Tham Muang On ‘Proof the miracle of Buddha’s relics’

Many people want a stunning and unbelievable experience at least once in their lifetimes. Life is short, you know. We don’t know what will happen in the future. Therefore we need to do good and happy things as much as we can. 

What about something that is a miracle? What if it’s said, there is something wonderful happened, will you want to see it? Of course, you must say you will.  

Miracle or wonderful things don’t happen so often, including Buddha’s relics inside ‘Tham Muang On’!

Tham Muang On is a cave, located on the hill within Wat Tham Muang On, the temple that is responsible for it. Definitely, there are sparkling stalactites inside. You should see how enormous the indoor area is. However, the main highlight is Phra That Nom Pha or Nom Pha Buddha’s relics. This may be the rarest item, due to its natural origin. In another way, this relics is burried inside the limestone. Why is this different from other relics? Because most relics are usually kept in Chedis, which are created by humans’ hands. Phra That Nom Pha is located just right in the middle of the cave. While you take a tour, you will see the shiny, glorious limestone flakes on the cave wall, reflecting light.

It may be dark inside, but don’t worry. Don’t be afraid, because you will need a tour guide to lead you to the right direction. Then you will be provided a flashlight. Just walk carefully. Don’t run. Don’t shout. Don’t make scary noise or tease other tourists. Remember, Tham Muang On is a holy place. You need to respect it.

Beside of Phra That Nom Pha, there are Lord Buddha’s statues, including these two: Pang Samathi and Pang Sai Yad. Also, this cave was once the meditation place of Khruba Siwichai, a Thai monk in the period of Lanna. At the entrance of the cave, you should find his statue.

However, if you think about going out for an adventure in a cave, one thing you should consider is your costume. You know that all caves consist of rugged path. They are quite dark inside also. Therefore you should wear something sporty. Probably don’t need to be a pair of running shoes that cost thousands Baht, But, basically, you need a pair of trousers, a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt and a pair of shoes. That’s all! Oh, and, if it’s possible, you should bring a backpack withyou too, just for putting in all necessary items.

The most important thing is: taking a tour inside any cave is not suitable for elderly people, especially those who have deadly diseases like heart disease or bone disease. It will be too dangerous. Muang On cave itself has a steep Naga stairway upto the can entrance, which you can trip over if you’re careless or not in perfect condition. Also, some part of the indoor area is narrow, which probably not comfortable for illed or elderly people.

If you’re in perfect health, feel free to go anytime. There are about 50-60 tourists a day.

The admission fees are 10 Baht for an adult, 5 Baht for a child, 20 Baht for a foreign tourist and 100 baht for a tour guide. Tham Muang On is available everyday from 8:30-16:30.

How to get there

The cave is located within the area of Sahakorn Village 2, Ban Sahakorn District. This is not far from Chiangmai downtown at all. 

You need to drive along Highway No.1006 (Chiangmai-San Kamphaeng-Onluay) for about 13 kilometres before going pass Rom Bo Sang. Then keep going straight until the end. From that point, you should find the junction cut through the path No.1317. Just turn left and go along this path for 7 kilometres. At last, you will see the sign on your left side written Tham Muang On. Turn your wheel to that direction for 2 kilometres and 500 metres, then prepare to see your destination.

Nearby Place

• San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

This is the nearest tourist attraction of Tham Muang On. All you have to do is choose the one you would like to go first. You probably go to Tham Muang On first thing in the morning. Then you resume your trip to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs to soak yourself in nice hot water and boil some eggs to eat.

• Borsang and San Kamphaeng Shopping Area

San Kamphaeng is a haven for crafts lovers. It is lined on both sides by showrooms and factories where you have the opportunity to observe the production of crafts, as well as purchase them. All along San Kamphaeng Road you will find producing pottery, saa paper, lacquerware, paper umbrellas and silk. With so many crafts concentrated in one area, it is one of the best places to watch craftsmen at work.