Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (Tham Than Lot)

Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30

 

Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (Tham Than Lot) is an eco-focused destination in Kanchanaburi that brings together the charm of a lush, moisture-rich forest and the underground world of limestone cave systems in a single trip. Travelers who want nature with both beauty and learning often fall for this place from the very first step, because the park features dense forest and humid evergreen patches that provide cool shade, caves filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites, and hiking trails that lead to multiple waterfalls. What makes the experience stand out is not simply that there are many photo spots, but that the journey unfolds gradually and encourages real observation of nature – from the feel of humidity in the forest and the scent of wet earth after rain to the sound of flowing water inside the cave, which reflects a delicate ecosystem that needs proper care and respectful visitation.

 

In overall character, Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park is an important protected area in terms of forest coverage, streams and waterways, and limestone caves formed within a karst landscape that is especially prominent in parts of Kanchanaburi. The cave with a stream flowing through it – giving rise to the name “Than Lot” (a stream passing through a cave) – is the core highlight of the park’s appeal. It lets visitors see cave formations in a way that feels fundamentally different from waterfalls or mountain viewpoints. Stalactites and stalagmites are not decorative objects that nature can replace quickly; they are calcium carbonate formations that grow from tiny water droplets over very long periods. That is why cave tourism here should be guided by respect for the site: do not touch, scratch, or mark surfaces, because oils from human skin can disrupt the deposition process and leave traces that are extremely difficult to reverse.

 

In terms of atmosphere, this park suits travelers who want a mental reset from city pace but do not want a trip that is only about sitting at a cafe. The trails and natural points within the park encourage just enough movement to feel pleasantly active, while still delivering quiet and calm. Early in the morning, the difference in temperature and humidity can be striking – the forest air is cooler than the city, natural sounds are clearer than human noise, and the beauty here relies on no artificial styling. It is the result of water, rock, and forest working together naturally. If you enjoy noticing details, you will appreciate small changes along the way: ferns and moss clinging to rocks in damp zones, thicker understory vegetation as you approach streams, or shifts in light and shade that change the forest’s color tones as the day moves on.

 

The main reason many people come here intentionally is the park’s hiking system, designed to follow the real terrain. In broad terms, there are 2 routes most commonly discussed. The first route connects key cave highlights, starting from Tham Than Lot Noi and continuing to Tham Than Lot Yai. Along the way, you hike through a humid, green forest corridor and pass a major stop at Tri Trues Waterfall, which is a popular rest point because it feels like a natural energy reset before continuing to the larger cave. This route suits travelers who want a “complete” nature experience because it combines a cave with formations, a stream flowing through the cave, and a waterfall within one journey. The overall distance often referenced is about 2.5 km. Keep in mind that walking in a damp forest is not the same as walking on flat city sidewalks. You should allow time for rests, photos, and careful footing, because parts of the trail can be slippery, especially in the rainy season.

 

Starting at Tham Than Lot Noi, you will immediately feel how different a cave environment is from the outside: the air cools, humidity rises, and the sound of water echoes through enclosed space. Inside, you can typically see stalactites and stalagmites, with a stream flowing through as a defining feature of the “Than Lot” idea. Cave walking should be slow and mindful. A flashlight helps in darker areas, and you should watch for uneven ground and damp rock that can become slick. After leaving the cave, the trail continues through a forest zone where greenery and moisture are part of the charm. If you arrive soon after rainfall, leaves look especially vivid and the earthy scent becomes more pronounced. In the hot season, it is best to start early, because the combination of humidity and late-morning heat can make fatigue set in faster than expected.

 

A key rest point on the first route is Tri Trues Waterfall, which naturally creates a good rhythm for the trip. Forest waterfalls like this often feel calmer than famous waterfalls that are crowded with visitors. You can pause, hydrate, and observe the surroundings without rushing. If you plan to continue toward Tham Than Lot Yai, it is worth checking your energy level because the final stretch still requires focus and careful movement. Tham Than Lot Yai, as the end point of this route, is commonly described as more spacious and gives a different sense of cave scale compared to the first cave. Reaching it feels like a gradual climb in experience: from a smaller cave, through humid forest, to a waterfall rest stop, and then finishing with a larger cave in one continuous narrative.

 

The second route is generally more family-friendly and accessible for most visitors because the total distance often mentioned is about 1.8 km. The main goals are Than Ngern Waterfall and Than Thong Waterfall, which offer different characters. Than Ngern is described as a smaller cascade with multiple tiers (some sources mention around 7 tiers). Its charm is in its gentle, natural feel, reached by a relatively short forest walk that still requires patience because it is a genuine nature trail. Than Thong is described as larger and with more tiers (some sources mention around 15 tiers), appealing to those who enjoy the drama of layered waterfalls. This second route is also a good choice for travelers who want beautiful waterfall scenery without committing to half-day-long trekking, while still keeping the real “walk in nature” feel rather than a fully paved, park-like stroll.

 

One of the most important planning factors for visiting Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park is seasonality and safety, because destinations that combine caves and waterfalls carry specific risks. The rainy season tends to deliver the greenest forest and the strongest waterfall flow, but trails can be slippery and occasional high water may occur on certain days. Shoes with good traction are essential, and you should bring waterproof protection for valuables such as your phone and car keys. The cool season is often the most comfortable time to walk, with pleasant temperatures, good natural light for photos, and noticeably lower fatigue. In the hot season, it is wise to enter early, carry more drinking water than you think you need, and rest periodically. Do not force long, continuous walking without breaks, because humid trails combined with heat can make dehydration and dizziness more likely than in urban settings.

 

For cave visits, it helps to remember that a cave is a special environment, not an ordinary walkway. A compact flashlight is recommended. Even when some areas have enough ambient light, a flashlight improves safety on darker stretches and uneven surfaces. Avoid loud noise inside the cave, do not touch formations, and avoid excessive flash photography that disrupts others. If you are traveling with children, explain the rules clearly before entering. Helping kids understand that “beautiful cave formations must not be touched” is one of the simplest and most effective forms of conservation. For trekking, bring insect repellent, especially in damp zones near streams and waterfalls. A small first-aid kit (such as bandages) is also practical, because minor cuts from branches or sharp rocks can happen on natural trails.

 

Entrance Fees Based on recently published tourism information, a commonly referenced standard fee structure for national parks in this category is: Thai nationals – Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB; Foreign visitors – Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB. In practice, there may also be additional fees depending on vehicle type (such as cars or motorcycles), or certain details may be adjusted according to on-site notices during specific periods. If you need 100% certainty before traveling – especially for group trips – it is best to call the park or the relevant authority in advance so you can budget accurately and reduce confusion on arrival.

 

Getting There Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park (Tham Than Lot) is approximately 97 km from Kanchanaburi city. If traveling by private car, a commonly used approach is to drive out of the city toward the Bo Phloi / Nong Prue area and then continue on the road that leads into the park zone. Overall, the route is paved, though the final approach may include local roads where extra caution is recommended, especially after rainfall when mud or slippery patches can appear. For public transport, there is information indicating a bus route such as Dan Chang – Muang Thao – Kanchanaburi that can serve as a guideline for travelers without a car. However, public transport to nature areas often requires more time buffering and real-time schedule checks. A practical strategy is to depart early in the morning so you can enjoy the park fully without rushing back near closing time.

 

In terms of activities, the park is suitable for short-to-moderate hikes, cave visits, viewing stalactites and stalagmites, and relaxing at waterfall areas where access is permitted. One way to improve the trip quality is to shift from “photo-only travel” to mindful learning. For example, notice how the area near caves feels more humid, why certain plants grow more densely in shaded, damp zones, or how water flow gradually carves limestone into hollows and channels that become “stream-through” caves. These small observations help you come away with a richer story than simply “the cave is beautiful, the waterfall is beautiful” and make it easier to understand why conservation rules in national parks are genuinely necessary.

 

If you want a trip that is not overly tiring but still covers the key highlights, a half-day to full-day plan works well. Enter early, choose 1 route as your main focus, and allow unhurried rest breaks along the way. For families with young children or older travelers, selecting the shorter route and avoiding steep sections helps reduce risk. For those who want to maximize the trek, bring sufficient water and appropriate shoes, because slippery surfaces in cave and waterfall zones can turn an “easy-looking” walk into an accident. If you are truly traveling in an eco-responsible way, slowing down by one pace and increasing caution by one level will noticeably improve both safety and overall experience.

 

 

A: It is generally open daily, with typical hours of 08:00 – 16:30.

 

A: Yes, to a reasonable extent – especially if you choose a shorter route, walk at a comfortable pace, and wear shoes with good traction. Extra care is needed in the rainy season due to slippery surfaces.

 

A: A minimum of half a day is recommended for an unhurried cave visit and a main trail. If you want to cover multiple points, plan for a full day.

 

A: As commonly published: Thai – Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB; Foreign visitors – Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB. It is recommended to check the latest on-site notice before travel.

 

A: Bring traction shoes, a flashlight, enough drinking water, waterproof protection for valuables, and insect repellent. Avoid touching stalactites and stalagmites to help conserve the cave environment.

 

A: There is information mentioning a public bus route such as Dan Chang – Muang Thao – Kanchanaburi, but you should confirm real schedules and allow extra buffer time because services to nature areas are often less frequent than in the city.