Wat Tham Si Mongkhon temple in Ban Bang Dong Noi, Pha Tang subdistrict of Nong Khai province, is famous for its cave, Tham Dinphiang (or Dinpieng, as it's marked on the information board). Tourists come primarily for this cave, rather than the temple itself. Tham Dinphiang is an underground cave with a ground-level entrance. Villagers call it Tham Phaya Nak, the cave with the hollow, hole-like passages. These passages are interconnected, and the natural tunnels are barely larger than a person, resembling a slithering snake. In some places, particularly one, visitors actually have to crawl (see my video). Because water flows into the cave, you must enter barefoot and be prepared to get wet and crawl through deep water. In short, this visit is not for people with claustrophobia or those who don't want to get dirty. According to local lore, this cave is inhabited by nagas, mythological serpents. The various chambers are illuminated with colored light, some containing Buddha or Naga statues. History, legend, and belief: According to legend, Dinpieng Cave served as a passage to an ancient underground city called Badal, the refuge of the Nagas. The interior of the cave is constantly damp, and natural rock formations contribute to its mystical atmosphere.

Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fee: 100 THB (for lighting) + tip for the guide (who usually only speaks Thai and no English). The visit lasts about 45 minutes. It is highly recommended, indeed, I now consider it essential, to book a guide to visit Dinpieng Cave. The cave system is quite complex, it's easy to get lost, and there is water that can be dangerous. In short: it's better to go with someone who knows the cave. Often, it's children from the village who visit the cave. Their small size is an advantage for navigating the underground labyrinths. They have memorized explanations which they will recite to you at various points – but only in Thai! For further information or to arrange a guided tour, please contact the following number: 09 3067 7959. You will usually find guides on site, although you may have to wait a while until they are called and arrive. Bring a change of clothes when visiting this cave, as you will have to crawl through water in one of the passages, so you won't just get your legs wet. Enter the cave lightly (without bags or similar items) and protect your cameras or smartphones well, especially from water (I would even recommend not bringing them; I only had my smartphone with me). This is definitely not a trip for everyone. You must love adventure, be able to crawl and creep, and be prepared to get wet and dirty.

A means of transport is necessary to visit Dinpieng Cave at Wat Tham Si Mongkhon. It is quite remote, located 85 kilometers from the town of Nong Khai. There is no public transport to the cave. Sometimes, a visit is combined with the Nong Khai Skywalk at Wat Pha Tak Suea, which is 18 kilometers away.

How to get there

How do you get to Din Pieng Cave (Wat Tham Si Mongkhon)? To visit Din Pieng Cave (Wat Tham Si Mongkhon), transportation is necessary. It is quite remote, located 85 kilometers from Nong Khai. There is no public transportation to the cave. Sometimes, a visit is combined with a trip to the Skywalk (Wat Pha Tak Suea), which is 18 kilometers away.