You might not remember the cave’s name, but chances are high that you do remember the biggest rescue operation in the world that unfolded in 2018 – The Thailand cave rescue.
The Thailand cave rescue became an overnight news sensation when a youth soccer team and their coach became trapped inside due to flooding. The group remained trapped in the Tham Luang Cave for 17 days before finally being rescued.
On our eighth trip to Thailand, we finally made it to Chiang Rai, and this was the place we’d been most excited to see – it did not disappoint! Located near the Myanmar border, we visited the historic site where the Thailand cave rescue took place, and only after seeing the sheer size of the Tham Luang cave in person did we truly understand the unbelievable challenges faced and the extraordinary efforts that made the rescue possible.
In this travel guide, I’ll show you exactly how you too can visit the Tham Luang Cave and give you all the essential tips and information you need to make the most of your trip to this hidden gem in Thailand.
We’ve linked a GetYourGuide page that shows all the Top attractions in Chiang Rai in one place – including the iconic Tham Luang Cave Complex. It’s the easiest way to see all the best available tours in one place.
How to get to Tham Luang Cave and Chiang Rai
We recommend basing yourself in Chiang Rai if you want to visit the Tham Luang Cave Complex. From Chiang Rai, you can rent a motorbike and drive yourself, hire a taxi or private driver, or join a tour that hits all the Best things to do in Chiang Rai in a single day.
Despite the “International” name, regular international flights are still limited to Chiang Rai Airport unless you are coming from Singapore. The majority of flights to Chiang Rai are domestic, mainly from Bangkok (both Suvarnabhumi – BKK and Don Mueang – DMK). Direct flights from Phuket are available on limited days. We always check Skyscanner when looking for the best flight deals, especially when in Thailand.
Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes roughly 4 hours by road. We recommend 12Go for bookings, whether you prefer a bus, minivan, or private driver, there’s an option for every budget.
Tip: We visited Chiang Rai and then continued our Southeast Asia adventure into Laos. From Chiang Rai, we took a slow boat for two days along the Mekong River to the stunning UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang – Chiang Rai is the perfect base for this popular adventure.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
One of the things we loved about our stay in Chiang Rai is that it’s not overrun with tourists like Phuket or Koh Lanta, so you get amazing hotels for really reasonable prices. When we stayed in Chiang Rai, we stayed in the Grand Vista Hotel, with pool access right from our room and a jacuzzi inside. Honestly, it was a luxury stay without the luxury price tag. We half expected an extra charge when we checked out!
Most of the night markets, restaurants, bars, and temples are within walking distance. It was one of the best hotels we ever stayed in for a very friendly price. Seriously, check it out because you will not get this type of deal back home – Click me for the best deal of your life!
Travel tip – One of Thailand’s most famous attractions is Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. It takes about 20 minutes by car or motorbike from Chiang Rai. This temple is a masterpiece full of small, scary details that must be visited. Afterwards, reward yourself with the locally sold coconut ice cream. Trust us, you will thank us for this tip!
Thailand Cave Rescue Background
The story of the Thailand cave rescue began on June 23, 2018, when 12 young players of the Wild Boars football team, aged between 11 and 16, and their 25-year-old coach headed to the Tham Luang Cave Complex after a training session. What was meant to be a quick visit turned into something no one could have imagined.
Located in Chiang Rai province, close to the Myanmar border, the Tham Luang Cave Complex is a fascinating maze of tunnels and chambers, attracting travellers eager to explore one of Thailand’s hidden gems.
While the team members were exploring inside the cave, they were unaware that heavy rainfall outside had begun, causing rainwater to flow into the cave. As a result, tunnels and chambers gradually began to fill up with water.
At this point, the boys and their coach were an unbelievable 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) into the Tham Luang Cave system when they found themselves trapped in a chamber known as “Chamber 9.”
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Tham Luang Cave: The Rescue
When the boys failed to return home, their families raised the alarm, sparking a massive search and rescue operation by local authorities.
The head coach of the football team went to investigate the Tham Luang Cave after being told by another teammate, who luckily for him hadn’t joined the trip, that the boys were likely inside. When he arrived and saw their belongings and bikes at the cave entrance, it confirmed everyone’s worst fears.
The authorities knew this was going to be an extremely difficult, if not impossible task, and Thai Navy SEALs, international rescue crews, and volunteers from across the globe joined forces to carry out the daring Thailand cave rescue operation in an extraordinary effort.
Finally, against all odds, on July 2, 2018, two legendary British divers, Rick Stanton and John Volanthen, discovered the missing boys and their coach alive in chamber 9, nearly 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) deep inside the cave system.
Immediately, a new rescue plan started to be drawn up, but there was a massive obstacle, many of the tunnels and chambers were still flooded and would require a complex underwater escape route, even for the most skilled divers. The route to the chamber from the entrance took 6 hours to reach, hampered by zero visibility and underwater currents.
With oxygen levels dropping and the threat of more rain expected to flood the cave until October, a decision was made to begin an immediate evacuation. This is where the Thailand cave rescue story takes an even crazier turn. To facilitate the rescue, the boys were sedated with Ketamine and fitted with oxygen-fed masks with silicone seals. This was to prevent panic during the challenging underwater extraction, ensuring the safety of both the rescue divers and the boys.
One by one, the boys were brought out with the support of a massive network of divers and medics along the way.
The Thailand Cave rescue site, Tham Luang Cave, is just one of the lesser-known Thailand attractions we recommend visiting. Check out some of the other hidden gems in Thailand we have personally visited to add to your trip.
Tham Luang Cave Rescue: Triumph
Finally, on July 10, 2018, all twelve boys and their coach were successfully rescued from Tham Luang cave, completing the Thailand cave rescue mission. It was reported that the boys were generally in good health, considering the circumstances of their ordeal. The mission involved nearly 10.000 volunteers, including more than 100 divers, 900 police officers, and over 2000 soldiers.
The Thailand cave rescue operation is one of the most extraordinary rescue missions in history, highlighting the importance of teamwork, compassion, and commitment. If there’s one thing it taught us, it’s this – never give up, and never stop believing.
Sadly, one Thai Navy SEAL lost his life during the Thailand cave rescue operation. Petty Officer Saman Kunan died from a lack of oxygen while delivering air tanks along the rescue route.
Exploring days are our favourite, and while we were in this corner of Chiang Rai province, we made sure to include a visit to the Golden Triangle Viewpoint, where the three land borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Afterwards, we headed to the House of Opium Museum, where we learned about the fascinating and complex history of opium in the region. We did all these attractions in one day.
Check out some of the top-rated tours below to find that one that suits you:
How to Visit Tham Luang Cave
The Thailand cave rescue site, Tham Luang Cave, is in the Thamluang Khunan National Park, located approximately 70 kilometres away from Chiang Rai. We rented a motorbike for the day for 200 baht from our hotel and drove ourselves. It takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes to get there from Chiang Rai, and the drive is straightforward.
You can visit Chiang Rai and Tham Luang Cave as part of a three-week Thailand Itinerary that covers the best of everything from Bangkok, the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and the many paradise islands in the south.
When we visited the Thailand cave rescue site, no tours were available, but since December 2023, tours have begun. The Tham Luang Cave guided tour departs from Chiang Rai. On the tour, you will explore the cave as far as Chamber 3. Groups will be 10 to 12 people, and there will be two tours per day, but only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The Tham Luang Cave tour costs 1,500 baht per person for foreign tourists, and you must register at least 15 days in advance.
Tham Luang Cave Tip: Contact your hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Rai for assistance with organizing a tour to Tham Luang Cave, or book this top-rated customizable tour from Chiang Rai, which includes a visit to the famous Thailand cave rescue site, e along with other top attractions in the region.
If you are not on a tour, visitors can either hire a driver for the day or rent a scooter and drive to Tham Luang Cave themselves. We opted for the latter choice.
We love going out on days of exploring and while we were exploring this part of Chiang Rai province, we also visited the Golden Triangle Viewpoint, offering a stunning view of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. And afterwards we drove to the Opium Museum, where you will learn the history of opium cultivation and trade in the region all in the same day.
While we were in Thailand, we came across a picture of a shrine in another cave, and of course, we went to visit – Check out Phraya Nakhon Cave – a hidden gem in Thailand that is easy enough to visit from Hua Hin. The sight of the royal pavilion bathed in sunlight is, without a doubt, one of the best attractions in Thailand that we visited.
Tham Luang: Parking and Entry Fee
If you are visiting Tham Luang Cave independently, there are a few things to note:
Once you arrive at the entrance of Thamluang Khunan National Park, you’ll park your vehicle in the car park. There is a parking fee of 40 Baht.
From there, leave your car or bike and board the shuttle bus that will transport you to the Tham Luang cave area. Shuttles leave every 20 – 30 minutes and the shuttle fare is 20 Baht per person.
There is only one official car park, and that is located at the national park entrance. However, you may encounter opportunistic individuals who will offer their own “car parks” for a higher fee.
Entry to the fascinating national park is completely free, unless you are on a tour.
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Tham Luang Cave: What To See And Do
Gallery: Start your visit at the gallery, where you’ll find numerous photos, memorabilia, and a huge mural dedicated to the rescuers. Afterward, venture through a simulated cave, which is a representation of the actual cave system – this was an amazing experience!
Inside this “cave” you will learn more about the cave rescue, the different chambers, which ones were flooded and how the cave rescue mission took place.
Tham Luang Cave: Naturally, the cave rescue and the cave itself will be the main attraction.
At the entrance to Tham Luang Cave, visitors can observe authentic equipment and personal belongings left behind by the rescue teams and the trapped team members, such as bicycles, football gear, and oxygen tanks.
From the entrance, you can walk inside the cave up to chamber 1, which was the command centre during the cave rescue. This is located around 300 meters away.
Only on a guided Tham Luang Cave tour can you proceed further into the cave to chambers 2 and 3.
Once you are finished exploring, you’ll truly grasp the immense scale of the cave rescue operation and the tremendous effort involved.
Saman Kunan Statue: The last thing we did, and we recommend you do to is visiting Tham Luang Cave is pay your respects to the bronze statue of Saman Kunan, the Thai navy Seal who gave his life in exchange for 13 other lives.
Make the most of your Thailand itinerary by timing your trip with one of the country’s vibrant cultural celebrations – check out our guide to the Best Thai Festivals and start planning your unforgettable journey today.
Tham Luang: Opening Hours
The opening hours to visit the Thailand cave rescue site, Tham Luang Cave are from 08.00 – 16.30.
Please note that the cave is typically open for exploration during the dry season, from November to April. During the rainy season (July–October), the cave may be closed due to flooding risks.
We think that’s fair enough, would you not agree! We’re sure you can grasp the logic behind this.
There are stories that after the Thailand cave rescue was completed, the boys were in fear of getting into trouble with their parents for being away for so long. They thought they would just hop on their bikes and head home, unaware of the media storm that was taking place outside and across the world.
After the successful Thailand cave rescue operation in 2018, the boys and their coach returned to their families and resumed their everyday lives. They revisited the cave 5 years later to mark the anniversary. These days, most of the boys still live in the area, and most importantly, still play football!
Tips for visiting the Tham Luang Cave
- During the rainy season (typically July–October), authorities may temporarily close Tham Luang Cave for safety.
- Check weather conditions before you go; heavy rain can make the roads tricky.
- If the weather is bad, check the Tham Luang Park website to make sure it’s open.
- Bring water and snacks; there are small shops near the cave entrance but options are limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as it can be slippery inside the cave.
Tham Luang Cave: Frequently Asked Questions”
- Can I visit Tham Luang Cave independently?
Yes, the cave entrance and Chamber 1 can be visited on your own. To explore Chambers 2 and 3, you must join a guided tour. - Do I need to pre-book tours?
Yes, all guided tours must be booked at least 15 days in advance. Hotels, guesthouses, or platforms like GetYourGuide can help you reserve a spot. - Is the Tham Luang cave open during the rainy season?
The cave is usually open from November to April. During the rainy season (July–October), flooding may close the cave temporarily. - How far is Tham Luang Cave from Chiang Rai?
The cave is about 70 kilometres from Chiang Rai city centre, roughly a 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic. - How much does it cost to visit Tham Luang Cave?
The guided tour costs around 1,500 baht per person for foreign tourists. Parking and shuttle fees are separate if visiting independently. Getyourguide may quote you differently for other activities included. - Is the cave suitable for children?
Yes, Tham Luang cave is safe to visit under supervision. Self-guided areas are generally safe, but guided tours involve some wet, slippery passages.
Is Tham Luang Cave Worth Visiting
Visiting Tham Luang Cave and learning all about the Thailand cave rescue was one of the most interesting experiences we’ve ever had on our travels around the world. To truly understand the magnitude of the Thailand cave rescue that unfolded here, you simply must visit this extraordinary Thailand attraction for yourself. It’s a definite yes from us!
If you have any questions about visiting this hidden gem in Thailand, then leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials for our latest adventures.
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