around this central area, there are several Buddha images for worship. This atmosphere makes it clear that Tham Muang On is regarded not merely as a natural attraction, but also as a religious site. Local tradition tells of a belief that the Buddha once rested in this cave while traveling to spread teachings toward Hariphunchai, and that a naga—disguised as a human—brought offerings and later requested a strand of the Buddha’s hair to enshrine within the Nom Pha at the center of the cave. This belief is a key reason why many visitors come to pay respects and seek blessings for good fortune.

 

For a comfortable and safe visit, wear shoes with good grip, as some areas may be damp and slippery, especially after rain. Bring a small bottle of water, keep close to the handrail on steeper sections, and avoid rushing when going up or down since the staircase has many steps. If traveling with children or elderly companions, pacing the climb and taking short breaks will help prevent fatigue while still allowing you to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere along the way.

 

Getting There Tham Muang On Cave is located in Ban Sahakorn 2 Village, Ban Sahakorn Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province. Generally, you can travel from Chiang Mai city toward San Kamphaeng, then connect to Route 1317 heading to Ban Sahakorn / Mae On. After that, use navigation to “Wat Tham Muang On” or “Tham Muang On Cave.” The site is accessible by car, and there is parking for visitors. It’s recommended to allow extra travel time and check the weather, especially during the rainy season when roads can be slippery and climbing the staircase may require more effort.

 

 

A: Tham Muang On Cave is located in Ban Sahakorn 2 Village, Ban Sahakorn Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

A: The key highlights are the sacred “Nom Pha Stupa” at the center chamber and the stalactites and stalagmites that sparkle under light, as well as the approx. 187-step staircase with a naga handrail.

 

A: Wear non-slip shoes, bring a flashlight (or ensure your phone battery is fully charged), and walk carefully because the cave is dark and some areas may be damp and slippery.

 

A: Local belief links the site to the enshrinement of a strand of the Buddha’s hair within the “Nom Pha” at the center of the cave, which is why many people come to worship and seek blessings.

 

A: Dress modestly, keep noise to a minimum, do not litter, do not touch stalactites and stalagmites, and respect the site as both a natural attraction and a religious place.