Khao Mai Kaew Cave on Koh Lanta, worth a visit

A great cave on Koh Lanta that has not yet been exploited by the institutionalized excursion industry. A gem of an island in the Andaman Sea. Koh Lanta is an island that is so close to the coast of Krabi that a ferry is used for the crossing instead of the usual passenger ferries.

Actually 2x because between the part of Koh Lanta and Krabi that is suitable for tourism is a small island that serves as a bridgehead between the two ferry services. Incidentally, the second ferry will be taken out of service in about a year and a half, as construction of a bridge is well advanced.

Koh Lanta basically has only two north/south roads, respectively along the beaches west coast and the rocky east coast. These roads are connected by two cross roads. Along the southern side road we find the entrance to the Khao Mai Kaew Cave. The cave was discovered a few years ago by a family living on a rubber plantation while searching for honeycombs.
This family now operates the visits to this cave, so go here unorganized on your own, pay (season dependent) THB 300 or 350 p / p for access.

It's all still nice and simple, a bit of wood and string. Something that in my opinion only enhances the experience. It is not for nothing that there are signs “No trespassing”, the entrance is probably impossible to find, but entering the cave without a guide is downright dangerous because of the night-black maze that this cave is. First one goes in small groups as in a mini-jungle into the “Bush”. Soon it is no longer walking, but it becomes a real climb through a wet or dry riverbed and waterfall. Fortunately, some kind of steps have been carved into the rocks here and there to get something to hold on to for your feet. There are also ropes hanging down in various places to pull you up during the climb. Arriving at the entrance, you look into a small pitch black hole in which there is a rickety ladder made of branches, over which the descent begins. At this point, all participants receive a strong LED flashlight which is professionally attached to the forehead with a strap. Lights on, descend carefully.

Inside we go through wet and dry areas from downright small halls to those of Cathedral size. It is also clambering and crawling inside, passages are sometimes narrow or low. Put on a pair of well-fitting sneakers or sports shoes, certainly no flip flops and clothing that can get dirty. Inside it is both dry and wet, so also dusty or muddy. Near the exit of the cave you will pass a room with a great amount of bats.

The caves themselves also have inhabitants in the form of gigantic spiders, and a number of small reptiles. If you don't see them yourself, the guide takes great pleasure in shining a good light on all life forms we encounter with his extra flashlight.

This excursion is not recommended for people who are seriously overweight, they will definitely get stuck in the first or a later narrow passage. It is also not recommended for people with a form of claustrophobia, or those who are not completely physically fit, as well as for children under 10-12 years old, depending on height and muscle strength.

Keep in mind, this is still an amateurish excursion, great fun but can also be dangerous. Your own vigilance and caution is really necessary. The guide has nothing with him to warn anyone outside, nor did I see an opportunity to get someone out on a stretcher. Everyone is completely dependent on themselves or their travel partner. The guide has the patience of angels, he doesn't rush anyone when the going gets tough. Be sure to check out TripAdvisor for some nice photos.

For the trip to Koh Lanta you can travel via Krabi or Trang, the ferry is located exactly between the two cities, (by minibus about 1,5 hours) with the knowledge that the road from Trang has recently been renewed and in large parts even consists of 2x two lanes. The minibus crosses the ferry and drops you off near or at the resort/hotel that was indicated at the bus station in Krabi or Trang. Of course it is also possible to travel by sea from Koh PhiPhi or Phuket.