Hidden Earth 2026

Mae Hong Son, Thailand: Caves, Hill Tribes, and the Promise of New Exploration

45 minute Lecture|Andy Goddard

Abstract

For cavers travelling to northern Thailand, 'Cave Lodge' in Mae Hong Son is an obvious place to visit: affordable accommodation, guided adventure trips, and accessible caving in a spectacular karst landscape. But even in a relatively well-known caving area, there is real scope for new exploration and surveying.

This talk will cover Shepton Mallet Caving Club’s February 2026 expedition to this fascinating region, where over the course of two weeks more than 4.8 km of cave passage was surveyed, including a significant connection into the remote Tham Lom system.

We will also look at the wider exploration potential of the area, touch on the cultures of the local hill-tribe communities, and show what can be achieved when you push a young person through a boulder choke. Snakes, cave critters and coffins will be included.