Tham Nam Bang

Useful Information

Location:	(47Q 0728602 1796974)
Open:	no restrictions. [2008]
Fee:	free. [2008]
Classification:	Cave Church
Light:	none, bring torch
Dimension:	L=100 m, A=110 m asl.
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Tham Nam Bang.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The cave temple Ban Tham Nam Bang is located in a small village south east of Phetchabun. It is a fairly well known tourist attraction among locals. As a result it is signposted but only in Thai, which maked it difficult for foreigners to find.

The limeston rock is riddled with cave entrance, concrete steps lead up to a couple of entrances which are interconnected, actually all entrances lead to the same cave. The entrances at the steps have been developed into shrines and living quarters for monks. The roof of one huge chamber collapsed so it is open to the sky. In this collapse doline various concrete buildings have been errected.

At the base of the hill lies a separate cave, probably a younger level of the cave system. The cave leads downwards to the karst water table, the last chamber contains a small pool of stagnant water.