Chang Phuek Caves

Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/et6xrcXJ9PtTbtXk9

Chang Phuek cave is 24km from Chumphon Town. Head west out of Chumphon on Road 327 and then Road 4 towards Ranong. Some 14km along Road 4 turn left on to Road No 2005 (there's a Police booth on the right). Follow Road 2005 for about 7km and your should see the temple on the left. It is signposted, however you should not miss the big golden stupa which sits above the cave.

In front of the car park there is a short ramp leading to about 20 steps up to the main cave.

The entrance area has been made into a place of worship and each time we have visited found a Monk present who has kindly switched on the lighting in the cave. Whilst this lighting is good it is still worth taking a torch. The Monk had torches to borrow.

From the entrance area the cave quickly narrows into a small tunnel for about 5m before it opens up into a large chamber.

The cave is sort of T shaped so it's possible to explore both to the left and right and for all steep sections steps have been formed.

The 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website has referenced this as Cave No. CP0070.

To visit the golden Stupa above the cave you will find a pathway and steps to the right of the cave entrance.

Being at a fairly elevated position you get a good view across the valley.

If you look north along the cliff you will see a series of buildings and statues. Towards the end of these buildings there is statue of a Monk. Behind this statue is a small cave.

This is a short through cave (CP0058) of 50m leading through to a clearing. We believe that this clearing is actually a sinkhole created when a large cave collapsed.

This sinkhole is amazing with high limestone cliffs all around you.

Buddha images have been placed in an area of a large overhang.

To the left of the Buddha images at a lower level you will find another cave (CP0059). Easy to miss, we did on out first visit.

We believe this cave has been enlarged to make access easier. It is 70m long and leads through to another sinkhole. 

Again you are surrounded by high limestone cliffs. In the first sinkhole a lot of the vegetation has been removed, however in this second one it is more as nature has left it, giving that being in a jungle feel.

It is possible to walk all the way round the sinkhole at the base of the cliff. In places where it gets steep steps have either been formed in the earth/rock or constructed.

Again Buddha images have been placed in an area of a large overhang.