Nestled in the heart of the Khao Pla Ra Mountains, within the Tham Prathun hunting exclusion zone, about 50 kilometers west of Uthai Thani, lies Hup Pa That (pronounced: Hup Pa That). It's a stunning natural area with lush primeval forest and an impressive cave with a collapsed ceiling. Undoubtedly one of Uthai Thani province's hidden gems! The path to Hup Khao Pa That is quite dark, so be sure to bring a flashlight, as the park's lamps aren't always very bright. After a short walk, you'll reach the famous large hole through which light streams onto the ancient palm trees. This is the iconic image of the place. The main feature that established the reputation of the partially collapsed Hup Pa That cave was discovered by chance in 1979 by the monk Phra Khru Santithamma Kosol (Luangpho Thongyot), abbot of the nearby Wat Tham Thong temple. He found numerous Arenga pinnata trees there, ancient trees resembling palm trees. These rocks gave the place its name, as they are called "tat" in Thai, "pa" means forest, and "hup" refers to the chasm created by the collapsed cave ceiling. Access to the cave was made easier in 1984 by digging a 70-meter-long passage, which visitors still use today. Legend has it that the monk dug it himself, but I suspect he had help. Later, the Ministry of Forestry declared Hup Pa Tat a nature reserve due to its unique topography and the rare plants found there. Among the wildlife that lives in Hup Pa Tat is the long-beaked turtle (Indotestudo elongata). With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you might spot some.

Entrance fee for foreigners: 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. Entrance fee for Thai citizens: 20 THB per adult and 10 THB per child. Open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

There is no public transport to visit Hup Pa Tat, which is 50 kilometers from Uthai Thani.

How to get there

How do you get to Hup Pa Tat? There is no public transport to visit Hup Pa Tat, which is 50 kilometers from Uthai Thani.