Temples and caves · In the hills at the centre of Koh Lanta
Khao Mai Kaew Cave
A wild cave in the hills of Lanta, visited only with a local guide and a torch: a walk through rubber plantations, then mud, crawling and a rope ladder.
Access
A real hike
Entry
Entry fee at the gate
Time to allow
Part of a day, during a stay on Lanta
Why go
For an adventure inside the island rather than another beach: a real cave, unlit and muddy, where you climb, squeeze and crawl behind a guide. It is the opposite of a show cave with paths and lights.
What you will find
A cave system in the hills at the centre of Koh Lanta. There is no lit walkway and there are no handrails: you go by torch, climb over rock, squeeze through low sections and crawl in places, and one passage, a chimney, goes down on a rope ladder.
Bats live in the cave, along with large spiders and frogs.
Getting there
By road on Koh Lanta, along the road that crosses the island, to a signposted turn-off; a ticket office and the guides wait near the start. From there, a walk through rubber plantations and forest leads to the cave entrance.
Before you go
You need a local guide: they find the entrance in the forest and lead you inside. The fee is paid on the spot and usually includes the guide and a lamp; sources disagree on the amount, so ask before you set off.
It is muddy and slippery throughout. Wear clothes you do not mind ruining and shoes that grip, and bring a torch of your own if you have one.
Not for you with young children, with any difficulty walking or climbing, or if dark and confined spaces make you uneasy.
Common questions
Do I need a guide for Khao Mai Kaew Cave?
Yes. Local guides find the entrance in the forest and take you through the cave by torch. The fee is paid on the spot and usually includes the guide.
Is Khao Mai Kaew Cave suitable for children?
Not for young children. The visit involves mud, crawling through low passages and a rope ladder down a chimney, with no lights or handrails.