Tham Pla (Fish Cave)

A small, submerged cave is the most popular attraction in the vast 500 square km (200 square miles), Tham Pla–Namtok Pha Suea National Park, which stretches from the Burmese border to the Pai river, Tham Pla and attracts countless visitors annually. For some unknown reason, this "Fish Cave", draws in thousands of Soro Brook Carp (Pla Mung), which enter the water-filled cavern and rarely come out again. The fish, which grow up to one metre long, are revered by the locals and are said to belong to the Gods. They are supposedly protected from danger by a nearby Hindu statue of a rishi (sage) called Nara. The fish are fed on fruit and vegetables by the local villagers and by visitors who wish to make merit, with bags if food bought at the park entrance. Located near the village of Huay Pha, about 17 km from Mae Hong Son on Highway 1095, it is accessed by a 450m path that leads from the park entrance, across a suspension bridge, and then onwards to the cave. With the creeks running through attractive gardens, it is a pleasant place to cool off and maybe have a picnic. Entry: Adults / children, 100B / 50B (entrance fee for the National park) Open: 8:00am – 6:00pm Email: tatmhs@tat.or.th Tel: +66 53612982 Website: http://www.tourismthailand.org Getting Here: From Mae Hong Son, take Highway No. 1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai). The park entrance is easily visible, about 17km from town.