You might not remember the cave’s name, but chances are high that you do remember the biggest cave rescue operation in the world that unfolded in Thailand in 2018.
Tham Luang Cave 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 approximately 17 days before finally being rescued.
Nestled in the picturesque scenery of Chiang Rai province, visitors can explore this historic site, and learn about the unbelievable challenges encountered and the extraordinary efforts that led to their cave rescue operation.
Tham Lung Cave Rescue Background
The background story of the Tham Luang Cave rescue begins on June 23 2018 when teammates of the Wild Boars football team, 12 players and their coach, decided to visit the cave after a football training session.
The Tham Luang Cave, located in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, is known for its large network of tunnels and chambers, that attract many visitors every year.
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 about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) into the Tham Luang Cave system when they found themselves trapped in a chamber known as “Chamber 9.”
Tham Luang: The Rescue
When the boys failed to return home, their families raised the alarm, sparking a massive search and rescue operation by local authorities.
Eventually, someone found the team’s belongings near the cave entrance, suggesting that more than likely they were inside the cave.
A massive cave rescue operation was now drawn up with Thai Navy SEALs, international rescue teams, and many volunteers coming together for the mission.
Finally, against all odds, on July 2, 2018, British divers discovered the missing boys and their coach alive in chamber 9, nearly 2.5 kilometers 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.
This is where the 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.
Tham Luang: Triumph
Finally, on July 10, 2018, all twelve boys and their coach were successfully rescued from the cave. It was reported that the boys were generally in good health, considering the circumstances of their ordeal.
The Tham Luang Cave rescue operation is one of the most extraordinary rescue missions in history, highlighting the importance of teamwork, compassion, and hope in adversity.
The mission involved nearly 10.000 people, including more than 100 divers, 900 police officers, and over 2000 soldiers.
Sadly, one Thai Navy SEAL lost his life during the rescue. Petty Officer Saman Kunan, died from lack of oxygen while delivering air tanks along the rescue route.
How to Visit Tham Luang Cave
Tham Luang Cave is in the Thamluang Khunan National Park, located approximately 70 kilometers away from Chiang Mai, it takes about one hour and twenty minutes to drive.
You can visit Chiang Rai and Tham Luang Cave as part of a three week thailand Itinerary that covers the best of everything in Bangkok, the northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and the many paradise islands in the south.
When we visited there were no tours available, But since December 2023 tours have started.
This is a guided tour that departs from Chiang Rai. On the tour, you will explore the cave as far as Chamber 3. Groups will be 10 – 12 people and there will be two tours per day, but only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The cave trip costs 1,500 baht per person for foreign tourists, and you must register at least 15 days in advance.
If you are not on a tour, visitors can either hire a driver for the day or rent a scooter and drive themselves. We opted for the latter choice.
While exploring this part of Chiang Rai province, you can also visit the Golden Triangle Viewpoint, offering a stunning view of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Another nearby attraction is the Opium Museum, where you will learn the history of opium cultivation and trade in the region
Tham Luang: Parking and Entry Fee
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. 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: 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. Afterwards, venture through a simulated cave, which is representation of the actual cave system.
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, visitors can observe authentic equipment and personal belongings left behind by the rescue teams and the trapped 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 if you are on a guided tour you can proceed further down the cave visiting chambers 2 and 3.
Statue: Once you are finished exploring, you’ll truly grasp the immense scale of the cave rescue operation and the tremendous effort involved.
The last thing to do is pay your respects at the bronze statue of Saman Kunan, the Thai navy Seal who gave his life in exchange for 13 other lifes.
Tham Luang: Opening Hours
The opening hours to visit Tham Luang cave is from 08.00 – 16.30. But be aware that the cave may be closed during rain season or rainy days.
Surely, you must understand the reason behind this!!
There were rumors that upon leaving the cave, 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 cave rescue 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.
Enjoy Your Visit to Tham Luang
Visiting Tham Luang Cave and learning all about the Tham Luang cave rescue was one the most interesting experiences we’ve ever had. To truly understand the magnitude of the cave rescue that unfolded here, you simply must visit for yourself.
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Slán go fóil
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