Tham Khao Plub Plueng Thong

Rating: 3.8/5 (10 votes)

Open Days: Open daily

Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00

 

Tham Khao Plub Plueng Thong is located within the grounds of Wat Wang Nam Fon in Wang Mai Subdistrict, Wang Sombun District, Sa Kaeo Province. It is a limestone cave nestled among quiet hills and forest, surrounded by the rural landscape of Sa Kaeo that still preserves its traditional atmosphere.

 

The charm of this cave lies not only in the beauty of its stalactites and stalagmites, but also in the way faith and nature blend together. Because the cave is situated in a temple area, visitors can make merit, pay respect to Buddha images, and explore the cave while also spending quiet time with themselves amid the peaceful presence of the mountains.

 

From the courtyard of Wat Wang Nam Fon, the path to the cave entrance gradually climbs along the hillside, passing through forest filled with native trees and scattered rock formations. Some sections have stairways built and improved by local villagers and monks to make the climb easier. Along the way, you can look back to see the temple roofs and green treetops below, a view that clearly reflects the close connection between the community and this mountain.

 

Upon reaching the cave entrance, the atmosphere shifts from bright sunlight to a naturally cool shade. Breezes passing through the mountain gaps and cave mouth keep the air fresh and prevent stuffiness. Inside, the cave is lined with stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes—columns, curtain-like formations, and smoothed rock surfaces carved by water over time. Under the light of flashlights or the temple’s installed lamps, parts of the cave walls shimmer as if coated with silver and golden mineral dust, adding a mystical yet welcoming feel to the space.

 

Inside the cave, there are corners where Buddha images and sacred objects are enshrined, respected by the local community. Some areas are designated for meditation and Vipassana practice. The atmosphere is very quiet, with only the sound of water drops from the cave walls and your own breathing. It is ideal for those who want to “escape the city” for a while, sit in stillness, and listen to their own thoughts, while still feeling safe within the temple grounds under the watchful care of monks and villagers.

 

The name “Khao Plub Plueng Thong” is tied to how local people perceive this mountain. Some accounts suggest it relates to the wild plants or flowers once found abundantly in the area. When sunlight touches the mountain and forest in the early morning or late afternoon, the slopes take on a soft golden hue. This enhances the charm of the name “Plub Plueng Thong,” evoking the image of a sacred golden mountain rising from nature.

 

Although Tham Khao Plub Plueng Thong is not as large as some of Thailand’s famous caves, its location within a temple gives it a distinctive atmosphere. Many visitors begin their trip by paying respect to Buddha images, making merit, and listening to monks share stories about the area, before slowly walking up to the cave without haste. Visiting here is not just about “checking in at a beautiful cave” but about gradually absorbing nature and faith step by step.

 

On clear days with open skies, the wind that blows down from the ridge to the temple grounds is especially refreshing, making the walk up and down the cave less tiring. If planned in the morning, visitors can spend the first half of the day at the temple and cave, then continue on to cool off and relax at Than Sombun Waterfall in the same district. This makes it easy to plan a one-day “Temple–Cave–Waterfall” trip.

 

Around the temple and Ban Wang Nam Fon village, there are local eateries and popular district restaurants, such as a well-known pad thai shop, as well as simple homestays and small resorts. These are suitable for those who wish to stay overnight and visit other attractions in Wang Sombun District and nearby areas, such as Than Sombun Waterfall, nature-based attractions, and temples scattered around the mountains and reservoirs.

 

Getting to Tham Khao Plub Plueng Thong If departing from Sa Kaeo city, visitors can follow the main route to Wang Sombun District, then follow signs to Wang Mai Subdistrict and Wat Wang Nam Fon. Upon reaching the temple, cars can be parked within the temple grounds, and the walk to the cave entrance begins along the designated hillside path and stairways. It is advisable to wear shoes with good grip that are suitable for walking uphill.

 

For travelers coming from nearby districts such as Wang Nam Yen or Khao Chakan, it is easy to continue driving and connect to Wang Sombun District. Most of the route is paved; only the final stretch near the temple may be narrower, but it is still accessible by standard cars. If you are unfamiliar with the route, you can pin “Wat Wang Nam Fon, Wang Mai Subdistrict” on your map and ask locals or monks at the temple for directions to the cave path.

 

A visit to Tham Khao Plub Plueng Thong is suitable for nature lovers, spiritual travelers, and anyone seeking quiet time with themselves in a place not too far from town but still offering the full combination of “mountains–forest–temple.” For those looking for a peaceful spot in Sa Kaeo away from large tourist crowds, this cave is definitely a destination worth adding to the list.

 

 

A: It is ideal for those who enjoy quiet nature, appreciate the atmosphere of temples and mountains, and wish to spend time meditating or being alone with their thoughts, without needing to hike through difficult terrain.

 

A: It is recommended to wear sneakers or walking shoes with good grip, bring a flashlight or headlamp (for dim sections), drinking water, and comfortable clothing. If you plan to meditate, you may also want to bring a light shawl or blanket in case the cave interior feels cool.

 

A: Generally, it is not considered dangerous if visitors follow the designated paths created by the community and temple, watch for slippery surfaces, and avoid climbing in restricted areas. During the rainy season, it is wise to check weather conditions and seek advice from the temple or local authorities in advance.

 

A: Yes, children and elderly visitors can go up if they are in reasonably good health and able to walk on slopes and stairs. They should be closely supervised, walk slowly, and rest when needed. Those with knee or respiratory problems should consult a doctor or assess their condition before visiting.

 

A: In most cases, monks and local villagers can provide basic directions and share background stories about the cave. For in-depth information or group visits, it is recommended to contact the temple or Wang Mai Subdistrict Administrative Organization in advance to coordinate.

 

A: The best periods are late rainy season to early cool season and during the cool season. Temperatures are mild, the hillside paths are less slippery, and trips can easily be combined with a visit to Than Sombun Waterfall. Continuous heavy rain should be avoided to reduce risks from slippery ground and poor visibility.

 

A: If starting from the temple, walking up to the cave, exploring inside, and resting without rushing, the visit typically takes about 1–2 hours. Including travel time from the district center and stops for meals or making merit, planning for about half a day is ideal.