Phu Pha Phet Cave: A Significant Tourist and Archaeological Site in Satun Province

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Phu Pha Phet Cave is located in Moo 9, Ban Pa Pan, Palum Phatthana Subdistrict, Manang District, Satun Province, nestled in the Banthat Mountain Range. The cave is surrounded by two rivers, the Khlong Lam Lon to the north and the Khlong Rakae to the south. Due to its geographical location, Phu Pha Phet Cave has become a prominent archaeological and tourist site in the region.
Cave Features: Phu Pha Phet Cave is a large cave that spans over 50 rai (approximately 8 hectares) and is divided into more than 20 chambers. Each chamber has its own distinct characteristics, such as the "Diamond Curtain Chamber" that resembles hanging curtains and the "Naga Chamber," where stalactites and stalagmites are formed in the shape of a giant snake or naga. The cave's high ceilings and the fascinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing environment, with some formations shimmering like diamonds, giving the cave its name, "Phu Pha Phet," or "Diamond Cave."
Archaeological Significance: Phu Pha Phet Cave holds great archaeological value as it was once inhabited by prehistoric humans approximately 3,000 years ago. Excavations have revealed numerous archaeological findings, including human bones, skulls, pottery fragments, and stone tools. These artifacts suggest that the cave was used as both a living space and a site for ritual activities, such as burial ceremonies. Other remains found include animal bones and shell fragments, providing insight into the cave's use for both habitation and food sources. The cave also contains pottery decorated with unique cord-marked patterns, which are typical of the era.
Geological Significance: Phu Pha Phet Cave is also of geological interest due to the discovery of ancient marine fossils, particularly nautiloids, which are estimated to be around 450 million years old, from the Ordovician period. These fossils offer valuable information about the environmental changes that occurred long before the cave formed and before humans inhabited the area, illustrating the area's ancient marine past.
Cave Highlights: One of the most striking features of Phu Pha Phet Cave is the Emerald Light Chamber, a spacious area where light filters through the ceiling, creating a beautiful green glow as it reflects off the cave's stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also boasts a variety of stunning formations, such as mushroom-shaped stalagmites, archways, diamond-shaped stones, and "head of a Buddha" formations, all of which contribute to the cave's awe-inspiring beauty.
Tourism; Phu Pha Phet Cave is open to visitors daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with an entry fee of 50 Baht per person. For more information, visitors can contact the Phu Pha Phet Community Tourism Office at 08 1084 3426. Touring the cave offers a unique experience to explore both its natural wonders and its historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for both tourists and those interested in archaeology and geology.
With its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, along with the captivating Emerald Light Chamber, Phu Pha Phet Cave is not only a beautiful natural site but also a crucial archaeological location that offers invaluable insights into the prehistoric and geological history of the region.