Tham Krachaeng (Krasaeng) Cave Yala – Travel Guide

This Krasaeng cave (Tham Kra Chaeng in Thai) is located in the small town of Bannang Sata, Yala which is about 80+ KM from Betong city on route 410. Please note there are 2 spellings used: Tham Kra Chaeng and Krasaeng.

The Details

Tham Krachaeng is the 6th longest cave in Thailand, stretching 5,633 meters, and is located near Ban Than To in Yala Province. Ban Than To lies roughly halfway between Yala and Betong along Route 410. The distance from Betong is around 79 km via the old road or 62 km via the newer route. Than To itself is a small town with a predominantly Muslim community, and it has facilities such as a hospital and a fisheries department. To the north stands Khao Tham Krachaeng, a large limestone hill, while Bang Lang National Park lies to the northwest, surrounded by tropical rainforest.

The Tham Krachaeng cave system was primarily explored in 1993 by British, Australian, and Malaysian caving teams, who surveyed over 5 km (5,516 m) of passage. Only the active river passage was explored at that time, although an elevated fossil passage was observed but not entered. In December 2000, British and German cavers attempted to extend the survey via the Cold Water Inlet side passage but could only record 117 m before flooding forced them to stop.

Along route 410, you’ll see the mountains, river stream and the Krasaeng cave. During the dry season, one can walk along the river stream through this cave to the other side and see the open area surrounded by lush forest.

Krasaeng Cave Location

Krasaeng Cave GPS Coordinates: 6.214588948324, 101.20578718682448

Krasaeng Cave Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uudgTvPtnonZjzqR7

You’ll just need to stick along route 410 and when you see the Krasaeng Cave signboard, take the right exit.

Next, just follow the GPS map for further 2+ KM  and you’ll see the small exit on the right which is also passable by car and you will need to ride further few hundred meters.

This is what it looks like at the entrance of Krasaeng Cave.

My attempt of crossing the river stream in the cave which looks passable for me.

As soon as I get into the river, my tires sank in and the sensors of my machine shut down the engine. I totally forgot about my exhaust pipe which is located below next to the engine.

It was a bad idea crossing the river stream during wet season and I think if I had my exhaust pipe under the seat/tail, I would have make it?

It was already raining slightly and getting this 200+ KGs machine to the dry area was such a pain in the A**.

When I got into the dry area, I decided not to try again to cross the river stream but just enjoy the beautiful view of the cave. After speaking to the locals here, they suggested the best time to come here is during the dry season (March-July) and not during the wet season (November-January) which I went to, my bad! The river caves are flood prone as they are part of the catchment for the Bang Lang park during the wet season.

Update

I returned to visit this place in 2025, and there is now a cemented pathway along the side that makes it easier to walk.

Important Notes:

• The cave is sometimes spelled Krachaeng or Krasang.
• These river caves are extremely flood prone, as they form part of the Bang Lang watershed.
• Avoid entering during unstable weather conditions.
• The monsoon season in this region typically occurs December to January.

Other Places

Apart from the Krasaeng cave, Betong town offers quite a number of exciting places to see. From historical sites to cultural attractions, these amazing places also have good places to hang out at night.

You can also visit Yala City which offers another great experience to explore Thailand’s southern province.