Est. 1984 · Pang Mapha · Mae Hong Son
Cave Lodge
Guesthouse·Restaurant·Adventure Tours
Welcome to Cave Lodge
Cave Lodge, established in 1984, is in the north’s premier scenic wilderness district – Pang Mapha.
We are the longest running guesthouse in Mae Hong Son province. We cater to a wide range of guests from budget backpackers to travellers seeking some of the best bungalows in the Pang Mapha Soppong Tham Lod area.
Our restaurant serves a variety of tasty food – from local Shan delicacies to wholewheat bread and muffins baked in our wood-fired ovens. We provide maps and detailed information on everything that is possible in our truly spectacular district.
We offer caving, white-water kayaking and trekking tours with exceptional value for money. Our renowned adventure caving tours reach deep into Thailand’s biggest and best caves.
The original owners/managers are John, an Australian, and Nang, a local Shan from our village – Ban Tham Lod. We live here, know the area intimately, and can help you enjoy it like no one else can.
An unsurpassed riverside location near Lod Cave, comfortable, safe & affordable accommodation, friendly and informative management, great food and lots of amazing activities have made Cave Lodge famous worldwide. We are recommended by guidebooks, online sites and thousands of satisfied guests.
- 1984Established
- 5 minWalk to Tham Lod
- 300,000Swifts at dusk
- 3Ways to explore
Great location & atmosphere
Set on a forested slope above the Lang River, a few hundred metres upstream from the gigantic Lod Cave, our open, teak main house and restaurant is a fantastic base for adventure. Or, you can just relax in a hammock or meet new friends around our open fire in the winter months.
We have comfortable dorm beds, basic huts and quality bungalows with ensuite bathrooms, balconies and river or forest views. The Cave Lodge restaurant serves delicious Shan, Thai and international meals at very reasonable prices. The friendly and helpful staff will help make your stay a memorable and enjoyable one.
Discover the underworld
Tham Lod, merely five minutes’ walk from the Lodge, is a ‘must see’ when you visit. If you stay the night, you can also see the incredible bird show at the cave exit when 300,000 cave-adapted swifts fly into the gaping cave mouth after sunset.
Our adventure caving tours can take you deep into the biggest and most spectacular caves in Thailand and are constantly described by travellers as the highlight of their trip. No previous experience is necessary, but a reasonable level of fitness and a love of adventure helps on the more challenging trips.
White water kayaking
Depending on river levels, you can join a full 1–2 day wilderness kayaking descent of the Khong and Pai rivers, with 12–35 kilometres of bigger water and roaring rapids. No previous experience is needed.
Our guides look after you and teach you how to run rapids like a pro.
Exploring the wilderness
Join a day trip over the mountain to visit a Karen hill tribe village or walk on remote paths to more distant villages on a 2–3 day trek, staying in village houses. Our licensed Shan guides can introduce you to their tribal friends and help you gain the most out of your trek.
The scenery and forest is some of the best in the north.
Adventure tours
Choose your adventure
Half day, full day and multi-day trips to world-class caves, hill tribe villages and wilderness rivers – all leaving from the Lodge.
“We live here, know the area intimately, and can help you enjoy it like no one else can.”
John & Nang · Cave Lodge founders
Prehistory & research
The latest from Cave Lodge
Our district is rich in prehistoric sites dating back more than 30,000 years. Read about the prehistory of Pang Mapha.
-
ResearchPinnacle Peaks: Prehistoric Cultural Sites in the Nam Lang Catchment
Eleven prehistoric cultural sites have been identified on pinnacle peaks amongst rugged limestone karst in the Nam Lang catchment area. Artifacts found on…
ByJohn SpiesRead -
ResearchOpen Lithic Sites in Northwest Thailand: A Preliminary Report
Eighty-six open lithic sites have been recently discovered in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Provinces. The majority of the sites are located in highland…
ByJohn SpiesRead -
ResearchA Geographical Analysis of Prehistoric Sites in Pang Mapha
This paper will present geographical information relating to the prehistoric sites in Pang Mapha district, northwest Thailand. This information will…
ByEdward RichardsonRead
Gallery
Life around the Lodge
Come and stay a while
Riverside bungalows, wood-fired bread and Thailand’s best caves – all a few hundred metres from Tham Lod.