Wat Tham Pha Plong

Lampang, Thailand

An extraordinary cliffside cave temple where monks have carved meditation cells directly into vertical rock faces, accessible only by bamboo ladders and rope bridges.

About this place

This active monastery requires permission from the abbot to visit the upper cave chambers - arrive respectfully dressed and consider making a small donation. The most spectacular meditation caves are 80 meters up the cliff face, reached by a hair-raising bamboo ladder system built by the monks themselves. Best visited during cool season (Nov-Feb) as the climb is extremely challenging in heat.