Namtaloo Cave is one of the best known caves among the limestone crags and towering peaks of Khao Sok National Park. The name namtaloo means "the one that water runs through". It is located on the steep cliff off Chiaw Lan Lake, the body of water that came into being after Ratchaprapha Dam was built and the water rises over the limestone mountains of the national park.
Stalactites and stalagmites are found within the craggy belly of Namtaloo. They come in a bewildering range of shapes and forms, from the grotesque figure near the entrance that look like a still-born monster, to coral-like formations and crystals.
Namtaloo Lake in located on a cliff off Chiaw Lan Lake, at Khao Sok National Park in South Thailand. It is about two hours north of Phuket and an hour and a half from the town of Surat Thani. To reach it involves a boat ride across the Chiaw Lan Lake, followed by a 30 minute trek through the rainforest, to another side of the lake, and from there, continue the journey to reach the cave by bamboo raft.
Recreational Activities
Spelunking, or caving, is the main activity here. One should come to appreciate the myriad forms of limestone formations, the stalactities and stalagmites.
Namtaloo Cave Photo Gallery
Cave entrance as viewed from Chiaw Lan Lake.
Houseboat on Chiaw Lan Lake, a short distance from Namtaloo Cave.
A grotesque formation near the cave entrance.
Some of the formations within the cave. Crystalization has produced rocks that sparkle.
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