Ancient cave

Rating: 4.2/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Monday – Sunday

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:00

 

Ancient Cave is located in Ban Lisu Mae Tae, Mueang Haeng Subdistrict, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province. It is a natural attraction with significant historical value, as records indicate that it was used by prehistoric humans during the Middle Stone Age. The cave has an approximate depth of 69 meters, and a total of eight chipped stone axes were discovered buried near the cave entrance and inside the cave. These artifacts are estimated to be around 4,000–5,000 years old, corresponding to the Hoabinhian cultural period (Middle Stone Age). This makes the cave more than just a place of natural beauty—it invites visitors to reflect on early human settlement, resource use, and traces of ancient ways of life that once relied on mountains and caves as shelters and activity spaces.

 

The charm of visiting this ancient cave lies in the feeling of stepping into a “real space of time.” With a depth of approximately 69 meters, the interior atmosphere gradually transitions from natural light to darkness and the cool humidity typical of true caves. What often impresses visitors is not grandiosity like commercial tourist caves, but rather the calmness, cool air, and untouched natural environment that allow one to truly sense the dimension of the place—especially when knowing that the cave entrance and interior were locations where chipped stone tools, key evidence of the Middle Stone Age, were discovered.

 

For general visitors, the term “Hoabinhian period” may sound distant, but simply put, it represents groups of Middle Stone Age people skilled in producing chipped stone tools, knowledgeable in using natural resources, and selective in choosing suitable landscapes for habitation or specific activities. In this context, the cave is not merely a rock cavity, but a space deeply connected to real human life. This understanding gives the visit greater meaning, as one walks carefully, observes rock surfaces, light openings, and humidity, and imagines how the space was once used—without touching or disturbing the natural environment.

 

However, safety is essential when visiting any cave. Certain sections of the cave floor and pathways can be slippery, especially after rainfall or during periods of high humidity. Footwear with good grip is recommended, along with a flashlight or a fully charged mobile phone light. Visitors should avoid entering deep, dark, or unstable areas without local guidance. When visiting with children or elderly companions, it is best to focus on the cave entrance and safer sections to enjoy the atmosphere without unnecessary risk.

 

Getting There The Ancient Cave is located in Ban Lisu Mae Tae, Mueang Haeng Subdistrict, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province. In general, visitors can drive to Wiang Haeng District and then continue toward Mueang Haeng Subdistrict, using navigation maps to reach Ban Lisu Mae Tae. It is advisable to allow extra travel time for mountainous and winding roads and to check weather conditions before departure, especially during the rainy season when roads may become slippery and access more difficult.

 

 

A: The Ancient Cave is located in Ban Lisu Mae Tae, Mueang Haeng Subdistrict, Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai Province.

 

A: Records indicate that it was used by prehistoric humans during the Middle Stone Age, with eight chipped stone axes discovered, dating back approximately 4,000–5,000 years and associated with the Hoabinhian cultural tradition.

 

A: The cave has an approximate depth of 69 meters. Visitors are advised to wear non-slip footwear, bring a flashlight or phone light, and avoid entering deep sections during rainy or slippery conditions.

 

A: The cave can be visited year-round, but the late rainy season to winter generally offers more comfortable travel conditions with less slippery surfaces.

 

A: Be cautious of slippery surfaces, darkness, and humidity, and respect the site as an archaeological location by avoiding graffiti, littering, or removing any objects from the area.