In Thai mythology, the legend of the serpent is associated with many of the beliefs and practices that have long been a part of Thai life, especially in the northeast of the country. There are many sacred places in this region that are associated with the serpent, and one of them is Naka Cave in Bueng Kan. This is a mysterious cave that is said to be home to a powerful and dangerous serpent.
Where is Naka cave in Thailand?
The Naka cave is a newly discovered cave within the Phu Langka National Park in Bueng Khong Long District, Bueng Kan Province. The cave is outstanding for its beauty and the complexity of the natural rock formations that resemble snake scales.
In geological terms, the formations are called “sun cracks” caused by the expansion and contraction of the rock surface due to the temperature changes between day and night. Over time, the rock has eroded and decayed, causing it to take on a layered appearance with a distinctive pattern similar to that of a snake. This is the source of the stories and beliefs passed down about the Naka cave.
Legends about Naka cave
Picture from thainewsonline
The folklore story of Grandfather Rue, related to Phu Langka and Bung Khong Long, is believed to be caused by the destruction of the Naga city which was caused by the unrequited love between the serpent and the human causing prosperous cities to collapse.
This area was originally the site of a city called Rattaphana. Phra Lue Racha is the ruler of the city with a consort named Mrs. Kaew Kalaya has a daughter named Phra Nang Khiao Kham. Later, she was married to King Sam Phanta and had a son named Prince Fa Roong. He was wise and handsome.
Later, he married Nakrinthranee, the daughter of the serpent of the underworld who transformed into a human. The royal wedding was arranged in a great way for both the underground city and the human city (Rattanakhon) for 7 days and 7 nights in order to build a good relationship between the Nagas with Lue Racha on this occasion as well.
The two had lived together for 3 years and were unable to have any descendants. (because it’s between human and Naga) causing grief and sorrow to both of them. Later, Princess Nakrintrani fell ill, causing her human body to become a Naga as usual. This news has spread all over Ratanakhon.
Even if she casts herself a spell to disguise herself as a human. The people and the Lue Racha were dissatisfied. therefore drove Mrs. Nakarinthranee back to the underground city by informing the King Serpent to come and take her back.
Before returning to the underground city the serpent asked for the family’s regalia back but the King Lue Racha could not return it because it was transformed into something else.
This made the King of serpent very angry and announced that he would destroy the whole city of Ratanakhon. That night, the King of serpent came back and destroy the whole city and no one was saved, only 3 temples were spared from the power of the naga.
When Mrs. Nakarinthranee heard the news she went out to find Prince Fa Roong all the way to the river but the prince could not be found. Therefore she returned to the underworld. Since then the city of Ratanakhon has collapsed into a “Bueng Long Khong”, after a long time, the words became Mekong Long. And the remaining 3 temples are Wat Don Kaeo (Wat Kaew Fa), Wat Don Pho (Wat Phothisat), and Wat Don Sawan (Wat Dan Sawan). Mao Rak).
As for King Lue Racha, he didn’t die in this incident but was captured by Phraya Nakarat (The serpent king) along with a curse that make him transform into a Naga, guarding in Phu Lanka or Mekong Lake for eternity. Only until a new city is born in this land the curse of Phraya Nakarat will be lifted.
Things to see in Naka cave
Picture from pra9wat.com
The strange beauty of this place is a large stone shaped like a giant snake or a serpent. It is another attraction for people who like nature and mystery. Inside the cave, you will find a stone shaped like a serpent’s body. If you look at it, it is very similar to the scales of a large snake. Most of the rock is covered with beautiful green moss.
Picture from pra9wat.com
In addition, a rock that looks like the head of a giant snake was found not far from the cave itself. Moreover, recently the survey team made a new discovery. The 2nd head of the stone snake, this stone is similar to the first head of a giant snake. The head of the 2nd Naga is located on a walking path located between the top of the Si Bunnao Chedi Kong Khao. Go to the top of Phra Achan Saturn’s pagoda Chedi Luang Pu Wang.
How to go to Naka cave?
This is tricky especially if you’re a foreigner because there are many people trying to go there. They limit the number of tourists to a maximum of 700/day (updated March 2, 2022) and you need to install QueQ app (available on both iOS and Android) to get in the queue and reserve it prior to visiting Naka cave for not more than 60 days. So if you’re going to visit Naka cave on March 1st you can register your queue from around Jan 1st. They canceled the ATK test at the entry point at the national park but you need to have the ATK test within the last 48 hours or have any evidence that you took 2nd dose of the covid vaccine. If you don’t have the covid test result you can also get tested there.
I highly recommend you reserve your queue first before planning anything else. Flight plan, hotel stay, etc. because it will be all useless if you find out later that you don’t have your queue when you get there.
Naka cave is near Nakhon Phanom more than Udon Thani but I suggest you go to Udon Thani because there are more flights to choose from, the price is cheaper and more convenient.
Udon Thani is a bigger city and more convenient.
You can also go to Nakhon Phanom Airport first
After the plane landed you can rent a car and drive there. Driving from Udon Thani to Naka cave takes around 3 hours. I started driving from Udon Thani at around 4.30 A.M. no rush just drive slowly and stop at the PTT station and have my breakfast. The opening hours of Naka cave are 6 A.M. – 2 P.M. so keep that in mind. Buy some snacks and 3 bottles of water and there’s a national park entry fee of 240 THB (around $7) for foreigners. Don’t forget to go to the toilet first because there’s no toilet on the trail.
Lastly, Naka cave is closed from May 1 – May 31 every year to let nature heal itself so don’t go there around that time.
Where to stay to visit Naka cave?
To see the snake-like rocks and caverns at Naka Cave, Thailand, you’ll need to travel to the far eastern side of the country. Fortunately, there are some great hotels in the area, so you can enjoy your stay while you’re there. Our recommendations of places to stay near Naka cave include:
- Thai Guest House – Get into the central zone of Bueng Khong Long District with a nice Thai hotel, simple decor, friendly, clean, and well equipped with many amenities. It is also not far from Naka Cave. It takes about 12-15 minutes and is close to other tourist attractions such as Pu Lue Shrine.
Picture from booking.com
- Idee Hotel and Resort – Idee Hotel and Resort offers accommodation in Sega District. The rooms are clean and neat. The nearest airport is Sakon Nakhon Airport, 52 miles from Idee Hotel and Resort.
Picture from booking.com
- Naka homestay Phu Lanka – experience nature in the embrace of Naka homestay, a Thai house style property the main area is only 160 meters from the cave registration point.
Picture from facebook.com/นาคาโฮมสเตย์-ภูลังกา-108386227959894
- Khun Napal resort – Resort-style accommodation in Bueng Khong Long District. The ambiance is comfortable and decorated in a modern loft style. Open both temporarily and daily, it is only a 15-minute drive from Naka Cave and also close to other tourist attractions.
Picture from facebook.com/LovetongNaparn
More Attractions near Naka cave
Picture from thailandtourismdirectory.go.th
Tad Pho Waterfall – A large waterfall that originates from Huai Lanka, and flows down until it forms a beautiful 4-tiered waterfall. Each floor has its own charm and distinctive features. The rainy season is the most beautiful time the amount of water is so large that the white stream of Tad Pho Waterfall can be seen from Nakhon Phanom – Nong Khai Road quite clearly.
Address : Phu Langka National Park, Phai Lom Subdistrict, Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom Province
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/De6Q7CdD1xfLd2JPA
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tel : 08-4792-3505 , 0-4253-0766
Picture from thailandtourismdirectory.go.th
Tad Kham Waterfall – Formed from several streams that came together to form Huai Kham and flowed down the mountain until it became a medium-sized waterfall. with a height of about 30 meters. There is also a pool of water all year round and a stone courtyard for us to sit and relax and enjoy mother nature.
Address : Phu Langka National Park, Ban Don Bak, Na Nua Sub-district, Ban Phaeng District, Nakhon Phanom Province
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ToJ9xryd16EMTrPy7
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tel : 08-4792-3505 , 0-4253-0766
Picture from thailandtourismdirectory.go.th
Tad Wimanthip Waterfall – The famous waterfall of Bueng Kan. It is a large 150 meters wide and 70 meters high, suitable for people who like a challenge. Because traveling there is quite difficult. There must be an officer to guide you. But the atmosphere around the waterfall is very beautiful and shady. It will be most beautiful during the flood season and it must be during the heavy rain only since the amount of water will be so abundant that we can see the magnificent white stream flowing down from the mountain from afar.
Address : Phu Langka National Park, Ban Dong Sawang, Pho Mak Khaeng Subdistrict Bueng Khong Long District Bueng Kan Province
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7Jzrro9c5VL2ASWb8
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tel : 08-4792-3505 , 0-4253-0766
Picture from worldorgs.com
Hin Rod Bus – The newest landmark of Bueng Kan. The highlight of this place is the appearance of the rock cliff that is shaped like a bus (in Thai language Hin means Rock and Rod means Car). On the way up, we had to walk over hundreds of stairs before reaching the top of the rock and walk through the Naga scales similar to Naka cave but on the floor. The view upthere is stunning.
Address : Phu Langka National Park, Ban Dong Chomphu, Bueng Khong Long District Bueng Kan Province
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uNWsDKdhXKHwFe8z5
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tel : 08-4792-3505 , 0-4253-0766
Tip: You should go to Naka cave in the last place. Your legs will get tired after visiting it because most of the trail is uphill.
Tips for Naka cave trail
- Prepare your body, and stay fit because most of the first half of the trail is uphill.
- Your shoes should be sneakers, sports shoes.
- Inhaler, smelling salts are needed when you’re feeling faint
- Backpack for snacks, bottles of water, etc.
- Spare clothes – there’s a bathroom with fees of 20THB
- Towel to wipe your sweat
- You should get there around 7 A.M. to 9 A.M. because the weather is much better. If you arrive there at noon the temperature will rise drastically.
