Tham Kaew Komol is the only one crystal calcite cave in Southeast Asia.

tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave

Tham Kaew Komol is an ancient calcite crystal cave situated to the east of Mae La Noi district.

If viewed from a map, Amphur Mae La Noi seems to be a passage between Amphur Mae Sareang and Amphur Khun Yuam. This district does not have many tourists but there is one tourist attraction. Tourists who do not like caves will surely drive pass this place. However, it is one of the most beautiful in Thailand with crystal calcite in the cavern.

Academic & Historical Background

Tham Kaew Komol, located in Kaew Komol Forest Park in Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province, is one of the rarest geological wonders in the world. Initially known as the “Mae La Noi Calcite Crystal Deposit,” the area was once a private fluorite mining concession.

The cave was discovered on November 10, 1993 by a mining engineer from the Mae Hong Son Provincial Mineral Resources Office during mine exploration. In 1996, the Royal Forest Department designated it as a Forest Park, and in 2000, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit graciously bestowed the name “Kaew Komol Cave” along with royal names for each chamber inside.

tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave
tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave

Geology

Kaew Komol Cave is a calcite crystal cave, one of only three such caves in the world — the others being in China and Australia. The crystals formed naturally through a combination of limestone minerals, hot steam, carbonated water, and carbon dioxide under ideal temperature and chemical conditions. Over thousands of years, calcite crystals grew across the cave’s walls, ceilings, and floors in shapes resembling snowflakes, corals, cauliflower, and delicate crystal drapes.

The cave lies approximately 30 meters below ground and stretches about 120 meters in length. Visitors typically take around 20 minutes to explore it.

The 5 Chambers

The interior is divided into five chambers, each with unique characteristics and royal names:

  1. Pra Taitarn Room (ห้องพระทัยธาร) – Features crystal formations resembling a cascading waterfall.
  2. Wimanmek Room (ห้องวิมานเมฆ) – Decorated with cloud-like crystal patterns on the ceiling.
  3. Shek Himmaparn Room (ห้องเฉกหิมพานต์) – A large chamber with flowstone curtains and stalactites, reached via a 50-meter descent.
  4. Maan Pa Kaew Room (ห้องม่านผาแก้ว) – Filled with clear calcite crystals resembling delicate glass coral or icy drapes.
  5. Predpraew Manee Buppha Room (ห้องเพริศแพร้วมณีบุปผา) – The deepest and most beautiful chamber, where crystals cover the floors and walls like pure snow.

Highlights

  • One of only three calcite crystal caves in the world.
  • Crystals vary in shapes and colors — white, transparent, yellow, brown, and red — forming intricate natural sculptures.
  • Well-constructed pathways, concrete stairs, and safe railings make the cave accessible for most visitors.
  • Exploration is short yet visually stunning, with every chamber presenting a different aesthetic experience.
tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave
tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave

Visitor Rules to Protect the Cave

Due to the extreme fragility of the crystals, strict conservation rules are in place:

  • No touching the cave walls — human sweat and oils can damage or discolor the crystals.
  • No photography inside the cave, especially with flash — bright light can affect the crystal’s surface and growth.
  • No bags, hats, jackets, or large items allowed inside — to prevent accidental impact on the crystals.
  • Limited entry — only 20 visitors per round, with each visit restricted to 20 minutes due to limited air circulation.
tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave
tham kaew komol, kaew komol cave

Visitor Information

  • Entrance Fee:
    • Thai adults: 40 THB
    • Thai children: 20 THB
    • Foreign visitors: 80 THB
      (Includes round-trip transportation by local pick-up truck from the ticket station to the cave entrance)
  • Opening Hours: Daily, 08:30 – 16:30
  • Best Season to Visit: Cool season (Nov–Feb) for comfortable weather.
  • Location: Mae La Noi District, about 5 km off Highway 108 from Mae Sariang or Chiang Mai direction.

Surrounding Atmosphere

Outside the cave, visitors are greeted with serene mountain scenery, lush forest, and peaceful air. The site maintains a tranquil, non-commercial feel, with only basic refreshments available.

Inside, the temperature is cool, and the quiet amplifies the awe of the sparkling calcite formations — making it feel like stepping into a natural crystal palace frozen in time.

Package Tour Pai – Mae Hong Son Loop
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Nearby Places

This village is peaceful tourist attraction and surrounded with a series of mountains. The northern side connects to Pha Bong District. The southern side connects to Ban Mhai Chang Nham. The eastern side connects to Huai Pou Ling District. And the western side connects to Ban Huai Pong Kan.

Huai Hom Karen Village is surrounded with hills, trees, and grass, all natural. The little houses of the villagers are scattered around. These are the reason. You will totally fall in love with it. The scenery is green The air is fresh. Everything looks perfect.