| Houb Pad Taad: An Engaging Subterrestrial Adventure | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| UPDATE : 23 February 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Set within an ancient forested area in Uthai Thani province, 220 kilometers north of Bangkok, Houb Pad Taad (‘Pad Taad Cave’) and the surrounding limestone peak of Khao Huay Soke (‘Huay Soke Mountain’) provide the ideal setting for those who enjoy the sense of adventure provided by exploring such stunning natural attractions. The area boasts a rich ecological environment and it’s even possible for visitors to join a 700-meter-long trek that passes right through the cave, which is located in Lan Sak district, about 30 km from Muang district. Clear explanations There is a small exhibition area at the visitor center, which provides lots of background knowledge about the cave. Before setting off on the trail, visitors are handed a torch since it's particularly dark once you step inside the access tunnel. It's possible to arrange for a young guide (aged 10-15) from a nearby village school to escort you, which can offer an even more interesting and informative trip. Please remember that the young students work as guides in their free time, so any tips will be greatly appreciated.
Below ground The tunnel that leads to the main cavern runs for about 60 meters. Unlike regular caves, the inner area actually receives some natural daylight as the top of the main chamber is partially open as the ceiling has gradually eroded over time. While a regular cave is usually referred to as Tham in Thai, Houb describes a cave with this kind of ‘open top’. A flight of stairs leads visitors down to the floor of the cave, where there are lots of palm-like taad (arenga pinrata) trees. This explains the origin of the cave’s name – Houb Pad Taad.
The trail takes you past a host of interesting plants and through thick bush. You’ll also get the chance to explore the cave’s inner walls, where there you’ll see numerous stalactites and stalagmites. Colorful creatures There’s a chance, if you’re lucky, that you might spot some dragon millipedes along the way. Measuring up to more than five centimeters in length, these creatures are a shocking pink color and are usually spotted upon the cave’s damp limestone floor. They tend to avoid the trail, though, and be warned that the millipedes have the ability to release a highly toxic substance if they perceive a genuine threat. The complete circuit usually takes about one hour to complete and will come to a conclusion back at the entrance area.
Transport connections: Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 32 and drive through the provinces of Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Chainat. On reaching the Kilometer 206 marker at Tha Nam Oi, turn left, cross a bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River, and then left again on to Route 333. After driving for another 16 km, you’ll reach Uthai Thani, which is about 222 km from Bangkok. In Uthai Thani, follow Route 333 through Amphoe Nong Chang. Switch to Route 3438 (the Nong Chang-Lan Sak route) for a distance of about 25 km, before turning left. Drive for another 5 km and you will reach Houb Pah Taad. Bus: Regular and air-conditioned buses depart Bangkok for Uthai Thani regularly between the hours of 5 am-4 pm from the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit). For further information, call Morchit on Tel: +66 (0)2 936 2852-66, Uthai Thani Bus Terminal on Tel: +66 (0)56 511 914, or visit the service operator online at http://www.transport.co.th. On arrival in Uthai Thani, take a local bus from Uthai Thani to Lan Sak and then a another bus from Lan Sak to the Huay Sok Intersection where you can take a motorcycle taxi to the site of the cave. |
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Houb Pad Taad: An Engaging Subterrestrial Adventure
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