Tham Phi Hua To (Prehistoric Cave) - Image 1
1 / 10

Tham Phi Hua To

4.4
·136 reviews·Tambon Ao Luek Tai, Thailand

Kayak through ancient caves and serene mangrove forests, discovering hidden lagoons and historical secrets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful ambiance, bird songs

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Tham Phi Hua To (Prehistoric Cave) - Image 1

Tham Phi Hua To

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful ambiance, bird songs

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kayak through ancient caves and serene mangrove forests, discovering hidden lagoons and historical secrets.

4.4
(136 reviews)

"A slow kayak moment but I love it. You can find some tour at klook or you can do the kayak as well by directly coming here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 Kayak Rental Value

Kayak rental is 400 baht with no time limit. It's definitely worth the money for exploring the caves and lagoons.

📸 Hire a Kayak Guide

Guides cost around 300 baht and are great for first-time kayakers, offering historical stories and taking good pictures.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kayaking Through Mangroves

Kayaking Through Mangroves

Tha Pring River

Paddle through lush mangrove forests, enjoying the serene river and unique ecosystem. A truly immersive nature experience.

Ancient Cave Exploration

Ancient Cave Exploration

Inside Tham Phi Hua To

Venture into caves adorned with ancient scripts, where guides share fascinating historical stories and legends.

Hidden Lagoon ('Hong')

Hidden Lagoon ('Hong')

Inner chambers of the cave

Discover secluded lagoons within the cave system, offering a sense of discovery and natural wonder.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

Arrive early morning to experience the tranquil sounds of nature and avoid the midday rush. This ensures a more peaceful kayaking adventure and better photo opportunities.

Kayak Essentials & Guides

Kayaking is the primary way to explore Tham Phi Hua To. While swimming isn't required, consider hiring a guide for a richer experience, especially if it's your first time. They can share historical insights and capture great photos.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful ambiance, bird songs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🛶 Kayak Rental Value

Kayak rental is 400 baht with no time limit. It's definitely worth the money for exploring the caves and lagoons. Reddit

📸 Hire a Kayak Guide

Guides cost around 300 baht and are great for first-time kayakers, offering historical stories and taking good pictures. Reddit

💧 No Swimming Skills Needed

You don't need to know how to swim to enjoy kayaking into the caves. Life vests are provided. Reddit

🍽️ Delicious Local Food

Don't miss out on the surprisingly good food available after your kayaking adventure. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🛶 Kayak Rental Value

Kayak rental is 400 baht with no time limit. It's definitely worth the money for exploring the caves and lagoons. Reddit

📸 Hire a Kayak Guide

Guides cost around 300 baht and are great for first-time kayakers, offering historical stories and taking good pictures. Reddit

💧 No Swimming Skills Needed

You don't need to know how to swim to enjoy kayaking into the caves. Life vests are provided. Reddit

🍽️ Delicious Local Food

Don't miss out on the surprisingly good food available after your kayaking adventure. Reddit

📍 Nearby Tam Rod Cave

Tham Phi Hua To is conveniently located near Tam Rod cave, making it easy to visit both. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(136 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the serene early morning atmosphere and the unique experience of kayaking through mangroves and into ancient caves. The value of kayak rentals and the engaging stories from guides are frequently highlighted. While the experience is largely positive, some might find the kayaking itself to be a slower pace.

"I came here early morning and it was really nice and quiet. Heard sound of the water and birds chirping around. The ambience is very relaxing.

Since it was my first time kayak, I pay for the kayak guide about 300 b and she took good pictures of me 😁.

We hop into two caves and both has historical stories. The guide explained to us the stories as well. It was a slow kayak moment but I love it. You can find some tour at klook or you can do the kayak as well by directly coming here."

N F (Nf)

"Easy to access, Dry and clean with good facility.
It also near to another cave named “Tam rod“"

porkung0011

"I didn't walk ashore on the cave but did kayak all the way into the 'hong'. Rental of the kayak is 400baht without time limit and definitely worth the money. Try to go there as early as possible to enjoy the quietness and calls of the bird/insects."

Eng Siong Lee

What People Like

Tranquil early morning ambiance
Value of kayak rental
Engaging cave stories

What People Dislike

Slower kayaking pace

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tham Phi Hua To is accessible by car or scooter. You can also find tours that include transportation. It's located near Krabi, making it a popular day trip destination. Reddit

Yes, there is usually ample parking available at the kayak rental and tour operator locations. Reddit

Public transport options might be limited. Hiring a private taxi or joining a tour is often the most convenient way to reach the location. Reddit

From Ao Nang, you can hire a taxi or rent a scooter. Many tour operators also offer pick-up services from Ao Nang. Reddit

While you can kayak to the caves, direct boat services to the entrance might not be common. Kayaking is the primary mode of exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kayak rental typically costs around 400 baht per kayak with no time limit. Hiring a guide might add an extra 300 baht. Reddit

Booking in advance is not usually necessary for kayak rentals. However, if you're joining a tour, it's advisable to book ahead, especially during peak season. Reddit

The area is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the quietest experience. Reddit

The primary cost is for kayak rental or tour packages. There are no separate entrance fees for accessing the river or the cave mouths. Reddit

It's recommended to carry cash for kayak rentals and guide fees, as not all operators may accept credit cards. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Kayaking is the most popular and recommended way to explore Tham Phi Hua To, allowing access to the caves and inner lagoons. Reddit

Inside the caves, you can find ancient scripts and historical carvings. Guides often share stories about their significance. Reddit

Yes, kayaking here is suitable for beginners as the waters are calm and you don't need to know how to swim. Life vests are provided. Reddit

You can spend as much time as you like with kayak rentals. A typical exploration might take 2-3 hours, but you can extend it to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Yes, facilities like dry and clean restrooms are usually available at the kayak rental points. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food options available, and reviewers have praised the quality of the food. Reddit

You can expect to find local Thai dishes. Reviewers have specifically mentioned the food being 'goooood'. Reddit

Absolutely, enjoying a meal after your kayaking adventure is highly recommended. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned, most Thai restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's best to ask the vendor directly. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and water is generally acceptable, but it's always good practice to clean up after yourself. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The mangrove channels, the cave entrances, and the inner lagoons offer stunning photographic opportunities. Early morning light is ideal. Reddit

Be cautious when taking photos while kayaking. Ensure your phone or camera is secured, and consider a waterproof case. Reddit

Yes, with good lighting and a steady hand, you can capture images of the ancient scripts. A guide might help illuminate them. Reddit

A waterproof camera or a smartphone with a waterproof case is highly recommended. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the cave interiors. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tham Phi Hua To is a fantastic family-friendly adventure. The calm waters make kayaking safe and enjoyable even for children, and there's no need to worry if they can't swim, as life vests are provided. Hiring a guide can keep younger ones engaged with stories and help capture fun family photos. Reddit

Consider packing some snacks and drinks for the kids, though food is available on-site. The exploration of caves with ancient scripts can spark curiosity and imagination in children, making it an educational as well as fun outing. The nearby Tam Rod cave also offers another easy exploration option for families. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Tham Phi Hua To offers excellent value for budget-conscious travelers. The kayak rental is affordable and includes unlimited time, making it a cost-effective way to spend several hours exploring. Reddit

While hiring a guide adds to the cost, it's optional. You can easily explore the caves and enjoy the scenery independently. Bringing your own snacks and water can also help save money on food expenses. The experience itself is rich and memorable without requiring a large budget. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Tham Phi Hua To presents unique opportunities. The mangrove channels, cave entrances, and hidden lagoons offer dramatic and atmospheric shots. Visiting early in the morning will provide softer light and fewer people, enhancing your photographic potential. Reddit

Bring a waterproof camera or a reliable phone case, as you'll be on the water. A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the scale of the cave interiors. Be prepared for potentially low-light conditions inside the caves, and consider a guide who can help illuminate the ancient scripts for better photos. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Kayaking Experience

Kayaking is the heart of the Tham Phi Hua To experience. Rentals are readily available, often with unlimited time, making it a fantastic value. The calm waters of the Tha Pring River and the mangrove channels are perfect for paddlers of all skill levels, including absolute beginners. You don't need to be a swimmer to enjoy this adventure, as life vests are provided. The journey takes you through a unique ecosystem, offering a peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle. Reddit

Many visitors opt for a kayak guide, a small investment that significantly enhances the trip. Guides not only share fascinating historical narratives about the cave's ancient scripts but also act as skilled photographers, capturing memorable moments. This combination of gentle paddling, natural beauty, and cultural discovery makes kayaking at Tham Phi Hua To a truly rewarding activity. Reddit

Exploring the Ancient Caves

Tham Phi Hua To is renowned for its ancient caves, which hold historical significance. As you kayak deeper, you'll enter chambers that house ancient scripts and carvings on the cave walls. These markings offer a glimpse into the past, and local guides are invaluable in deciphering their meaning and sharing the stories associated with them. Reddit

The caves often open up into 'hongs' – self-contained lagoons within the cave system. These hidden natural pools create a sense of wonder and discovery. The experience of paddling into these secluded spots, surrounded by the natural architecture of the caves, is a highlight for many visitors. It's a chance to connect with history and nature in a truly unique setting. Reddit

Nature and Wildlife

The journey to and through Tham Phi Hua To offers a rich encounter with nature. The Tha Pring River is bordered by vibrant mangrove forests, a crucial habitat for diverse wildlife. Paddling through these areas, you can often hear the distinct sounds of birds and insects, especially if you visit early in the morning. Reddit

This natural setting provides a tranquil ambiance, a stark contrast to busier tourist spots. The early morning hours are particularly recommended for those seeking a serene experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural soundscape and the peaceful environment before the day's activities pick up. Reddit

You may also like