Highlights & Attractions in Khlong Phanom National Park

Khlong Phanom National Park is rich in caves, waterfalls, streams and natural pools, each offering a unique experience. From spectacular limestone caverns and adventurous river caves to forest waterfalls and tranquil fish-filled pools, the park allows you to design trips ranging from gentle nature outings to more immersive adventures.

Kaew Cave – Limestone Wonderland

Overview

Kaew Cave is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible caves in Khlong Phanom. Located not far from the park headquarters, it can be reached on foot in about 30–45 minutes from the starting point, along a shaded forest trail. The cave entrance lies beneath a limestone cliff, partially hidden by the surrounding vegetation.

Inside, the air is cool and breezy. The chamber is spacious, filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites. When illuminated by torchlight, many formations glint and sparkle like tiny crystals—hence the name “Kaew”, which means “glass” or “crystal” in Thai.

Chambers Inside the Cave

One of Kaew Cave’s special features is its series of “rooms” or chambers, each with a distinct atmosphere, for example:

Crystal Chamber – where the cave walls shimmer with countless sparkling calcite deposits
Hermit Chamber – featuring rock formations resembling a hermit sitting in meditation
Seahorse Chamber – lined with slender stalactites and stalagmites that look like clusters of seahorses
Herbal Pot Chamber – containing a large rock shaped like an ancient medicine pot in the centre

Walking through the cave feels like moving between different underground worlds, each chamber revealing new formations and details.

Access & Difficulty

From the park headquarters, it is a short drive to the trailhead, followed by a 30–45 minute forest walk.
The trail to Kaew Cave involves some gentle ups and downs, but is generally considered easy to moderate and suitable for visitors of average fitness.
Sturdy, closed shoes with good grip (trainers or hiking shoes) are recommended, and visitors should bring drinking water.

Safety Tips for Visiting Kaew Cave

Cave floors can be slippery; walk slowly and use a torch to light your way at all times.
Do not touch or climb on stalactites or stalagmites—they are fragile and can be easily damaged.
Always follow instructions from your guide or park rangers.
Avoid entering the cave alone or in very small groups without an experienced guide, especially if you are not familiar with caving.

Nam Lod Khao Wong Cave & Khao Wong Waterfall

River Cave Experience

Nam Lod Khao Wong is a river cave where a stream flows right through the mountain all year round. To explore it, visitors must walk in water and over slippery rocks, with only torchlight or headlamps to guide the way through the darkness.

Inside, you hear the sound of flowing water echoing off the cave walls, see unusual rock formations and occasionally glimpse beams of light filtering through small openings. It offers a more adventurous experience than standard dry caves and is best suited to those who enjoy getting wet and don’t mind a bit of challenge.

Khao Wong Waterfall – The Reward at the End

Emerging from the far side of the river cave, you arrive at Khao Wong Waterfall, nestled in the rainforest. The waterfall cascades over a series of rock tiers before joining the stream below. Around the falls are boulders and natural pools where visitors can swim or soak, when water levels are not too strong.
The atmosphere here is peaceful and secluded, with large trees shading the area. After passing through the darkness of the cave, arriving at this green, open waterfall feels like stepping into a hidden world.

Difficulty & Safety Considerations

The Nam Lod cave – Khao Wong waterfall trip is considered moderate to adventurous, involving wading through water, walking on slippery rocks and occasionally crouching or scrambling.
It is recommended for people who can swim and are in reasonably good physical condition.
Wear footwear with good grip that can get wet (such as water shoes or well-draining hiking sandals).
Avoid visiting during heavy rain or when flash flooding is possible—always check with park staff in advance.
It is strongly advised to visit this cave only with a guide or park ranger.

Ton Sai Waterfall

Waterfall Character & Atmosphere

Ton Sai Waterfall is a medium-sized cascade flowing over rock tiers in the evergreen forest. Large fig trees and other canopy trees surround the area, providing deep shade and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. It is an inviting spot to rest, swim and take nature photographs.

Several sections of the falls form shallow pools suitable for a relaxing dip. The sound of rushing water mixed with bird calls and forest noises makes Ton Sai a favourite recharge point for hikers exploring Khlong Phanom.

Access & Recommended Activities

Access to Ton Sai Waterfall usually involves a short drive followed by a forest walk from nearby roads or villages.
The trail is generally easy to moderate, making it suitable for half-day trips.
Popular activities include swimming, nature photography and light picnicking—always remembering to take all rubbish back out with you.

Ton Yai Waterfall

Highlights

Ton Yai Waterfall offers a more secluded and natural setting. Water flows over large boulders into clear pools, surrounded by thick evergreen forest. It is ideal for visitors who want to escape crowds and spend unhurried time in nature.

Because it is slightly more challenging to reach than waterfalls close to the main road, Ton Yai tends to be quieter, making it a good choice for full-day hiking trips that combine trekking with swimming in a peaceful environment.

Wang Matcha – Natural Fish Pool

Swimming & Fish Watching Spot

“Wang Matcha” is a natural pool along a forest stream where large numbers of wild fish gather. The water is cool and clear, shaded by overhanging trees, making it an excellent spot for swimming, relaxing and observing the behaviour of freshwater fish in their natural habitat.

Visitors can sit on rocks, dangle their feet in the water and watch fish swim around them—a simple activity enjoyed by both children and adults. However, feeding the fish excessively is discouraged, as it can disrupt their natural behaviour and the ecological balance of the pool.

Starting Point for the Kaew Cave Trail

Wang Matcha also serves as a starting point for the “Wang Matcha – Kaew Cave Nature Trail”. From the pool area, visitors can hike about 1 km along a stream and gently up the hillside to reach the entrance of Kaew Cave.

This makes it easy to combine activities into a half-day trip: swim and watch fish at Wang Matcha first, then continue on to explore Kaew Cave on the same outing.

Pheung Khao Nok Yang – Ancient Rock Paintings

Archaeological Significance

Pheung Khao Nok Yang is a rock shelter bearing ancient rock paintings on its surface. These are believed to have been created by prehistoric people who once lived in or used this area as a shelter or ritual site. The paintings are therefore an important piece of evidence for understanding early human settlement in the region.

Reaching the site requires hiking and some light scrambling, so visitors should be accompanied by a guide or park ranger. Great care must be taken not to touch or damage the painted rock surfaces in any way.

Respectful Visiting Guidelines

Never touch, scratch, write on or spray paint over rock surfaces that contain paintings
Avoid repeated use of strong camera flash directly on the rock art
Do not sit or lean on sections of rock bearing paintings
Always follow the guidance of park staff when visiting the site

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