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Caves of Tak Province

Updated 07/04/03

Indian 1954
(Thailand-Vietnam) datum

 

Tak District

Tham Mae Sa Lang

TA3

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “About 50km north of Tak, apparently near MR1175.”

50km north of Tak
puts it nearly in Lampang province and a long way from the MR1175.  50km NNW is
a peninsular jutting into the Bhumipol Reservoir which is possibly accessed via
the MR1175 – if it is here it may be the same cave as Cave in Cliff TA30 (see
below).

Cave in Cliff TA30

Approx. 47Q
488600 1912300 from map.

TA30

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “Now on a peninsula jutting from the west into Bhumibhon Dam, this was
noted by Hallett in his descent of the Mae Ping gorges in 1876 ‘…we halted for
breakfast near a great spur from the western range.  This spur appears to be
more than half a mile high, and precipitous near the end, where a great cave is
seen high up in the cliff’.  Reference: Hallett (1890) p402.”

Is this the same as
Tham Mae Sa Lang?

Khao Tham

TA17

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “A 71m peak near Tak town.”  From map.

http://thai.sawadee.com/north/tak/attractions.htm

"Located in Tambon
Mai Ngam, this 71 - meter rocky hillock, near
Paholyothin Highway, contains replicas
of the Lord Buddha's Footprint on the summit. Tak residents pay homage
throughout the year, most particularly during Songkran, which marks the
traditional Thai New Year each April 13."

 

Cave at Raheng

TA22

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “A few kilometres outside Tak, a recess in the side of a hill formed
behind some tumbled boulders.  The floor is almost even while the roof is
composed of a flat mass of rock at about a 45° angle, containing a profusion of
Buddha images. Reference: Bock (1884) pp132-133.”

Mae Sot District

Tham Nang Manora

Approx. 47Q 464900
1855200   Alt.: 700m approx.

TA8

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “500m north of the junction of MR195 and a side road to Ban Pang San at
an elevation of about 700m.”  The road from Tak to Mae Sot is the MR105.  The
cave is shown on a 1:50,000 map in a geology excursion field trip book and the
grid reference is taken from there.  Very briefly looked for this in 2002, but
we were looking north of the wrong junction.  Another attempt was made in 2003. 
Although we found "Tortoise Cave"
this may not be Tham Nang Manora.  A local mentioned a large cave in the area
and there are three other karst towers to look at.

 

Tortoise Cave

47Q

Length 43m

Short, but high, rift cave that doubles back on itself to a
higher entrance.  Tortoise found outside hence name.  In south west side of
tower.  Is this Tham Nang Manora?

Roadside Cave

Approx. 47Q 472370
1852370  Alt.: 450m

Length: 10m+

Cave in cliff right
beside north side of  MR105 from Tak to Mae Sot. “Cave” written in Thai at
entrance.  Cave in a yellow limestone with clay beds.  Noticed in 2002, but not
explored.

Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu Cave TA19

Approx  47Q 447240
1850820       Alt.: 250m approx.

TA19

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “TA19/20 are located on the side of the hill above the
Moei River near the border of Burma,
11km north-west of Mae Sot near Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu. Turn north from MR105
about 4km east of the border bridge. Reference: Cummings (1992)”

Cummings (1999)
p594  “Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu (Ji) is a forest temple 11km north-west of Mae
Sot on a 300m hill overlooking the Moei River and Myanmar…There are a couple of
small limestone caves in the side of the hill on the way to the peak…”

Marked on Lonely
Planet road atlas.  Marked on Mr Om’s map along with TA20.

Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu Cave TA20

Approx  47Q 447240
1850820       Alt.: 250m approx.

TA20

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  As above.

Marked on Mr Om’s
map along with TA19.

Cave in Cliff TA6

TA6

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “Large entrance about 1km north of and visible from MR105 at a point
about 73km west of Tak.”

73km west of Tak by
road is in Mae Sot, whilst in a straight line it is in
Myanmar!

Ban Mae Kasa Area

Mae Kasa Waterfall Cave

Length:
20m                        VR: 2m

47Q  460734
1864280       Alt.: 350m approx.

New two lane
metalled road leads to cliff with tufa waterfall (dry in Feb 2002).  Climbing
above waterfall there is a small spring with warm water which is captured by a
leat.  Above this is a short, shallow gorge in limestone with leads to a wide
valley with fields.  The cave is at the lower end of the gorge.  This area needs
to be looked at in more detail.

Mae Kasa Waterfall Hot Spring

47Q 460700
1864250        Alt.: 340m

Located above the
tufa waterfall at the mouth of the gorge containing Mae Kasa Waterfall cave.  A
concrete leat captures the warm water which comes up through gravel.

Wat Khao Tham

Length: 50m approx.

47Q 461790
1865840   Alt.: 450m

TA9

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995) “17km south-east of Mae Ramat.”. 

Wat complex with
concrete steps leading up to a few small caves in cliff face.

Tham Mae Usa

Length:1019m 
Depth: 88m

47Q 461840
186670          Alt.: 338m

Other names: Tham
Mae Kasa, Tham Mae Gasa

Now a tourist cave
(300 baht per party) for a 1.5 hr tour of large chambers and passages.  Over 850
steps to ascend to entrance.  Impressive.

Mae Kasa Hot Springs

47Q 461546
1866629        Alt.: 220m

On Mr Om’s map. 
Located beyond the
village of
Ban Mae Kasa
from Mae Sot.  Water is hot enough to cook eggs (73
°C)
and has tourist developments.

Mae Ramat Area

Tham Lot

 

TA2

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “About 30km north of Mae Sot, between MR1085 and the border of Burma, a
large through cave.” Dunkley’s grid reference is wrong.

This would place it
near the village of Mae Ramat. Drove to Mae Ramat and had a very quick look
around, but cave was not seen.  Satellite image shows hills north of the village
and possibly a gorge.

Tha Song Yang
District

Tham Mae Usu

Length: 1330m   VR:
42m 

47Q 410955 1912940

TA1

Other names: Tham
Mae U-Su

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “Near MR1085 about 15km north of Amphoe Songyang and about 95km NNW of
Mae Sot.  A large stream cave with an impressive entrance about 20m wide and 5m
high.”

Marked on Lonely
Planet road atlas just north of Tha Song Yang between MR1085 and
Moei River.  Signposted from Mae Sot and
is a major  tourist attraction.  Also visited by Deharveng.

Survey by SMCC
2003.  Very large streamway with large chamber on one side.

Ban Huai Tham

TA5

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)   “A disappearing stream 2km east of the Mae Nam Moei (Moei
River) on the border of Burma near Ban Huai Tham.” From map.  Is this Tham Mae
Usu?

Umphang District

Between Umphang & Mae
Sot

Doi Tham Phra Chao

TA10

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995) “1km east of MR1206, north of Wale, 2km east of the border.” From map.

Tham Glab Area (Zone
G)

G5

47Q 487549
1788475        Alt.: 550m

Length: 10m+

Series of holes in
outcrop near road.  At least one short through trip.  Not properly explored or
surveyed.

Tham 3

Length: 21m VR 0m

47Q 487550
1788050        Alt: 540m

SMCC G3

Other names: Tham
Aveline’s

Entrance in
isolated limestone hill beside the road.  Surveyed in 2003.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Tham Glab

Other names: Tham
Nah, Rice Paddy Cave

Length 798m VR 34m

SMCC G1

G1a        Bamboo Bridge
Entrance                47Q 488192 1784084        Alt.: 566m

G1b        Leopard
Entrance                             47Q 487860 1784177        Alt.: 538m

Surveyed by
SMCC 2002 BCRA 3b

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Guano Cave

47Q 488160
1784219        Alt.: 550m

Other names: Bat
Entrance

SMCC G7

Entrance seen, but
not entered, to the west of Tham Glab's Bmboo Bridge Entrance.

Tham Glab Sink

47Q 488222 1784137             Alt.: 545m

SMCC G6

Stream sink at base of hill below Bamboo Bridge Entrance to
Tham Glab.  Almost certainly the sink for the Tham Glab stream.

Resurgence G4

47Q 487676
1784092        Alt: 535m

Length: 3m+

SMCC G4

Unentered
resurgence other side of hill to Tham Glab  The 1m high entrance is right beside
the track to Tham Glab.  It was looked at in 2003, but was a flat-out crawl.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Resurgence G2

47Q 487011
1784054        Alt.: 525m

SMCC G2

Stream resurges
through boulders at base of small cliff beside and about 0.5m above
Mae Khlong River.  It was looked for in
2003, but the river level was too high. Mr Chakong mentioned a cave rumoured to
exist in the hill behind the resurgence.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Tham Takobi Area
(Zone T)

Tham Takobi

Other names: Tham
Takube, Tham Mae Klong

Length 6816m  VR
65m

SMCC T1

T1a         Tourist                  47Q
481293 1774488  Alt.: 546m

T1b        
Spider                                   47Q 481366 1774034  Alt.: 541m

T1c        
Backdoor                              47Q 481025 1773920  Alt.: 573m

T1d        Bamboo Ladder                
47Q 480981 1773906  Alt.: 574m

T1e        
Forest                                    47Q 481016 1773949  Alt.: 573m

T1f         
Monk’s                                 47Q 480815 1774216  Alt.: 534m

T1g         Main     
                                47Q 480843 1774201  Alt.: 539m

T1h        Stream
Sink                         47Q 480821 1774258  Alt.: 520m

T1i          Northern Doline               
47Q 480843 1774154  Alt.: 540m

T1j          Southern Doline               
47Q 480863 1774104  Alt.: 535m

T1k        
Side                                        47Q 481045 1773563  Alt.: 548m

T1l         
Pothole                                 47Q 481018 1773387  Alt.: 535m

T1m      
Shaft                                      47Q 481033 1773318  Alt.: 535m

T1n       
Resurgence                          47Q 480993 1773216  Alt.: 511m

Surveyed by SMCC
2000-2002 BCRA 3c

Fourth longest cave
in Thailand.  Light connection
with the overlying Bedding Cave.

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)          TA16/TA21/TA23

Other references: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Bedding Cave

Length 505m VR 19m

47Q 481037 1773975
Alt.: 569m

SMCC T3

Other names: Tham 1

Located near Backdoor
to Tham Takobi.  The continuation of Takobi’s relict, high level
Bamboo
Ladder
Cave.  A light
connection was made with rifts off East Passage in Tham Takobi, but the
connection was too tight.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Pothole

Length 30m  VR: 15m

47Q 480892 1773418 
Alt: 525m

SMCC T2

Surveyed by SMCC
2001 BCRA 2a

Other names: Tham 2

References:  Barrett, D., Ellis, M. &
King, S. (2001)

Swallet Cave

Length 45m VR 2m

47Q 480794 1773302 
Alt.: 510m

SMCC T4

Surveyed by SMCC
2001  BCRA 1a

Other names: Tham 5

References:  Barrett, D., Ellis, M. &
King, S. (2001)

Through Cave

Length: 30m  VR 0m

47Q 480910 1773200 
Alt.: 510m

SMCC T5

Surveyed by SMCC
2001 BCRA 1a

After leaving the
Resurgence Entrance of Tham Takobi and crossing a pool the stream passes through
this short cave to reach the main valley.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Tham Phawoe

Approx. 47Q 483670 1770820  Alt.:  600m.

The entrance is in a cliff on the north side if the Mae Nam
Mae Khlong a few hundred metres downstream of the junction with the Huai Umphang. 
It is reported to have archaeological remains in it.  Seen on the rafting trip
in 2002.

Huai Loe Pu Area
(Zone C)

Tham Loe Pu

Length: 2625m+  VR:
34m

               
C1a        Monk’s                                                 47P 486989
1764342        Alt.: 594m

               
C1b        Second                                  47P 486976 1764330       
Alt.: 587m

               
C1c         Third                                     47P 486907 1764222       
Alt.: 579m

               
C1d        Resurgence                          47P 486939 1764343        Alt.:
568m

               
C1e         Fourth                                   47P 487140 1763989       
Alt.: 595m

               
C1f         Bonfire                                  47P 487118 1763990       
Alt.: 596m

               
C1g        Flood Overflow                  47P 487149 1763997        Alt.: 587m

               
C1h        Upper Cave                         47P 487184 1763991        Alt.:
597m

SMCC C1

Complex through cave
with at least four streamways at two different levels.  Yunnan Beauty Snake in
main cave and lots of other wildlife including crabs and crayfish in the stream.

Huai Loe Pu Main Sink

47P 487102
1763955        Alt.: 592m

Length: 5m  VR: 1m

SMCC C2

The large stream
sinks at the base of a cliff and sumps almost immediately.  This is almost
certainly the stream seen in the main passage of Tham Loe Pu.

Umphang Wildlife
Sanctuary South-west (Zone M)

Tham Mutalu

Other names: Tham
Morlu

Length 726m  VR 19m

SMCC M1

                M1a Main                            47P 478914 1767238       
Alt.: 510m

                M1b Second                        47P 478828 1767292       
Alt.: 515m

Surveyed by
SMCC 2001-2002 BCRA 3c

Other names: Tham
‘X’

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Anzanello, E. &
Cadamuro, M. (1996)

RRS (1995) Official
River Map, Boonyaporn Guest House – marked as 'grotto'.

Second entrance and
another undescended pitch found in 2002.

Tham Mutalu Overflow Resurgence

Length: 3m

47P 478924 1767173              Alt.: 494m

SMCC M2

Choked flood resurgence about 10m below Tham Mutalu

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

Tham Mutalu Resurgence

Length: 85m VR: 2m

47P 479018 1767145 
Alt: 482m

SMCC M4

Surveyed by SMCC
2002 BCRA 3b

Located below Tham
Mutalu just above river level.  Entrance is between boulders at the head of a
stream channel.

Sanctuary Sink

47P 477964 17767759 
Alt.: 527m

SMCC M5

Large stream sink
beside track to Tee Lor Su waterfall which is possibly the sink for the Tham
Mutalu water.

Sanctuary Shelter

Length: 10m VR: 1m

47P 478075 1767242 
Alt.: 600m

SMCC M3

In limestone
outcrop to north-east of track to Tee Lor Su waterfall.  An overhang has been
cleared to make a shelter and there is a small through cave at one end with a
dry stream bed.

References: 
Barrett, D., Ellis, M. & King, S. (2001)

 

The following caves
are marked on the 1995 rafting map from the Boonyaporn Guest House.  It is
stated as being 'accurate for GPS'.

Fresh Water Spring

Approx. 47P
479350 1766540  Alt.: 480m

Shown as being 300m
upstream from Tham Mutalu on the north (right) bank between the two rivers
joining the Mae Khlong from the north.

Water Cave

Approx. 47P 480145
1764125  Alt.: 445m

Marked as being in
an area of cliffs on the eastern (right) bank.

Cave

Approx. 47P 480270
1762920  Alt.: 445m

On the western
(right) bank opposite the cliffs & water cave.

Rosswong Natural Bridge

Approx. 480000
1763905  Alt.: 445m

Between the two
cave.

Cave

Approx. 47P 460040
1764050  Alt.: 440m

On the eastern
(left) bank and marked at a place where the river is under cliffs (or goes under
the cliff?).

CT Cave

Approx. 47P 479890
1762785  Alt.: 440m

The furthest south
of a series of caves beside the Mae Khlong about 2 km south of the ranger
checkpoint and on the western (left) bank..

Umphang Wildlife
Sanctuary West (Zone A)

Tham Huai Cho

Length: 300m     
VR: 3m

47Q 471830 1770618 
      Alt.: 675m

SMCC A1

Surveyed SMCC 2002
BCRA 3b

Resurgence for the
large Huai Cho river just upstream from the Tan Sa Na waterfall.  Mainly
swimming and explored to sump after 300m of large passage.  Probably the
resurgence for the A3 stream as it is at the same altitude and the river is the
same milky white colour.

A2

Length: 45m       
VR: 12m

47Q 471641
1770661        Alt.: 760m

Surveyed SMCC 2002
BCRA 3b

Relict cave on the
ridge between the Huai Cho valley and the A3/A4 doline.

A3

Length:  351m

47Q 471350 1770680             Alt.: 680m

Large cave which is
the sink of the river which flows across the floor of the doline from A4.  The
water probably resurges in Tham Huai Cho.

A4

Length: 351m

47Q 471250 1770850             Alt: 685m

Large river
resurgence at upstream end of doline. 

 

A5

Length 87m

47Q

10m above and
downstream of Tham Huai Cho.  Although the stream could be heard the connection
was too tight.

Sink 870

47Q 470750 1768500             Alt.: 870m

Stream shown sinking in large doline 2 km south-south west
of A4.

Sink TA4

TA4        from map

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “A very large sink straddles the border of Burma from latitude 16 deg 00
min to 16 deg 08 min, longitude 98 deg 40 min to 98 deg 45 min, with a
resurgence apparently in Burma”  My interpretation of the map is that the six
sinks listed below form a system in which the water flows from north to south
(the sinks are at progressively lower altitude going south) to resurge a couple
of kilometres to the north-east of Ban Klo Tho, not in Myanmar.

Sink 930

47Q 466633 1780563 
Alt: 930m   from map

This sink is
possibly the one described as TA4 in Dunkley, J.R. (1995).

Sink 870

47Q 465767 1777120 
Alt.: 870m  from map

Sink 855

47Q 466691 1774970 
Alt.:  855m from map

Sink 850 North

47Q 467155 1778267 
Alt.: 850m  from map

Sink 850 South

47Q 466890 1777195 
Alt.: 850m  from map

Sink 800

47Q 465621 1775962 
Alt.: 800m  from map

Possibly a pothole
type entrance.

Khao Phoe Watu Area
(Zone P)

P1

47P 482574
1764983        Alt.: 860m

Small hole in cliff
at western edge of long, shallow doline. No dignificant cave seen.

P2

47P 482576
1764932        Alt.: 860m

Another small cave
at the base of the cliff.

P3

47P 482601
1764893        Alt.: 860m

Length: 20m       
VR: 4m

Clamber over boulders
at base of cliff leads to a small chamber.  Paw prints from a small cat were
seen in the chamber.  There was also a small passage leading off the chamber
which was not explored.

P4

47P 482493 1765213              Alt.: 880m

Further north then P1 to P3, at the head of a valley. 
Another small hole.

Bat Caves

Several cave
entrances in cliff face about 20m above river level.  Accessible by raft. 
According to local information access to the reported large cave is from the top
of the cliff.

Bat Cave 1     

Length: 10m

47P 479932 1767697 
Alt.: 520m

Chamber with a
large python trail coming out of a low hole which was not explored.

Bat Cave 2     

Length: 20m

47P 479925 1767602 
Alt.: 520m

More complex series
of passages.  Explored to where a crawling passage led to a chamber full of
flying bats which wasn’t entered.

Bat Cave 3     

Length: 20m

47P 479911 1767568 
Alt.: 520m

After a low bit of
passage a chamber with many bats was entered.  Air was very hot.

 

Umphang Wildlife
Sanctuary South-east

Sink 780

47P 493043 1752901 
Alt.: 780m   from map

Sink 660

47P 478520 1745951 
Alt.: 660m   from map

Tham Mood

Length: 100m

Approx. 47P 485820
1728159

Other names:
Nammut Cave

Mae Khlong River is
shown sinking or entering a very narrow gorge on 1:50,000 map.  Mentioned as
‘underground stream’ in trekking brochures. Dean Smart’s group in January 1999
were probably within 7 km of this site when exploring Tham Huai Bi.

According to Mr Om
only 100m long and not enterable.  Very difficult to reach – grade 4 rapids and
difficult to get the rubber boats back.

Tham Huai Bi

Length 195m VR 4m

Approx. 47P 489000
1722300 Alt.: 500m

Smart TK020

Described as being
in the Thungyai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary.

Smith, S. (2001) 
“A remote area on the Mae Khlong River...An impressive resurgence had been found
at the end of the previous trip...approximately 17 km from a remote ranger
station...Eventually we cross through a steep bamboo forest, dropping about 300m
in 1/2 km.  This takes us into the Mae Khlong Gorge, from which we follow a
small tributary (Huai Bi) up to our camp and the stream rising...Tham Huai Bi
begins as a walking stream passage with a flow rate of about 1 cumec.  The
echoing rapids are very encouraging so we follow, bypassing a deep pool and a
dry upper paleo passage.  The stream leads to a vertical-walled canyon passage
with a clear sump pool in which water is rising from a deep source.  The paleo
side passage parallels the stream for a bit before terminating.”

This group also
mapped a number of small caves along the Huai Bi and also upstream and
downstream on the Mae Khlong, none longer than 20-30m.

Sink 730

47P 490920 1723775 
Alt: 730m

Stream shown
sinking in large doline on map, 2.5 km north-east of Tham Huai Bi.

Sink 827

47P 498154 1715138 
Alt: 827m

Stream shown
sinking in large doline on map.

Huai Kha Di Sink

47P 485700 1731800
Alt.: 750m    from map

TA11     from map

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “A large sinkhole at 780m, draining about 50 sq. km. of an extensive
karst plateau east of the Khwae Yai.”

Huai Kho Sink

47P 494400 1732400
Alt.: 915m    from map

Huai Thip Tho Sink

47P 493400 1734700
Alt.: 910m    from map

Cave TA14

Approx. 47P 494600
173700

TA14

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)   “A large cave is reported by geologists at 920m elevation near Ban
Kariang Piya Cho, draining about 60 sq km.”

Grid reference
places the cave on  Doi Piya Cho at an altitude of 1000m, close to the Huai Thip
Tho and Huai Kho Sinks which are both at an altitude of 920m.

Huai Cham Sink

47P 496300 1720400
Alt.: 800m    from map

TA12

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “A large sinkhole on the karst plateau at 801m elevation.”

Huai Pa Kha Sink

47P 496500 1718800
Alt.: 830m    from map

TA13

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “The Huai Pha Khu sinks at an elevation of 838m.”

Tham Phra

Approx. 47P 496400
1720800

TA7

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “78km north of Ban Rai.”

Grid reference puts
the cave in the hills south-east of Ban Palatha, very close to Huai Cham Sink. 
The grid reference is approx. 50km NNW not 78km north of Ban Tai in Uthai Thani
province

Thungyai Naresun East
Wildlife Sanctuary

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997) places Thungyai Naresun East Wildlife Sanctuary in
Kanachanaburi Province.  His information
is from D. Smart pers. comm.

Tham Than Lot

Length 2000m+  VR
28m

TK012                   47P 505509
1702168

TK013

TK014

TK015

TK016

Entrance

Entrance

Entrance

Entrance

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…[based at Huai Nam Khieo Ranger Station]…the first entrance we found looked a
little disappointing.  However, once inside the cave got off to a fine start
with a good sized canyon passage and by the end of the day we had surveyed
nearly 800m of passage and found plenty of going leads.  Returning the next day
more of the cave unfolded adding another kilometre of passage to its length
including some impressive trunk passage and several other entrances.”

Smith, S. (2001) 
“...spending an afternoon mopping up a pre-existing survey (previously done by
Dean and company) in Tham Than
Lot...”

Tiger Cave

Smart TK034

Smith, S. (2001) 
“We locate Tiger Cave (TK034) which has a large and excitable colony of bats. 
It is late in the day and we are running out of time so we defer the survey to
another day.”

Cave KA407

Length: 30m

KA407

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997) “About 500m NE of Utakhi Ranger Station, used by serow.”

Tham Molakot

Length 921m  VR 24m

Smart
TK025/030/035/042

TK025 Resurgence Entrance          47P
505235 1701597

TK030 Entrance

TK035 Sink Entrance

TK042 Inlet Entrance

Crawl Entrance

Smith, S. (2001) 
“Tham Molakot is a through cave with an active streamway as well as a series of
dry upper level passages.  Travertine gours “pour” into the sides of the
streamway in a number of places.  Upon reaching the insurgence we startle two
large deer-like animals from a side passage.  Actually, these are serows (Capricornis
sumatraensis) which have taken shelter in the cave.  If the volume of dung
is any indication, they have been using it for some time.  A number of surface
fish are seen in the stream as well as a small snake and some prawns.  The
survey adds up to just under 1 km.”

Tham Khang Khao

Other names: Tham
Kaeng Khao

Length 244m

KA405  

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…situated only some 100m from the jeep track [near Yunai Station], but due to
the dense nature of the forest it took about half an hour to hack through the
jungle to get to the entrances…In Tham Khang Khao 244m of passage was surveyed
through a series of well decorated chambers linked by short sections of
passage.”

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997) “About 5km S of Park Headquarters, in a tower 800m W of track. A series
of connected chambers following a line of cliffs and talus boulders, fills with
water in wet season and contains leaches.”

Tham Khang Khao No. 2

Length 35m

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…situated only some 100m from the jeep track [near Yunai Station], but due to
the dense nature of the forest it took about half an hour to hack through the
jungle to get to the entrances…The adjacent cave [to Tham Khang Khao] Tham Khang
Khao No. 2 proved to be somewhat shorter with only 35m of passage.”

Tham Khang Khao No. 3

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…adjacent to the [Uta Khi] Ranger Station was another Tham Khang Khao (Bat
Cave)…”

Unnamed Cave KA406

Length: 50m

KA406  

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)   “500m west of road to KA405, fossil passages to a soil choke.”

Unnamed River Cave

Length: 395m

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…[based from Uta Khi Ranger Station]…deep in the forest a second cave was
explored to yield just under 400m of passage.  This latter cave was apparently
quite typical of a Thai River
Cave in that it contained good sized river passage (15m wide and high) liberally
adorned with stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flow stone.  The cave also
ended in a typically Thai style when, just as you were convinced it would run
forever, it terminated in a complete floor to ceiling stal blockage..”

Cave KA408

Length: 100m

KA408  

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “About 1km E of Utakhi Ranger Station, a large stream sink cave passing
through a ridge.”

Tham Nong Ma Ngu

Other names:
Lake of the Snakes Cave

Length 163m

Brooks, S. (2000) 
“…a very impressive entrance and 163m of passage.  The whereabouts of this cave
had become known during the disturbances between
Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) some years
ago when the Burmese ‘Mon’ Independence Fighters shot down a Thai military
helicopter.  Survivors from the crash took refuge in the cave until liberated by
the Thai army and hence the location of the cave became known.  Due to the dense
nature of the Thungyai forest the cave proved easier to locate than the remains
of the helicopter.”

Tham Kangae Khi No. 1

Length 103m

Brooks, S. (2000) 
“In the area adjacent to the main rangers station (Kangea Khi)...consisted of a
large entrance chamber and a small streamway.”

Tham Kangae Khi No. 2

Length 155m

Brooks, S. (2000) 
“In the area adjacent to the main rangers station (Kangea Khi)...consisted of …a
complex dry cave.”

Tham Ta Sukhai No. 1

Length 108m

KA403  

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997) “About 3km SE of Mae Janat Ranger Station, a stream sink leading to a
choke, the water from which probably emerges on the other side of the ridge a
short distance away. The cave is exceptionally muddy due to ponded water
draining fields in the doline.”

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…drove to one of the Forest Ranger Stations called Maejan Ta.  From here we
walked about 1 km through the forest to the
cave of Tham Ta Sukhi.  A small entrance
led to a good size streamway that ran for 90m to a mud choke.”

Tham Ta Sukhai No. 2

Length 120m

KA404  

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…where we surveyed 120m of pleasant walking passage.

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)   “30m above KA403. Dry fossil passages follow strike-inclined bedding to
a soil choke.”

Unnamed Cave

Length: 169m

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…returning to base [Sanctuary HQ from Maejan Ta Ranger Station] stopped off at
a cave situated in a small piece of Tower Karst that despite its limited
potential yielded some 169m of passage.”

Tham Huai Mortaner

Brooks, S. (1999) 
“…drove to..Yunai Station and after some serious jungle bashing explored the
small, but interesting Tham Huai Mortaner…”

Nam Mae Chan Valley

Tham Huai Tong Thai

Length: 1100m      VR: 25m

NB.: This cave is possibly in Kanchanaburi.

Oakley, P. (2002) Located in boulder field at the junction
of the Huai Tong Thai and Nam Mae Chan rivers in Thungyai Naresun West Wildlife
Sanctuary.  Explored by Smart, Oakley, et. al. in April 2002 who placed the cave
in Kanchanaburi Province.  Exploration not complete with large river passage
continuing.  Main sink (choked) is 3km away and 225m higher and other possible
sinks 7km away and 500m higher.  Return expedition planned for April 2003.

Riverbed Cave No. 11

Length: 285m
[estimated from survey]

TA15    

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “Length 360m. A resurgence on the east bank, located towards the
headwaters of the Khwae Yai at an elevation of 520m, 15km from the border of
Burma in the area known as Nam
Jone, and thought by Odell to be in Kanchanaburi province. An incompletely
explored side passage to the east led to wet passages with several unexplored
branches and two unscaled waterfalls. Snakes, insects, bats and troglobitic fish
have been recorded. Very good exploration prospects.  Reference: Odell (1984)”

Odell, B. (1984):
Cave is on the southern/western bank – right bank looking downstream –of Nam Mae
Chan of river at a point were the river is flowing from west to east.  The cave
is not at an altitude of 520m – that is the flowrate in m/hr at the entrance.

Nam Jone Caves

TA18

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995)  “Odell (1984) reports locating 40 caves, 10 of which were mapped, along
an 8km stretch of the Khwae Yai known as Nam Jone, in the vicinity of the Nam
Jone Dam site.”

These caves are not
near the dam, but are upstream of the planned reservoir.  The reservoir project
was abandoned due to environmental concerns.

Tham Chedi

Approx. 47P 477100
1709600

TA24

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “A small rockshelter containing prehistoric tools. A stalagmite in the
centre was once deliberately covered with a pile of pebbles to resemble a chedi.
Later people thought that treasure was hidden inside and shovelled the pebbles
away out of the cave.”

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996)

Tham Thi Nao Khao

Approx. 47P 471700
1711400

TA25

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “(Tham Nam Lod) A small rockshelter with a perennial stream flowing
across the front. One stone tool found.”

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996)

Tham Chedi Devada

Approx. 47P 471700
1718800

TA26

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “A long overhanging rockshelter under a cliff.  One stone tool found and
a teak box containing recent Buddha images.”

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996).

 

The following three
sinks are in adjacent dolines near Tham Chedi Devada.

Sink 500 North

47P 469211 1719713 
Alt.: 500m   from map

Sink 500 South

47P 469721 1719302 
Alt.: 500m   from map

Sink 484

47P 470356 1719417 
Alt.: 500m   from map

Ban U-Ni Rockshelter

Approx. 47P 469900
1726200

TA27

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “A site with ‘no shelter from the rain’ (therefore possibly not a cave),
although many tools and potential pebble tools were found suggesting that it was
once a manufacturing site.”

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996).

 

The following two
sinks and a resurgence appear to form part of a system just to the south of the
Ban U-Ni Rockshelter.

Sink 570

47P 466160 1725806 
Alt: 570m    from map

Sink 600

47P 466688 1725531 
Alt.: 600m   from map

Resurgence 460

47P 467740 1725609 
Alt.: 460m   from map

Tham Ka Kata

TA28

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “(Locally called Tham Klang Ya). Located near KA404 [?Dunkley's KA404 is
Tham Ta Sukhai No. 2 which is in the Thungyai Naresun East Wildlife Sanctuary]
and once a hideout of communists and dissidents, contains beds, bamboo shelves
for medicine bottles and chemical substances, test tubes and other
pharmaceutical equipment.“

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996)

Rockshelter TA29

TA29

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997)  “Near Huai Khanum, a communist hideout with bamboo beds and signs of
cooking.”

Reference:
Kanchanagama, P. (1996)

Unknown Locations in
Umphang District

Tham Khang Khou

Known to Mr Oom. 
Translates as Bat Cave.  This is
possibly Tham Mutalu.

Tham Wha Khu Kho

Known to Mr Oom.

Tham Mor

Length: 1139m

Explored by Royal
Forestry Department in 1999.  Most probably in Thungyai Naresun East Wildlife
Sanctuary.

 

Expeditions

1984                                 
Odell & Odell
(Mae Nam Chan valley)

1987 or 1988      
Deharveng (Tham Mae Usu)

1995                       Ananzello & Cadamuro (Tham Mutalu)

Pre-1996               Kanchanagma (Archaeological sites to the west of the Mae
Nam Chan valley)

Pre-1997
              Dean Smart (Thungyai
Naresun East Wildlife Sanctuary)

November 1998 
Dean Smart and Simon Brooks (Thungyai
Naresun East Wildlife Sanctuary)

January 1999      Dean Smart, Ron Simmons and Steve Smith (Thungyai Naresun East
Wildlife Sanctuary)

November 1999  Dean Smart, Simon Brooks,
Steve White and Paul Edmonds (Thungyai Naresun East Wildlife Sanctuary)

January 2001     
Shepton Mallet Caving Club (Umphang Region)

February 2002   
Shepton Mallet Caving Club (Umphang & Mae Sot Regions)

April 2002          
Dean Smart, Phil Oakley, Terry Bolger & Paul Johnson (Thungyai Naresun West
Wildlife Sanctuary – Mae Nam Chan valley)

March 2003        
Shepton Mallet Caving Club (Umphang & Mae Sot)

 

References

Anzanello, E. &
Cadamuro, M. (1996) Tham X e Altre Grotte Speleologia Venata Vol. 4
(1996) pp94-95

Barrett, D., Ellis,
M. & King, S. (2001) Thailand Expedition 2001 Umphang District, Tak Province
Shepton Mallet Caving Club Occasional Publication No. 9 May 2001  22pp

Bock, C. (1884)
Temples And Elephants: The Narrative of a Journey of Exploration Through Upper
Siam and Laos Sampson Low, Marston, Searle Rivington, London

Brooks, S. (1999)
Thailand 1998
OCC Newsletter September 1999 Vol. 35 No. 9/10 pp47-52

Brooks, S. (2000)
Orpheus Trip to
Thailand 1999 OCC Newsletter
May/June 2000 Vol. 36 No. 5/6 pp25,28-32

Cummings, J. (1999)
Thailand
Lonely Planet Guides

Deharveng, et. al.
(1988) Thai 87-Thai 88
Association Pyrénéenne de Spéléologie,

Toulouse.

Dunkley, J.R.
(1995) Caves of
Thailand. 

Dunkley, J.R.
(1997) Caves of
Thailand: Addendum 1995-97 

Ellis, M., King, S.
& Barrett, D. (2002) Field Observations from Some Caves in Umphang District,
Tak Province, Thailand Cave & Karst Science Vol. 28 No. 3 pp121-130

Ellis, M., Barrett,
D., Waters, E. & King, S. (2002) Report of the Shepton Mallet Caving Club
Expedition to Khon San District, Chaiyaphum Province & Umphang District, Tak
Province February 2002 Shepton Mallet Caving Club Journal Series 11 No. 1

Geological
Society of Thailand (2002) Post Symposium Field Excursion 4^th
Int. Symposium & Field Excursion IGCP Project 411

Hallett, H.S.
(1890) A Thousand Miles On An Elephant In The Shan States William
Blackwood & Sons, London. Reprinted 1988 White Lotus Co. Ltd., Bangkok

Kanchanagama, P.
et. al. (1996) Report on the Archaeological Survey at
Upper Quae Yai River (Nam Jone)
Fine Arts Department, Bangkok

Kanchanagama, P.
et. al. (1996) Report on the Survey of Archaeological Sites at
Upper Quae Yai River (Nam Jone), Umphang
District, Tak Province Fine
Arts Department, Bangkok

Oakley, P. (2002) Swimming with King
Cobras http://www.cs-caving-association.com/Reports/

Thailand_2002_report.htm

Odell, B. & Odell,
C.W. (1984) Karstformer i Thailand Grottan Vol. 19 pp3-14

Om, Mr. (2001)
Map of Umphang not to scale

Smart, D. & London,
M. [2002] Thailand's Longest Caves www.thaicaves.org

Smith, S. (2001)
Thailand 98-99 NSS News May 2001 Vol. 59 No. 5 pp133-141

RRS (1995)
Boonyaporn Guest House Official River Map 1:300,000 'accurate for GPS'

 

 

Cave
Data

 

Updated to 15 April
2003