Phung Chang Cave

Phung Chang Cave, or Tham Phung Chang, which means “Elephant Belly Cave” in Thai, is a massive natural tourism site that visitors should take a look at when they reach Phang Nga Province.

Phung Chang Cave is one of many Thai tourist attractions that have a wide reputation from the project “Unseen Thailand” by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Since the destination was first publicized in 2003, many travelers from every part of the world, as well as professional cave explorers, have recommended this place as one of the must-go destinations in Thailand. Let’s find out why this mysterious cave became famous with Asia King Travel!

Phung Chang Cave is a must-go destination in Phang Nga, Thailand @MGROnline

History of Phung Chang Cave

In May 2000, Mr. Ekapat Khamnarong, a Phang Nga local, said he had a dream of a white elephant inside the mountain. Then he gathered his friends to explore the surroundings, and they found the magnificent 1,200-meter-long cave that nature had created in an intricate way that no human could have made. 

Many geologists predict this cave existed for generations before it was discovered over two decades ago. Soon after, Phung Chang Cave was widely publicized and was selected as one of the Unseen Thailand projects since its first release.

The discovery of Phung Chang Cave @Eddy Rush Fatboys Studio Co.

How to get to Phung Chang Cave

Phung Chang Cave is located in Thai Chang, in the district of Mueang Phang-Nga, which is more than a couple of kilometers from Phang Nga Town, so it usually takes tourists just a 4-minute drive via Route 4 to reach the cave.

In contrast, the trip to Phang Nga Town is a 1.5-hour drive from Phuket, and it takes slightly more than an hour to go from Khao Lak. Visitors can consider renting a private car if they want an economical way to fully witness the Thai rural scenery and explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The entrance of Phung Chang Cave @Eddy Rush Fatboys Studio Co.

When is the best time to visit Phung Chang Cave

Whether you are looking for a safe trip, consider visiting Phung Chang Cave between November and April, when the weather is usually dry, and the temperatures are pleasant. Also, the cave offers a unique experience during that period, with an easy walk (sometimes in water below the knee) and a cool environment inside. Besides, you can avoid some situations, such as water rising or getting stuck in the cave when rain is coming.

A shining natural rock sculpture in Phung Chang Cave @MGROnline

What should you do in Phung Chang Cave

Visiting Phor Ta Khao Chang Shrine

Before visitors encounter the natural stalactites and stalagmites in the cave, they will be taken to the Phor Ta Khao Chang Shrine at the entrance. This worship site is a sacred object in Phang Nga Province, located under a rock outcrop, and a river flowing through the central cave shows the flow and circulation of air time. 

At the beginning of the cave exploration, the staff will take you to pay homage to enhance your good fortune and avoid sudden accidents during your trip. 

The Phor Ta Khao Chang Shrine @timinphuket-thingstodo

Cave sailing

Going through the Phung Chang Cave will take about an hour, and most of the trip will be spent on a boat and raft. Usually, It starts with taking a small rubber boat that can seat 2-3 people and floating through the dark cave chamber. If tourists don’t have flashlights, the staff will provide headlamps for all of them.

After riding the rubber boat, the cave begins to narrow. You have to take a bamboo raft to continue floating for another section before ending with a walk-in. Don’t worry because the water level is usually only about ankle-deep to half-shin-deep. Then, after a spectacular sail, tourists have to walk through the water to reach the point where they can see and be excited about the impressive beauty of this natural cave. 

Going through the cave with a bamboo raft @MGROnline

Witnessing the natural stone sculptures

The most outstanding thing about exploring Phung Chang Cave is the stalactites and stalagmites, which have various shapes that relate to animals. You cannot miss the white elephant-shaped rock at the end of the cave. This rock formation resembles an elephant’s head, with red stone eyes, ears, front legs, and a protruding trunk. 

These beautiful stalactites are similar to intricate sculptures falling from the cave ceiling, sometimes the rocks sparkle when the sun brightens the cave, and tourists can observe these spectacular moments throughout the walking tour, 

 The white elephant-shaped rock, the symbol of the cave @Thailand Magazine

Accommodation around Phung Chang Cave

Phung Chang Cave is not too far from Phang Nga town, so visitors can stay in this town before and after the Phung Chang walking tour. Commonly, the price range is from about 500 Baht upward for a motel or boarding house, to approximately over 2,000 Baht for luxury options like villas and resorts.

We suggest to travelers that staying in high-class accommodations near the attraction is the best option, not only to make visiting the site easier but also to experience the top-quality services and facilities, that will make your trip to Phang Nga more memorable.

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What should you eat around Phung Chang Cave

After a trip through the beautiful cave, you will often feel tired and hungry, so there is nothing better than getting back to the town and tasting the cuisine of the region. You can try some famous Thai dishes like Pad Thai, curry, fried rice, etc. to restore your energy for the next trip.

Besides, if travelers want to try something with more of a local vibe, there are a few good noodle shops around the town. You can literally experience this local delicacy, with the price of a bowl of noodles being just around 100 Baht.

Food that you should try around Phung Chang Cave @Daniel Food Diary

Conclusion

Phung Chang Cave is a significant and spectacular cave with beautiful stone sculptures that tourists should drop by when they get to Phang Nga. If you are going to plan a trip to Phung Chang Cave, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about this site. Start your journey today with Asia King Travel! 

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