Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, eternally etched in global memory for the remarkable rescue of the 13 Wild Boars football team in 2018, has now unfurled a distinct winter tourism experience titled “National Parks to Remember” within chambers 2 and 3 of its extensive cave system.
Aspiring explorers can secure their tickets for this extraordinary journey through the Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park Facebook page or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation website.
Attapol Charoenchansa, acting director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, revealed that the adventure is meticulously curated for small groups, capped at 10 participants. Accompanied by expert guides and park officials, visitors are assured a safe and illuminating exploration.
For Thai tourists, the service fee stands at 950 baht per person, while foreign tourists are charged 1,500 baht per person, excluding equipment and insurance costs. The cave tours are scheduled twice daily, each lasting approximately 2.30 hours.
To ensure safety, the cave is only accessible during the summer and winter seasons, with tourists required to undergo a preliminary health check. Anticipating a surge in international interest, Attapol is confident that foreign tourists will flock to the site, with many having already secured their tickets.
Despite its global acclaim, Tham Luang remains uncharted territory, currently standing as the third-longest cave in Thailand. Josh Morris, a cave expert and coordinator of the international rescue team during the 13 Wild Boars incident, underscored its allure to cave explorers and tourists alike. While the 2018 rescue was extensively covered, the intricate details of the operation within the cave remain unseen.
The journey from the cave entrance to chamber 3 spans approximately 800 meters, with visitors encountering gripping stories about the boys’ rescue, the challenging dive from chamber 9 to chamber 3, which served as a coordination center for information, and the initial health check before the boys were safely extracted.
“Cave adventure is thrilling. There might be some slippery and climbing spots, but fear not – it’s safe. Officials will be there to assist you every step of the way. Anyone can participate, except those with health or mobility concerns,” Morris reassured potential adventurers. Tham Luang beckons, inviting tourists to not only witness history but to be a part of an awe-inspiring subterranean adventure.