Nam Lot Cave
The only road near Nam Lot cave is by its resurgence entrance (where the river exits the cave) which is about 51km south of Chumphon town. Take Highway 41 south for 34km, take the U-turn (after the TOT Sawi
building on the left) and then the first left. Follow this road until you meet the Khao Thalu mountain range. Turn left just before the range.
Follow this road keeping the mountain to your right. A parking area (on the right) has been made near the cave. This cave is 2km north of Tham Than Nam Lot Yai's resurgence entrance on the same road. Check that blog for an alternative route.
The 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website has referenced this as Cave No. CP0054.
In front of the parking area under an overhang there is a place of worship.
To the left of this overhang, along the cliff face, there is small opening which leads you down into the northern side of the cave's resurgence entrance.
A short tunnel takes you down to a ridge above the river within the cave.
The area to explore here is relatively small, however there is a footbridge over the river to the southern side where there is a much larger ridge.
Alternatively you can enter the southern side of the cave by taking the steps to the right of the pathway to the Shrine up on the mountain.
A made platform takes you round to a large chamber with many formations
At the end of this chamber a narrow passageway takes you through to another smaller chamber.
From this second chamber it is currently not possible to go further into the cave unless you go up by boat.
Cave No. CP0114
Close to Nam Lot Cave is another un-named cave. Turning left at the car park, turn right, follow the cliff face and about 100 meters, through the trees, you will see a large opening.
This opening leads through to a rather plain large cavern, however it's the home to thousands of bats. Sadly not mastered taking fast moving objects in dark caves yet so no photos.
Nam Lot Cave Chimney
If you take the trail up to the Buddhist Shrine above Nam Lot Cave, about two-thirds of the way a sign directs you to a large hole.
As this the top of a hole in the ceiling of Nam Lot Cave.
It is not possible to access this cave without serious climbing
equipment, however from the opening it was possible to just see stalagmites.
It's also possiblle to go much deeper into the cave by one of the small red boats. It's free to use the boats. I was lucky that one of the friendly locals took his time to go with me all the way. It's very beautiful but also a bit of a struggle as you need to carry the boat over some of the rocks and climb even more rocks to get to the very bottom of the cave. You will also need a good lamp - a cell phone is not enough.
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