Tham Thalu: The Geological Wonders and Ecosystem of Ancient Satun

รายละเอียด

Tham Thalu, located in the limestone mountain range of Khao Khao Subdistrict, La-Ngu District, Satun Province, is a natural tourist destination of great geological and ecological significance. Visitors to the cave and its surrounding areas can experience the stunning beauty of stalactites and stalagmites, fossils millions of years old, and a rich ecosystem of rare plants and animals.
Tham Thalu is a vadose cave, formed by the erosion of groundwater flowing through limestone beneath the surface. This erosion has created a winding path with deep grooves and walls shaped like potholes, a result of the powerful water flow from the past. Inside the cave, fossils from an ancient sea, dating back around 450 million years, can be found, making it an important site for geological studies in Thailand.
The area around Tham Thalu is home to a large sinkhole, approximately 12 rai in size, formed by the collapse of the ground above. This sinkhole was caused by the dissolution of the limestone beneath, leading to the subsidence of the earth's surface and creating a habitat for various plant and animal species. Today, the sinkhole is surrounded by a lush, subtropical forest with indigenous trees like Vongkadungna, Malidin, and Yad Muang, as well as more than 100 species of fungi, which demonstrate the area's ecological richness.
Inside the cave, visitors can also encounter rare species such as the Tuk Kay (a species of gecko) and the Thosakan bat, along with Taem spiders that thrive in the dark, humid environment of the cave.
The journey to Tham Thalu is relatively easy, with a short 600-meter walk from the entrance leading visitors into the cave. Here, they can admire the beauty of the cave's stalactites and stalagmites and learn about the ancient fossils embedded in the cave's walls. It is a must-visit for those interested in exploring the geological history of the area. Additionally, visitors can proceed to the nearby sinkhole, a prehistoric forest offering a unique opportunity to study rare plants and the diverse ecosystem in the area.
Tham Thalu is not only a significant geological site but also a thriving habitat for rare and unique wildlife, making it one of the most important natural attractions in Satun Province. It provides an exceptional opportunity to experience and learn about both the natural beauty and the ecological and geological importance of this extraordinary location.