Nam Lod Cave
Nam Lod Cave is located within the grounds of Wat Tham Nam Lod. Take Highway 4 north from Chumphon town for some 38km till you reach Tha Sae. Turn right at the intersection onto road No. 3201, signposted for the airport, and travel 17km to the town of Pathio. In the town turn left onto road No. 3253 and travel about 1km till you reach Wat Tham Nam Lod which is on the left.
A stream which flows through Pathio runs under the mountain by way of this cave so dry access is really only possible during the hot season. At other times you can wade up the cave but progress can be halted where the cave ceiling drops to water level at about 100m in.
The 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website has referenced this as Cave No. CP0024 and the following survey has been undertaken.
Access to the cave is by way of steps found behind the temple buildings.
This first section of the cave is not too dark for there is a hole in the ceiling.
The stream has washed the cave of silt so its nice hard sand you walk on and we did not find any trip hazards if you decide to wade up.
As you work your way up the cave you find some amazing stalactites. The stream has obviously prevented the formation of stalagmites other than in this place.
Whilst difficult to show the effect on a photo the quartz in the calcite shimmers in the torchlight.
As you walk through the cave you are certainly not alone. Hundreds of bats are hearing your every move.
We also found a number of cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae) with their amazingly long antennae.
The cave eventually comes out onto a palm plantation. This is the sink entrance, where the stream enters the cave.
If asked which is the best cave in Chumphon this is certainly it for me. Untouched, loads of formations, hundreds of bats and other life, and who can say they have walked under a mountain!
With the number of bats was not surprised to find two cave dwelling rat snakes - Ridley’s Racer. Latin Name - Othriophis taeniurus ridleyi.
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