Wolfgang's photos with the keyword: Tham Erawan

Tham Erawan (Erawan Cave) is also called Tham Chang (Elephant's Cave), because the limstone tower it is located in looks like an kneeling elephant. Especially the entrance area is shaped like the forehead of an elephant. Actually Erawan is the name of the mythological elephant Airavata in the Thai language. It is typically depicted as an elephant with three heads. Such a statue can be found at the foot of the stair leading up to the cave. Like most caves in Thailand, this is not a show cave in our western sense, it is actually a public place and a Buddhist temple. This starts at the entrance where a Buddha statue sits, which can be seen from far away. It is said to be the most important Buddha statue in Thailand. All over the cave various Buddha statues an other images are affixed. And there is a stalakmite which again resembles the elephant Erawan, inside the cave. So feel free to visit the cave and be respectful for the worshippers, like if you would visit a church in western countries.

The cave is located high up in the cliff face of a limestone tower. A winding staircase with 360 steps leads up to the cave portal. Actually we do not know how many steps the staircase has, as we read 107, 360 and 600 steps in different sources. Be aware that it will be a strenuous ascent to the cave and take some water with you. The cave is a through cave with numerous chambers. Both entrances offer a wonderful view over the province of Nong Bua Lamphu. Rather funny is a political mystery. The Erawan Cave is namesake to Amphoe Erawan which is located adjacent in Loei province. Actually it does not lie in this Amphoe, not even in this province, but in Amphoe Na Wang in Nong Bua Lamphu province. It seems at one point in history the border has been draw new.

This cave is 45 kilometres from town on Highway No. 210 (Nong Bua Lam Phu-Loei) past Na Klang and Na Wang to Km. 13, then a right for 2 kilometres and up about 600 steps by foot up the mountain. At the mouth of the cave is a large Buddha image clearly visible from a distance. Inside the cave is a large space with lovely stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is the origin of local folklore called Nang Phom Hom.