Pha Wi Cave (Sam Na Cave)

Open Days: Open year-round

Opening Hours: Daytime visits are recommended for safety and easier access

 

Tham Pha Wi, also known locally as Tham Sam Na or “Three-Front Cave,” is a natural attraction in Pa Hung Subdistrict, Phan District, Chiang Rai. It is a limestone cave in the Doi Luang National Park area and is one of the more distinctive cave destinations for travelers who want to experience the quieter, nature-focused side of Chiang Rai.

 

The cave stands out for its interior beauty. Inside, visitors will find attractive stalactites and stalagmites, and when these rock formations catch the light, they create a shimmering effect that makes the cave especially memorable. This visual quality gives Tham Pha Wi strong appeal for both general visitors and photography-minded travelers.

 

Another major highlight is the spacious inner chamber. The cave contains a broad internal open area that can accommodate around 1,000 people, which makes it feel more expansive than many smaller cave sites. Instead of a narrow or cramped experience, visitors are able to appreciate the scale of the cave and the surrounding rock formations in a more comfortable setting.

 

The journey to the cave is part of the experience. From Phan District Office, the route heads west for about 30 kilometers. The first section uses paved road, followed by an unpaved road segment, then about 1 kilometer on foot, and finally another short ascent of around 100 meters to reach the front of the cave. The final walking section usually takes around 10–15 minutes. This combination of road travel and a short nature walk makes the visit feel rewarding without becoming too demanding for most travelers.

 

Because Tham Pha Wi can be visited throughout the year, it works well in different travel seasons. It is suitable for both Thai and international visitors who want a natural attraction with a strong sense of place, scenic geology, and a more local atmosphere than heavily commercialized destinations.

 

Getting There is easiest by private car. The route includes paved road, a short unpaved section, and then a walking approach to the cave entrance. Travelers should plan for a daytime visit, wear suitable footwear, and allow enough time for the final walk and the cave visit itself.

 

 

A: It is located in Village 8, Pa Hung Subdistrict, Phan District, Chiang Rai.

 

A: Local people also call it Tham Sam Na, or “Three-Front Cave.”

 

A: Its limestone formations, sparkling stalactites and stalagmites under light, and its large inner chamber make it especially memorable.

 

A: Yes. The cave is described as a year-round attraction.

 

A: After the road section, visitors walk about 1 km and then climb a short final stretch of around 100 meters, usually taking about 10–15 minutes.

 

A: Yes. It is suitable for both Thai and international travelers who enjoy natural attractions and cave scenery.

 

A: You can contact the Pa Hung Subdistrict Administrative Organization at 053-676468.