Tham Matcha Pla Won

Open Days: Daily, except the annual tourism closure from 15 November to 25 December

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.00

 

Tham Matcha Pla Won in Phatthalung is a natural cave attraction inside Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park, located near the park headquarters in Khao Pu Subdistrict, Si Banphot District, Phatthalung Province. The cave is known for its stalactites and stalagmites, a clear water pool, and schools of fish swimming in circles inside the cave. This distinctive sight gives the cave its name, which evokes the image of fish moving continuously in a natural cave pool.

 

Tham Matcha Pla Won is about 2 kilometers from Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park headquarters. It sits within the humid evergreen forest of the Banthat mountain range, one of the most important natural landscapes in southern Thailand. Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park is Thailand’s 42nd national park and covers parts of Phatthalung, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The park contains mountains, forest, streams, waterfalls, caves, viewpoints, camping areas, and nature routes, so the cave should be understood as part of a larger protected forest system rather than as a standalone attraction.

 

The cave entrance area is shaded by many plant species and marked by dark rock cliffs. The air near the cave feels cooler and more humid than the open forest outside. Inside, visitors can see natural limestone formations created by long-term mineral deposition. Water flowing through the mountain forms a clear pool inside the cave, where fish can be seen moving through the water in a quiet and atmospheric setting.

 

The most memorable feature of Tham Matcha Pla Won is its pool with fish swimming inside the cave. This creates a rare and peaceful cave scene: clear water, cave walls, soft light, and living fish in a natural pool. Visitors should observe the fish quietly and should not feed them, touch them, disturb the water, stir sediment, or throw anything into the pool. Cave water ecosystems are sensitive, and even small changes can affect water quality and cave life.

 

The cave contains several chamber-like spaces where visitors can observe cave walls, stalactites, stalagmites, water features, and the humid cave environment. Stalactites and stalagmites form very slowly when mineral-rich water seeps through rock and deposits minerals over time. These formations should never be touched, broken, climbed, or used as photo props because surface damage can interrupt natural growth and permanently harm the cave.

 

Tham Matcha Pla Won is also a useful place to understand the relationship between forest, mountain, and water. The clear pool inside the cave is connected to the surrounding forest and upstream water system. The humid evergreen forest helps hold moisture, protect soil, and maintain water flow. A visit to the cave therefore reveals more than its visual beauty; it shows how forest, limestone, water, and living creatures depend on one another.

 

Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park is sometimes described as a primeval humid forest because of its lush evergreen character. The park has many natural attractions, including Pha Phueng Viewpoint, Tarzan-style park accommodation, camping areas, Ruen Thep Nimit Cave, Riang Thong Waterfall, Khuan Pra Waterfall, Pak Chaem Waterfall, and Tharawarin Waterfall. Tham Matcha Pla Won can be combined with these places to create a full-day nature route inside the park.

 

Visitors should prepare properly before entering a natural cave. Some sections of the cave floor may be wet, uneven, slippery, or dim. Wear shoes with good grip, bring a flashlight or a fully charged phone, and follow designated routes. Do not leave marked paths, climb cave walls, enter deep dark areas without guidance, or step into the water pool. If the route is wet or visibility is poor, move slowly and follow park staff instructions.

 

Caves are sensitive ecosystems. Fish, bats, insects, and small cave organisms may live inside or near the cave. Visitors should keep noise low, avoid shining strong lights directly at animals, avoid flash photography in sensitive areas, and carry all trash out. Food waste, plastic, and small litter can damage the cave environment and affect the water inside the cave.

 

The best time to visit is from morning to early afternoon. This gives enough time to contact park staff, reach the cave, explore carefully, and return before the park closes. Visiting late in the day or during heavy rain is not recommended because cave floors and forest paths may become more slippery. If the park announces a temporary closure, annual closure, or route restriction, visitors should follow the official notice strictly.

 

The national park entrance fee is 20 baht for Thai adults and 10 baht for Thai children. Foreign visitors pay 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. The park has accommodation, camping areas, and visitor services in designated zones. Travelers who want to stay overnight should contact the park in advance because annual closures, safety conditions, and weather can affect access and accommodation availability.

 

Getting There begins at Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park headquarters, located at 60 Moo 9, Khao Pu Subdistrict, Si Banphot District, Phatthalung 93190. From Phatthalung city, take Highway 41 toward Khuan Khanun and Khao Pu, then turn onto Route 4164 toward the park. Once at the park headquarters, contact staff or follow park signs to Tham Matcha Pla Won, which is about 2 kilometers from the headquarters.

 

Private car travel is the most convenient option because it allows visitors to combine the cave with other attractions inside the park. Travelers using public transport can reach Phatthalung or Khuan Khanun and continue on the Phatthalung–Khao Pu–Dam route, but should check transport timing before traveling. Those without private vehicles should contact the park ahead of time to understand the final access route and available local transport options.

 

At the park entrance, visitors should pay the required fee, park only in designated areas, and ask staff about the route to Tham Matcha Pla Won, trail conditions, water levels, and same-day safety. During heavy rain or route restrictions, visitors should postpone cave entry or choose only areas that park staff confirm as safe.

 

Tham Matcha Pla Won can be combined with Pha Phueng Viewpoint, the park’s Tarzan-style accommodation area, Ruen Thep Nimit Cave, Riang Thong Waterfall, Khuan Pra Waterfall, Pak Chaem Waterfall, and other forest sites in Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park. This route is suitable for travelers who want to experience caves, humid evergreen forest, waterfalls, streams, and national park scenery in one trip.

 

Food and accommodation are available in limited forms around the park area. Visitors can use the park accommodation and camping areas where available, or stay in nearby districts such as Si Banphot, Khuan Khanun, or Mueang Phatthalung. It is wise to bring drinking water, light snacks, and personal essentials because shops and services around forest areas may not operate throughout the day.

 

In summary, Tham Matcha Pla Won is one of the most distinctive natural cave attractions in Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park. Its highlights are stalactites and stalagmites, a clear cave pool, fish swimming inside the cave, water flowing through the mountain, dark rock cliffs at the entrance, and the shaded evergreen forest around it. With careful preparation, respect for park rules, and responsible behavior, the cave offers a calm and memorable nature experience in Phatthalung.

 

 

A: Tham Matcha Pla Won is located inside Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park in Khao Pu Subdistrict, Si Banphot District, Phatthalung Province, about 2 km from the park headquarters.

 

A: The cave follows the national park visiting hours, generally 08.00 to 16.00, and the park closes for annual tourism closure from 15 November to 25 December.

 

A: Yes. The national park entrance fee is 20 baht for Thai adults, 10 baht for Thai children, 100 baht for foreign adults, and 50 baht for foreign children.

 

A: Its main highlights are stalactites and stalagmites, a clear water pool inside the cave, and fish swimming in the cave pool.

 

A: Suitable activities include careful cave walking, viewing rock formations, observing fish, learning about cave ecology, and taking non-disruptive nature photographs.

 

A: Bring non-slip shoes, a flashlight or fully charged phone, drinking water, and a personal trash bag.

 

A: Do not enter the water pool, feed fish, touch stalactites or stalagmites, leave designated routes, make loud noise, or litter. Follow park staff instructions at all times.

 

A: Nearby places include Pha Phueng Viewpoint, the Tarzan-style accommodation area, Ruen Thep Nimit Cave, Riang Thong Waterfall, Khuan Pra Waterfall, and Pak Chaem Waterfall.