Khao Phlu Caves

 

Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/27mPnY71UxeohyWh9

Khao Phlu Caves are located within the grounds of Wat Tham Khao Phlu and are 57 km north of Chumphon town. Take Highway 4 north for some 38 km til you reach Tha Sae. Turn right at the intersection onto road No. 3201, signposted for the airport, and travel 17 km to the town of Pathio. Just before the road crosses the railway turn left onto road No. 3253 and travel about 2km til you reach Wat Tham Khao Phlu on the left.

There are 3 caves at Wat Tham Khao Phlu. These caves have locked doors and when we last visited (27 July 2024) we could not find someone to unlocked them. So most of the photos below are from a visit in Auguest 2020.

The first cave is at the top of the Y shaped stairs.

This cave has a large opening but only goes in some 10m. The whole cave as been extensively developed into a place of worship.

The 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website has referenced this as Cave No. CP0025. There is a chimney but not sure if it has an opening in the top.

To reach the other two caves you must follow the path to the left of the Y shaped stairs.

 The entrance to the caves are either side of this red building built under an overhang.

The cave to the right of the red building has referenced as Cave No. CP0120 by the 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website.

This cave goes some 30m into the hill and has also been made into a place of worship.

In the center of the cave is a small pond. Water from the ceiling drips into this pond. 

The third cave is slightly larger and is sort of L shaped. There is an opening in the roof which lets in natural light. The 'Caves & Caving in Thailand' website has referenced this as Cave No. CP0121.

To the left of this cave you will see a small blue stupa. Behind the stupa are some steps that take you to the top of the opening in the cave. At this higher elevation you get a good view.