Kaew Komon Cave or Calzite Crystal Cave is the highlight of Mae La Noi district

Kaew Komon Cave has the best examples of calcite crystals in Northern Thailand and is the only known example of a hydrothermal cave in the region.

Kaew Komon Cave, affectionately known as “Thailand’s Ice Cave,” is a remarkable and unique geological attraction located in Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. What makes this cave world-renowned is its exceptionally beautiful and pristine calcite crystal formations. It is one of only three such caves in the world, with the other two found in Australia and China.

History and Geological Origins

The cave’s formation began millions of years ago within Ordovician-era limestone, a rock rich in calcium carbonate. Through geological shifts and geothermal heat, hot water dissolved the calcite. As this superheated vapor evaporated, it recrystallized into the stunning formations that cover the cave’s walls and ceilings.

Kaeo Komon Cave was discovered by chance in 1993 by mining engineers who were searching for fluorite ore. To their surprise, they found an incredible cavern filled with pure white calcite crystals instead. The mining project was abandoned, and the area was later developed for tourism. In 2001, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother visited the cave and bestowed upon it the name “Kaew Komon Cave” and named its five chambers based on their unique beauty.

The Five Chambers and Their Wonders

Inside Kaew Komon Cave, the journey takes you through five distinct chambers, each with its own breathtaking and unique calcite formations:

• Chamber of the Royal Heart Stream (ห้องพระทัยธาร): This is the first chamber visitors enter, featuring pure white calcite crystals resembling a flowing glacier or stream.
• Chamber of the Heavenly Cloud (ห้องวิมานเมฆ): Here, the crystals cluster together, looking like soft, fluffy clouds, creating a surreal, ethereal atmosphere.
• Chamber of the Mythical Forest (ห้องเฉกหิมพานต์): This room showcases formations that take on the shapes of mythical creatures from ancient Himmapan forest legends.
• Chamber of the Glass Curtain (ห้องม่านผาแก้ว): The highlight here is a curtain-like cascade of calcite, resembling a magnificent waterfall made of glass.
• Chamber of the Beautiful Crystal Flowers (ห้องเพริศแพร้วมณีบุปผา): The final and most spectacular chamber is adorned with exquisite calcite formations that look like a bouquet of blooming flowers.

Visitor Guidelines and What to Expect

To preserve the natural beauty of Kaeo Komo Cave for future generations, visitors must strictly adhere to the following rules:

• No Photography: To prevent damage from flash photography and heat from devices, no cameras or mobile phones are allowed inside the cave.n
• Do Not Touch:The oils on our skin can react with the delicate calcite crystals, causing them to discolor and deteriorate.
• No Unnecessary Items: To prevent accidental damage, visitors are asked to leave any unneeded items outside the cave.
• Maintain Silence: A quiet environment is maintained to preserve the tranquil atmosphere of the cave.

The cave is located in a lush, forested area, so the journey to the entrance is pleasant and filled with fresh air. The national park provides shuttle services from the ticket office to the cave’s entrance to ensure visitor safety and convenience.

Getting There and Admission

• Location: Kaew Komol Cave National Park, Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son.
• Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. (Note: The cave may be closed during the rainy season, approximately June to September, for restoration).
• Admission Fees:
  • Thai Nationals: Adults 40 baht, Children 20 baht
  • Foreigners: 80 baht
  • This fee includes the round-trip shuttle service to the cave entrance.
• Directions: From Mae Hong Son town, take Highway 108 towards Mae La Noi District. From Mae La Noi Hospital, turn in and drive another 5 kilometers to reach the national park.