Thailand’s notorious Tham Luang Cave, in the northernmost Chiang Rai
province, widely recognised for the dramatic rescue of the 13 Wild Boars
football team, where 12 boys and football coach were previously
trapped, now offers an exciting adventure tour in chambers 2 and 3.
Tickets can be booked through the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non
National Park's official Facebook page or the Department of National
Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation website.
These tours are limited to small groups of up to 10 individuals,
accompanied by experts and park officials to ensure a safe and
informative experience throughout the journey. The service fees are set
at 950 baht (US$27) per person for Thai tourists and 1,500 baht (US$43)
per person for international visitors, excluding equipment and
insurance. The cave operates two rounds of tours per day, each lasting
approximately 2.5 hours.
For safety purposes, the cave only opens during the summer and winter
seasons, and visitors must undergo a preliminary health assessment.
Anticipating high interest, especially from foreign tourists,
pre-booking is strongly encouraged.
Informational plaques within the cave illustrate the football team's rescue. Photo Credit: Facebook/ไปคนเดียว+
While the cave is partially explored, it currently stands as
Thailand's third-longest cave, potentially being the longest if fully
surveyed. The tour route extends approximately 800 metres to chamber 3,
offering narratives surrounding the boys' rescue, significant diving
locations, and initial health assessments conducted before their rescue.
Moreover, the cave complex also houses Chamber 1, which served as the
command centre during the rescue operation led by former Chiang Rai
governor Narongsak Osotthanakorn and the Thai Navy Seals. Entry to
Chamber 1 is free, allowing visitors to glimpse the pivotal role it
played in the daring rescue mission.
The world was captivated for 17 days by the international rescue
mission undertaken to save the young footballers and their coach,
trapped by rising water in the Chiang Rai cave system. Their ordeal has
since garnered global attention, turning the Wild Boars into
celebrities, and inspiring films and documentaries.