Tham Tu Pu Historical Site
Tham Tu Pu at a Glance#
The Tham Tu Pu limestone cave network lies a couple of kilometres northwest of Chiang Rai city, across the Mae Fah Luang Bridge. Many caves in this strikingly beautiful area of limestone outcrops have been used for centuries as Buddhist shrines, and holy images are still carved from the living rock today.
At the gate to the caves sit statues of monkeys with their paws over their eyes in the classic “see no evil” pose. Fronted by a carved cliff face, the narrow cave entrance is stepped and leads through a rock passageway to marble-floored pavilions with carved stone and gilt-bronze Buddhist and Brahman images. There are three levels; from the open top level, visitors enjoy a fine view over the surrounding countryside.
The caves have some natural light, especially in the afternoon, along with a colony of bats in a small chamber behind the glowing carved stone Buddha with its golden robe and altar in the main pavilion. A torch is needed to find the lovely little gilded laughing Buddha at the back of the cave. At the foot of the cliff stands the Tham Tu Pu Meditation Centre.
How to Get to Tham Tu Pu#
Tham Tu Pu is reached from nearby towns by local roads-motorbike or car are the usual options. Visitors should check with local tourism offices or guesthouses for the simplest route and consider hiring a guide for the final, less-well-marked stretch.
Tips for Visiting Tham Tu Pu#
- Hire a local guide for route-finding and to learn the cave's local stories.
- Check recent rainfall; passages can flood quickly in sustained rain.
- Wear a headlamp and shoes with good grip-mud and slick rock are common.
Best Time to Visit Tham Tu Pu#
Best visited in the dry months when trails and cave passages are safe; guide up-to-date weather info before entering.
Weather & Climate near Tham Tu Pu#
Tham Tu Pu's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1400 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (297 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
