Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pathok Caves
2.5km south of Nong Khiaw along Route 1 ∙ Daily 7am-5pm ∙ 5000K ∙ Bring a torch or hire one from the hut
(5000K)
It's an easy walk or cycle south from town to the
Pathok Caves
, where villagers hid from
shelling during the Second Indochina War. Set among steeply rising limestone karsts, the
caves are indicated by a small blue sign on the right; buy your ticket from the little wooden
hut before the bamboo bridge and you're then free to explore by yourself, though insistent
local children will likely follow you to act as guides (and will expect a tip). There are two
surprisingly extensive (and very dark) cave systems here: the first is easy to spot from the
path, accessed up a steep concrete stairwell. On exiting, follow the path round to the right for
a few hundred metres to find the second cave, which is more claustrophobic and atmospheric.
