Print-friendlyAmphoe Phan
Tham Pha Rhong
COT CR33?
A blue tourist information sign to this cave was seen pointing to the west of the H1 at a crossroads to the north of Phan at 47Q 0578680 2161421. The cave is probably in the Doi Luang National Park.
Amphoe Muang Chiang Rai
Tham Phra ถ้ ำพระ
47Q 0582822 2202258 Alt.: 410 m
Other names: Buddha Images Cave
Length: 40 m COT CR41
This very well known cave is in a karst tower just north of the Mae Kok river in a small park about 5 km upstream from Chiang Rai town. The cave is signed as 'Buddha Images Cave' and appears to be on the itinerary of many package tours. A flight of steps leads up the 5 m to the entrance. There is a large Buddha statue ahead of you and a second chamber, with more images, is on the left. This second chamber doubles back to a second entrance about 10 m from the first entrance.
The cave has been known since ancient times. In 1484 a governor of Chiang Rai, Thao Mui, made a Buddha image in the cave and provided eight families of slaves for its service and a regular income for its upkeep. This image may or may not be the brick-and stucco image that is seen in the cave at present while the inscribed stone slab which records the event is in the National Museum in Lamphon.
Tham Tu Pu
47Q 0584574 2203058 Alt.: 406 m
Mediation wat at the base of a limestone tower on north side of Mae Kok river. A couple of cave entrances seen and there is a bas-relief Buddha image in the cliff.
A cave entrance was seen at the base of another tower behind a police post not far from Tham Phra and Tham Tu Pu, but further upstream. The exact location is unknown, though it is probably the 'Loi Kong Kao' mentioned by Barlow as he describes the police post and a wat on top of the hill. 'Loi Kong Kao' is most likely a phonetic spelling of Doi Khang Khao (Bat Mountain).
Chiang Rai References:
Barlow, J.J. (n.d.) "Chiang Rai Guide – Caves" [Tham Phra & Tham Tu Pu], Penth, H. (1989) [Tham Phra]
Map: 1:250,000 NE47-03 Changwat Chiang Rai