Cave Lodge, Northern Thailand

Cave Lodge is the longest running guest house in Thailand's Mae Hong Son province. Located in Ban Tham village roughly mid-way between Pai and Mae Hong Son 8km north of Soppong (aka Pang Mapha) off highway 1095. The whole north area is mainly populated with hill tribe peoples whos cultures are giving way to many modern influences. Tourism is providing economic benefits and helping fill the void left since opium farming ceased in the province.

Mae Hong Son, and all of Thailand's north, was a huge opium producing region. The Thai government and international pressure has put an end to the large scale production of this lucrative cash crop. Farmers now struggle growing vegetables other low income cash crops as they are able.

Tourism is opening up more and more in the area with many innovative opperations to provide rich experiences for adventures. I found the Cave Lodge environment both relaxing and stimulating. Nestled in peaceful gardens overlooking the river, I sat for hours in the open common area/dining room. John, the Aussie owner has adorned the walls and coffee tables with home published reading materials about the attractions and history of the area. Rafting, kayaking, caving, bird watching, trekking, overnight village stays and cooking classes are just some of what's on offer at the Lodge.

The caves alone are worthy of another hub (where I'll share the challenges of shooting video in the dark!) Closet to the lodge is Tham Lod. Local guides are available for a very reasonable fee (the bulk of which goes to the guide.) Each home in the village provides guides on a rotation system, so everyone benefits - an admirable arrangement. We visited during the late afternoon and stayed to watch the display on some half a million swifts which fly into the mouth at dusk. The cave opening is around 20m wide and 50m high.

Finding a comfortable place to rest for the night is always a good thing when you're on the road. Most often we are not able to return, but I'll certainly be making an effort to head back to Cave Lodge. In fact, we met international travellers there who were on their 3rd or fourth visit.

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