Tham Pla Cave

About 15 kilometres south of Mae Sai is Tham Pla, the “fish cave”, famous not only for its underground lake crammed with fish but also for its monkeys. In contrast to nearby Tham Luang, which is usually deserted, Tham Pla is a popular destination for locals who come to make merit at the temple at the foot of the limestone outcrop in which the cave sits. They feed the koi carp and catfish in a pond outside the cave, and give bananas to the hordes of squabbling macaques that live around the temple.

Don’t go too close to the monkeys, and hang on to your bags, as they can be aggressive. There is also a small pond with crocodiles. A run of 300 steep steps leads up the mountainside to the cave entrance and a magnificent view across the countryside; because the ascent is so steep, few people actually climb up, most preferring to stay with the animals in the temple.

Tham Pla is in northern Thailand; access typically requires a vehicle from the nearest provincial town. Visitors usually reach the region by car or motorcycle from the nearest district center; local songthaews (shared pickups) and private tuk-tuks serve village routes. Expect rough, sometimes unpaved last miles-high-clearance vehicles are helpful in the rainy season.

• Visit early morning when light filters into the cave pool and the fish are most active.
• Bring a flashlight and waterproof shoes-paths can be slippery after rain.
• Ask a local guide about seasonal insect activity; some trails are best avoided in the wet season.