2007.03.03 Sao Hin Cave

LAM KLONG NGU NATIONAL PARK , Thong Pha Poom, Kanchanaburi

From 3-5 March we stayed at the headquarters and at the Khao Phra-In ranger station at Lam Khlong Ngu. We benefited greatly from the hospitality and support of the chief of the park. Our thanks to them for helping to make our visit comfortable and productive.

The Lam Klong Ngu National Park is fertile forest complex in the Tanaosri mountain range. The area has a high diversity of forest habitat and wildlife due to its close proximity to Thung Yai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary and Khao Lam National Park and Sri Nakarin National Park. The Large, towering limestone mountains are the watershed for Sri Nakarin Dam Lake, and cover an area of 600 square meters.

The Lam Khlong Ngu system is over five kilometers in length and consists of a series of shorter caves separated by places called "karst windows" where the cave stream opens to the outside. During our visit, we surveyed the caves at Tham Sao Hin and Tham Nok Nang En (In Thai we call cave as Tham).

Visiting caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park needs advance arrangement of itinerary, necessary equipment for cave exploration, and preparation of physical fitness. A local guide is a must. March – May is the most appropriate period for visiting the caves as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season.

Tham Sao Hin (or Sao Hin Cave)

We visited The first cave,Tham Sao Hin, which Huay Lam Khlong Ngu flow through the cave all year round with a beach for swimming. Here there is a beautiful Man – Hin – Yoi (curtain of white stalactites) which is made of calcite from subterranean water. Also in the middle of this cave there is a big limestone pillar standing 62.5 meters high, formed by stalactite and stalagmite and has gradually built up for millions of years.

A walk for another 6 km. or some 2 hours will lead to the cave, with several breathtaking waterfalls originating from Lam Khlong Ngu along the way. The walking trail will lead through scenic valleys and cliffs.

Visitors to Tham Sao Hin need to be adventure-lovers who are physically fit. Guidance by a national park official or local guide is necessary. February – April is the suitable period for visiting the cave, as the water level inside will be very high in the rainy season.