Day 2 (December 31, 2013) - Chiang Mai to Tham Lod Cave to Mae Hong Son
Day 2:
Chiang Mai to Tham Lod involves a long winding road. Arrived here mid-afternoon after leaving in the morning. Most of the people here were local visitors. Didn't see many foreigners.
After paying the fees, a guide with a lantern is provided, and you walk to the entrance of the caves.
Entrance to board the bamboo raft.
On the bamboo raft looking out toward the entrance.
You will be taken to 3 separate sections in the cave: 1) column cave, 2) doll cave, 3) coffin cave. You need to climb a series of steps and ladders. The only lighting is from the lanterns. The guide will show you different stalagmites, stalactites, and other limestone formations.
Limestone stalagmites.
The ceiling of the cave has numerous bats and the water below from the Nam Lang river is filled with fish.
After Tham Lod we drove to the temple, Wat Chong Kham located in Mae Hong Son.
The temple, Wat Chong Kham, and a night market next to it, all around the swamp, Nong Chong Kham.
The night market and Nong Chong Kham.
Lighting lanterns at the temple to celebrate the New Year.
Lanterns in the sky above the temple.
Night market and the temple, Wat Chong Kham, in the background, behind the swamp, Nong Chong Kham.
Stayed the night in Mae Hong Son.
