Naka Cave Thailand Ultimate Guide: All You Need To Know

Where is Naka Cave Thailand?

Naka Cave is nestled high up in the hills of the Phu Langka National Park in Kanchanaburi province. Phu Langka National Park is located on the border of Thailand and Laos, an area of rugged beauty near the world famous Mekong River, renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, magical forest and trails and myriad activities.

Due to its remote location, Naka Cave site is a lesser-known destination of Phu Langa National park that has not yet been discovered by tourists in Thailand. With no easy access and a narrow and winding 22km mountain road from Srinakarin Dam as the only means of reaching it, it has remained relatively untouched, allowing visitors that head to this remote part of the border of Thailand and Laos to experience the wild beauty of the Naka Cave and the surrounding nature and mountain. 

Google maps

What is there to see at Naka Cave?

Naka Cave site itself is a breathtaking destination with its foliage, stone formations, and tranquil atmosphere. The cave entrance is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, as well as a variety of geological formations such as limestone cliffs and rock. It also boasts spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Inside the Naka Cave Thailand

When you visit, go past the cave entrance and you will find a plethora of unique attractions that truly make it an unforgettable experience. Naga Cave consists of two main chambers that look like trail – the first chamber is open to tourists. 

Head inside the cave and you will immediately notice that its interior is filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years due to calcium carbonate deposits, creating an awe-inspiring underground world full of wonders. It also features intricate stone and rock that are illuminated by natural sunlight on clear days and by the mysterious lanterns of Naka Nok on dark evenings, adding to its unique visual appeal. When you visit, you can spend hours wandering around its underground chambers that boast stunning acoustics, creating a mesmerizing natural ambiance of grand scale as echoes reverberate through its vast expanse.

The crystal-clear waters of Naka Cave offer breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs below and act as a living canvas to observe how sunlight reflects off its surfaces during certain times of day. Visitors can also spot hundreds of fireflies flickering along the walls of Naka Cave at night, providing an enchanting view for those who wish to witness this phenomenon in the later hours of the day.

As visitors venture further into Naka Cave, they may stumble upon remnants from ancient civilizations such as artifacts or petroglyphs carved into the rocks – evidence that people have been exploring here for centuries. One can also observe how calcium carbonate deposits have formed thousands of years worth of stalactites and stalagmites over time and learn about Naka Nok’s buddhist legend and Buddha myth from local guides or stories told by nearby villagers.

Visitors will find plenty of interesting activities outside the site, such as trekking up the trail of nearby hills, visiting Chet Si Waterfall or spending quality time in one of the nearby resorts or villages.

How to get to Naka Cave Thailand

Even though it’s not complicated to travel to this spot, having a car makes the journey much easier and definitely worth it!

How to get to Naka Cave from the city of Bangkok?

If traveling from the city of Bangkok, the most common means of reaching the Naka Cave location is to take a 3 hour bus ride from Khao San Road or Ekkamai Bus Station and head to Kanchanaburi City. From Kanchanaburi City, you can either rent a car and drive for approximately an hour, or take a local bus and head to Naka Cave (approximately 2 hours).

The area can also be accessed by taking a train to Nong Prue station which is just 15 minutes away by car. Alternatively, you could fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport which has direct flights from some major cities in the region and take a taxi or hire a car for your journey.

Where can I stay to visit Naka Cave?

In addition to its natural attractions, the location offers visitors an unforgettable experience for those who wish to stay longer than a day trip would allow. Guests can relax in one of the nearby resorts where they can find comfortable accommodation with views overlooking Naka Cave or spend quality time at one of the local Thai villages located close by and learn some of their legends.

The guest houses also offer visitors a chance to learn more about traditional Thai culture through engaging Thai workshops or classes run by experienced locals.

There are restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and guided tours that allow travelers to learn more behind the myths and legends of the cave and the cursed human king as well as its unique rock formations and related underground chambers. 

Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan and Udon Thani are all good choices for overnight stays when visiting. 

Another choice is to head to Bueng Khong Long district 90 km away (around an hour and 15 minutes car drive). Bus ride will be around 2 hours. Bueng Khong Long has a lot of options for accommodation.

Check out Best Hotels near Naka Cave

What are the best times of year to visit Naka Cave Thailand?

The best time to see this place is between May and October because that’s when all the plant life is at its peak due to being surrounded by mountains. Head to the location early in the morning around dawn and you can catch a glimpse of an astonishing sunrise view.

Phu Langka National Park – a bonus of the Naka Caves Thailand

Phu Langka National Park is a bonus of your trip located in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province. Phu Langka National Park resides between the provinces of Buenkan and Nakhon Thai (northeast Thailand). The land encompasses three significant mountains with many small mountains peppered throughout, as well as breathtaking views of the Mekong River. It is also home to gorgeous gorge waterfalls and trail and countless hiking opportunities in the forest and mountain that will surely delight those seeking an unforgettable adventure.

More than just a scenic destination, Phu Langka National Park also features a wide variety of wildlife – from majestic birds like hornbills and woodpeckers to small mammals such as civets and mongooses. Visitors from around the world can also explore the myth of the legendary serpent king, take part in engaging Thai workshops hosted by local villagers and try rafting through rapids on the Mae Nam Khwae River or kayaking on its tranquil waters.

There are also organized treks which can take you up nearby mountains offering breathtaking views of the region below or visits to nearby villages where one can learn about traditional Thai culture and myth first-hand.

Best Places to Stay in Phu Langka National Park

How much does it cost to enter Naka Cave?

2022 Update Pricing for Foreigners: 200 THB, Children 100 THB (around $3 USD)

Is Naka Cave Thailand open?

New update 12/2022: The Cave and surrounding area is not open for visitors. The cave entrance was closed until 2021. During that time all of Phu Langka National Park was also closed down. It’s mainly down to local restrictions owing to the COVID epidemic, as well as reports of people breaking through caves in search of winning tickets to the lottery. Thankfully, these restrictions are finally over. 

The legend of Naka Cave Thailand and the Cursed Giant Snake Stone

Naka Cave has been shrouded in myth, mystery and folklore for centuries. It is a hidden gem nestled amongst lush vegetation, rolling hills, stone and rock, towering mountains and the Mekong River. 

The legends behind the king of naga giant snake cave

Standing tall and strong with a handsome face, Prince Fahoong was adored by the men in his kingdom. His dazzling grin and twinkling blue eyes the prince had all of the ladies swooning over him. But despite the prince having abundant wealth from which he could have anything money could buy, what good were riches if there was no one to share them with? And so it happened that like many other princes in stories before, Prince Fahoong found himself feeling lonely as true love still eluded him.

Wandering through the woods near Khong Long Lake, the Prince heard behind him a forlorn melody that filled his heart with love. He followed it to its source but was unable to find her; all he could hear were echoes of her captivating song ringing in his ears. Mesmerized by the beauty and sadness of this unknown girl’s voice, he knew then that she’d left an everlasting impression on him.

Just as he was about to turn away, a faint cry of anguish caught his attention. His spirit knew it had to be the same girl who was singing earlier; and so he hastened forward in search of her. As if on cue, a glimpse of red and green cloth fluttered behind an enormous tree trunk– but with lightning speed she vanished once more. There at his feet however lay a shed snake skin… one quite unlike any other patterned snakeskin he’d seen before! The first half of the sky glowed a brilliant crimson while the other was as verdant in hue as the foliage on the majestic tree…

With the snakeskin clutched in his hand, The Prince was confused and returned to the palace of the king. King Ue-Lue – renowned for being one of history’s wisest men – would surely have answers about the half-seen female stranger with a captivating voice he’d encountered earlier that day. He must know something beyond what this peculiar skin could mean!  

Read the full story here: Naka Cave: The Legend of King Naga Giant Stone Snake

Who made the Naka Cave Thailand? Myths and Legends behind Naka Nok

According to ancient local legend, it was once home to an immortal being known as Naka Nok – a spirit who watched over and protected those who entered the cave entrance from harm.

This legend is still alive today, with locals continuing to believe in the myth that Naka Nok watches over the visitors. According to the myth, locals believe that if you are lucky enough to witness Naka Nok as you explore the cave walls in the depths of the rock cave, you will receive good luck and be granted protection from harm.

The myth of the largest snake that ever lived!

Many people believe that the strange rock formation inside the stone cave is actually a fossilized remains of a giant serpent. This myth has been kept alive by the locals to this day.

Is Naka Cave a real fossilized snake?

Myth and legend has it that the Naka Cave site is a real giant snake that has been fossilized. The Naka Cave site was discovered by PhD student Edwin Cadena from the University of Columbia when he retrieved a fossilized body believed to have belonged to a Croc. However, further investigation revealed that it was actually the fossilized remains of an ancient giant serpent, called Titanoa which lived during the Paleozoic period around 66 to 56 billion years ago and was one of the largest to ever live in the world!

It’s said that the Titanoa was massive in size and scale – weighing up to 130 tons and reportedly fed on animals such as crocodiles for sustenance. When it perished, its body eventually became fossilized and what we now see at Naka Cave Thailand are these remains – an array of stone and rocks surrounding the cave entrance which give it an imposing look.

Buddhist Mythology and Legends, the King and the Giant Snake

What is the story behind the giant snake? According to local belief, the rock looks like a towering snake and is believed to have otherworldly serpent coiled around it. In deeply Buddhist tradition, this story is part of a mythological tapestry in which a snake is often cast as a god who protects spiritual gateways. To ward off potential attackers, many temples throughout history have featured carvings or statues of enormous snakes behind the walls.

The image of Buddha meditating at the coils of an enormous cobra snake – called muchalinda- whose hood is sheltering Buddha from bad weather—is perhaps one of the most enduring visual representations of this idea.

What is the meaning of “Naka”?

Naka is the holy term used in the legends of the serpents in Thailand. Its origin comes with Sanskrit (Hinduism), which translates to several languages. The Ngan Ngua pronunciation is common in Thai and Laos. It describes snake deities and serpents that inhabit rivers and streams. The term Nega is the female snake’s form Nakee (NAGagi) and the goddess’ name Nakee both in human and snake shapes.

Other Snake Caves in Thailand

Nakee Cave Thailand

Nakea Cave is very similar in appearance, looks like and is related to its more famous brother cave, featuring an array of rock formations surrounding it. The frozen snake and large jungle vines give the illusion that Nakee Cavern is much larger than it actually is.

Nakee Cave Thailand is a spectacular destination situated in Phu Langka National Park next to Tat Kham Forest Park. It also sits near to the famous Mekong River and is very near to the border between Thailand and Laos. Formed by the limestone erosion of Naka Nok’s ancient petroglyphs, Nakee Cavern is an awe-inspiring site to behold. The vast array of rock formations circling the cave give it an imposing look day and night.

The newly discovered Nakea cave and Kinnaree cave. Kinnaree cave is near two rock groups of stone that have recently been discovered, namely “Hin Naka Ong Daeng” (the red Naka rock) and Hin Naka Ong Dam. (the black Naka rock) in the Phu Langka National Park but they are not as popular as Naka Cave. Don’t forget to visit Tat Kham Forest Park near Nakee Cave.

Kinnaree Naka Cave Thailand

The Kinnaree Naka Caves, found in the forest of Phu Langka National Park in Buen Kan province, are a less-known, but noteworthy tourist destination. The caves resembles Naka Cave and the resemblance all these caves (Nakee cave and Kinnaree Cave) have to Naka Cave is uncanny. 

Things you need to know Before Visiting Naka Caves

Naka Cave is a tourist destination in Thailand, shrouded in mystery and legend.

When visiting Naka Cave, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing and walking shoes for exploring caves – flip flops are not recommended! Additionally, Naka Cave Thailand has certain restrictions regarding photography so be sure to check before taking any pictures inside the cave system. With all these tips in mind, the visit is sure to provide travelers with an unforgettable experience filled with awe-inspiring sights and sounds!

After you’ve chased the ancient serpent king and got stuck in the area, you can visit a few amazing places. There are more protected areas that also include gorge waterfalls and hiking trails.

Visitors planning to explore Naka Cave should be aware of a few things before visiting:

– Naka Cave is located in Nakhon Phanom province, which is about 4 hours away from Bangkok by car.

– Naka Cave can be easily visited as a day trip from the nearby cities of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan or Udon Thani.

– Naka Cave is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

– There is an entrance fee of 100 Thai Baht (approximately $3 USD) per person to enter Naka Cave.

– Naka Cave consists of two main chambers – the first chamber is open to tourists and the second chamber can only be accessed with a guide.

– Visitors are not allowed to bring food or drinks into the cave.

– There are no toilets inside Naka Cave, so visitors should use the facilities before entering.

– There are no accommodation options available at Naka Cave, so visitors should make arrangements beforehand if they plan on staying overnight.

– Visitors should dress appropriately for trekking and climbing 

How to prepare for your trip to Naka Cave

– What to bring with you when exploring Naka Cave

When exploring Naka Cave, it is essential to come prepared with the necessary items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate clothing such as long pants or trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat, as well as sturdy shoes for trekking or climbing. Depending on the season, bringing a raincoat to avoid getting wet by the rain.

What’s the weather like at Naka Cave?

The weather at Phu Langka National Park Naka Cave is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius. 

Best time to visit Naka Cave?

It’s best to visit during the cooler months between November and February.

Summing up Naka Cave Thailand – The giant snake head rock formation

So if you ever find yourself in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province, take some time and head out to explore the Naka Cave – who knows what secrets await beneath its stunning facade, in the surrounding mountains and in the nearby forest? If you’re lucky enough, perhaps even Naka Nok and the giant snake could reveal themselves!