Rating: 4/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Open according to the national park’s announced schedule (the cave route is usually available on Friday–Sunday during the cave visiting season)

Opening Hours: Operates in “morning/afternoon” rounds (advance registration/booking required)

 

Martin Cave – World Cup Cave (Lam Khlong Ngu National Park) is one of Kanchanaburi’s standout adventure routes because the “destination” is not simply walking into a cave chamber and walking back out. Instead, it is a nature exploration experience that requires hiking, wading through water, using proper lighting, and strictly following staff instructions throughout the route. The cave is located within Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, and is known for its grand chambers, complex terrain, and striking stalactites and stalagmites with unusual shapes. One area is commonly referred to as “World Cup Cave,” a deeper group of chambers with geological characteristics that are distinctly different from other sections.

 

The overall cave system can be explained clearly through a “6 sections” structure. Sections 1, 2, and 3 are grouped as World Cup Cave, while sections 4, 5, and 6 are grouped as Martin Cave. A key feature that draws attention is that a stream from Lam Khlong Ngu runs through parts of the cave, similar to the Stele Cave route. With a suitable environment, many martins (swiftlets) are found inhabiting the cave during certain periods of the year. Combined with stalactites, stalagmites, and the quiet darkness of the chambers, exploring here can feel like stepping into another world.

 

However, the uniqueness of Martin Cave is not something visitors can access “on their own” like a typical tourist site. The national park controls visitor numbers by rounds and requires staff supervision throughout the activity. There are also requirements regarding age, health, and physical readiness, since the activity involves risks from wading through water, slippery rocks, darkness, and cave water conditions that can change with the seasons. Therefore, if you are planning a visit, the best starting point is to check the official route-opening announcement for that year and complete registration according to the park’s procedures.

 

Regarding the opening of the “Martin Cave” route, referenced announcements summarized by published sources indicate that for 2026 the park set the visiting period from 27 February – 26 April 2026, with visits available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, divided into a morning round and an afternoon round (the exact round details may vary by trip as announced). In the same year, the “Stele Cave” route was announced closed due to water conditions and safety considerations. Planning should always be based on the latest official announcements.

 

If you are deciding which Lam Khlong Ngu route to do, consider it this way: Martin Cave – World Cup Cave highlights a stream-running cave system with multiple chambers to explore, and suits adventure travelers who want a genuine cave route experience. Stele Cave (if open that year) is famous in another way for its spectacular chambers and natural stone formations. What both routes have in common is that you must go with staff and you need to prepare properly in terms of equipment and physical condition.

 

Preparation Before Entering Martin Cave should follow a “ready–safe–follow the system” approach. First are the essential items for this type of activity: lighting for cave travel (a headlamp is more practical because it keeps your hands free) and a life jacket for wading sections or activities along the stream within the cave system. You should also have non-slip footwear, quick-dry clothing, a waterproof bag for your phone/documents, and any necessary personal medication. Avoid bringing valuables unnecessarily, as humidity and water can easily damage equipment inside the cave.

 

Another point people often overlook is “travel timing” and “area entry conditions.” The Martin Cave route involves the park’s protection unit area as a preparation point. Booking information notes that if visitors plan to stay overnight at the protection unit (LK.1 Khao Phra In), they must enter the area before 20:00 to maintain order and ensure safety for visitors within the forest area.

 

Getting There (Route Overview by Car) From Bangkok, a commonly used route is to head to Kanchanaburi Province, then continue to Thong Pha Phum District via Highway 323, passing through the Sai Yok area and key stops such as Hin Dad Hot Springs. From there, proceed toward the access junction into the park area as directed by the park. Some sources summarize that from the Thong Pha Phum junction you turn onto Highway 3183 for about 25 kilometers, then continue another roughly 25 kilometers to reach the Lam Khlong Ngu park office (these figures are for understanding the general distance, not for estimating exact travel time, as road conditions and seasons can significantly affect timing).

 

As you approach the park area, it is important to follow the “map and coordinates provided by the park” for those who have registered, and to drive carefully, as some sections are forest roads with curves and limited visibility. If you need a reference point to pin for navigation, the Lam Khlong Ngu National Park protection unit (Khao Phra In) is located in Cha Lae Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, and can be used as a planning reference.

 

Why are rounds limited and why is staff supervision required? The main reasons are safety and conservation. Caves are fragile enclosed environments; stalactites and stalagmites form through natural processes that take a very long time. Unnecessary contact or abnormal moisture/contamination can affect mineral formation and the long-term beauty of cave features. At the same time, water conditions in caves can change quickly after upstream rain. Faster currents or rising water levels significantly increase risks to life and property. This is why the park uses a booking system and requires staff supervision throughout the route.

 

From a responsible travel perspective, the best way to make your visit “worthwhile and safe” is to follow the rules seriously: do not separate from the group, do not walk ahead of staff, do not push beyond your physical limits, and avoid risky actions such as running on slippery rock, climbing outside permitted areas, or using flash photography near wildlife or areas that may disturb the birds. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles, carry out all trash, and help preserve the cave’s integrity so it remains a sustainable natural learning and adventure destination.

 

In short Martin Cave – World Cup Cave is a large cave system in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park with a stream running through it. The route is described in 6 sections, including chambers associated with World Cup Cave and Martin Cave, featuring unusual stalactite and stalagmite formations. Visits are strictly controlled through a booking system and must be done under staff supervision. It suits travelers who want a “real adventure nature experience” and are willing to follow rules and prepare seriously.

 

 

A: They are within Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi. The Khao Phra In Protection Unit is commonly used as a preparation point before the activity starts.

 

A: No. Access is controlled by the park’s announced rounds (for example, the 2026 announcement indicates Fri–Sun with morning/afternoon rounds and advance booking).

 

A: Yes. The park requires staff supervision throughout the route for safety and activity control inside the cave system.

 

A: The system is described in 6 sections. Sections 1–3 are grouped as World Cup Cave, and sections 4–6 are grouped as Martin Cave.

 

A: A reliable light for cave travel (a headlamp is recommended) and a life jacket are core items, along with non-slip footwear and a waterproof bag for essentials.

 

A: Published contact numbers include 084-913-2381 for information and 081-108-9780 for booking (as announced).