About Tham Phung Chang
Tham Phung Chang, also known as Phung Chang Cave or Elephant Belly Cave, is a natural limestone cave located inside Khao Chang mountain in Tham Nam Phut, Mueang Phang Nga District, Phang Nga town. The cave is notable for its extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground stream, and guided bamboo raft experience through flooded passages. It is a well-known natural attraction near Phang Nga town centre and managed as a community-based tourism site.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a guided tour through a large limestone cave system inside Khao Chang mountain. The experience includes walking on boardwalks and uneven cave floors to view stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone formations, and a bamboo raft ride along the shallow underground stream that flows through the cave. The cave is dimly lit, with headlamps provided by guides, and the surroundings are forested karst landscape close to Phang Nga town.
Key highlights
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Bamboo raft ride through the flooded inner passages of the cave
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Extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations inside Khao Chang limestone mountain
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Underground stream flowing through the cave
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Guided community-based tourism experience with local guides
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Karst landscape and forested setting near Phang Nga town centre
Culture & Context
The name Phung Chang translates as Elephant Belly, referring to the shape of Khao Chang mountain which resembles a reclining elephant; the cave is part of the local karst landscape that is culturally associated with the town's identity and community-based tourism
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Phuket International Airport, then continue by road to Phang Nga town (approx. 60-70 km) |
|---|---|
| By train |