Fish Cave

Fish 'queue' to enter the cave.

 
About 17 kilometers (10 miles) from Mae Hong Son town is the small Fish Cave (tam plaa in Thai) national park. The name is a bit misleading. There's no cave that you can really go into. The park surrounds a place where a small stream emerges from the rock face of a hill.

However, there are definitely fish. Big brook carp of a kind found only in a very few places in Thailand. The fish grow up to a meter (three feet) long and appear deep blue in color. The fish seem to like to cool water of the cave, and you can see them 'queuing up' to get in. There's another small opening a few steps up that allows you to look down into the cavern, which appears to be filled with the fish.

The park is a cool shady place with forests of trees lining the cool stream flowing out of the hill. Beyond the stream, near the park entrance, is a large open space suitable for pitching a tent. There are also a number of food stalls and restaurants around the entrance.

While the Fish Cave itself is not a really spectacular sight, the cool environment and ample amenities make it a very pleasant spot to plan a lazy afternoon.

Admission Fee

Currently, admission to the Fish Cave is free. Given the current trend in entrance fees at Thai national parks, don't be surprised if there is a fee, for foreigners at least, when you visit.
 

The suspension bridge over the stream. The sign says "Caution, bridge unsteady" and you better believe it!	A tranquil view of the stream, looking towards the cave opening.
Another view of the cool green woods and stream.	The guardian shrine protecting the sacred fish.