caving adventures in Asia
Discover the underworld and go on caving adventures in Asia. There are countless caves to be found here. Since the region is predominantly limestone, everything is riddled with caves. Also the region boasts some of the longest and largest caverns in the world. If your into cave diving, numerous underwater caves can be found here too.
Many caves can be visited without much experience while others you to be an experienced spelunker (cave-man) or cave-diver. Also there are many caves yet to be discovered, mapped, and fully explored. If this is your first time visiting a cave or you are experienced in underground exploration, there is a cave for everyone here.
Asia’s biggest caves
In Asia we have some of the biggest caves in the world. The longest cave in Asia is the Shuanghedong Cave Network in China’s Guizhou region. It measures an impressive 240km long. It was only discovered “recently”. Before the longest in the region was Clear Water Cave in Malaysia, only 24 km shorter. Both are in the top 10 list of longest caves in the world.
The largest chamber in the world by surface area is Sarawak Chamber in the Gua Nasib Bagus Cave (or Good Luck Cave). It is also second largest by volume (It measures 429m x 641m x 113m). The cave is located on Borneo’s Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
The largest chamber in the world by surface area is the Sarawak Chamber in the Gua Nasib Bagus Cave (or Good Luck Cave). It is also second largest by volume (It measures 429m x 641m x 113m). The cave is located on Borneo’s Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
Another famous giant is Vietnam’s Hang Son Doong cave. It has the largest cave cross-section in the world. It measures 150m high, 200m wide and 9km long. Often it is referred to as the biggest cave in the world, but this is incorrect, it all depends by which criteria you go by.
These are the biggest and longest caves, but to travel in these a small expedition of several days or a week is necessary. Also guides and permits will be required, plus all the material. There are some tour operators that will arrange everything for you to take on these caving adventures in Asia.
caving adventures in Asia
The biggest caves may seem a little intimidating, but there are many other caves you can visit in the region. Some are small yet still equally as beautiful, but of course not as impressive. Every cave is special in its own way. Some have lakes, some have rivers, some you need to climb, and some you have to crawl and squeeze to go forth. Others have impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and many have temples and shrines inside them.
If you are an experienced caver (spelunker), be sure to take on your holiday to Asia some basic items. Bring 1 headlamp (plus a backup torch) and a good pair of shoes that are good climbing for climbing. There are caves everywhere, still many are unexplored.
There are many interesting caves in Thailand to go on a caving adventure in Asia. One of its larges caves is Tham Lod. It has an impressive river entering into the main entrance and then disappearing into a underground river. The cave is 1.6km long and has many chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Apart from its natural wonders there is also a lot of history here. It has been occupied on and off by different people. From 9000BC to 5500BC by the Hoabinhian hunting tribe, and then later by many others. Also you can find wooden coffins that have been carved by the Lawa tribes people over 1,400 years ago.
The longest cave in Thailand is Tham Phra Wang Daeng. It measures almost 14km long, and the deepest is Tham Pha Phueng, which is 476m deep. Tham Lum Khao Ngu (Snake Mountain Cave) in Kanchanaburi province, has the world’s tallest cave column, which is 62m tall. Another interesting cave is in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park you will find the spectacular cave Phraya Nakhon, with a stunning temple inside.
expeditions in Thailand
If you’re an experienced spelunker, check out this page, Thailand Caves. It has detailed information including GPS coordinates and maps. If you are not, better you should stick to the explored/tourist caves and go with a local guide. Caves can mean very serious business, and if something happens down there rescue is difficult if not even impossible sometimes. In Asia during monsoon season mass amounts of water can come down in a matter of minutes. These can cause flash floods in the cave systems. So be very careful in this time, only certain caves can be accessed in this season. Always let somebody know where you are going and when you intend to be back by.
Thailands cave Tham Phet in Phang Nga
The cave Tham Phet and Tham Ya Wua Yai caves first ever traverse in the Phang Nga province.