Cave Lodge
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Avg. C$30 /night, 10/14 - 10/15
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HOTEL STYLE
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Free parking
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Non-smoking hotel
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Private balcony
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15 Moo 1, Soppong 58150 Thailand
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Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 49 out of 100
49
Mae Hong Son Airport
44.1 km•
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6 Restaurants
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The rooms are basic but they are very nice, the property is mostly on stilts overhanging into some trees and overlooking a small river. The food was tasty and filling at a reasonable price despite the isolation of the hotel. The tour however is one of the best things we have done in Thailand, we did the one day 3 caves tour. It says you will get wet and you definitely will. Wear swimmers under your clothes and then bring a spare change of clothes. Also wear some shoes that you don't mind if they get dirty, but they should be good grip shoes that you won't slip out of or lose grip as the caves can be a bit dangerous.
We had a fantastic time here and on the tours provided. We stayed for two nights but could have easily done 3 or 4 and done more tours or just even relax in the peaceful environment. Would recommend.
We had a fantastic time here and on the tours provided. We stayed for two nights but could have easily done 3 or 4 and done more tours or just even relax in the peaceful environment. Would recommend.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We went there on recommendation after two weeks in Krabi. It is much cooler up here in the mountains (c 100m ASL) although the days are still hot. The accommodation units are mounted on a hillside overlooking a river and jungle. We found the beds a bit firm for our liking. The meals were really good and they bake their own bread here which is delicious. The ambience in the main eating/relaxing area is lovely. There is a central open fire, hammocks and a swing(!). Apart from the ambience Cave Lodge offers the chance to visit some beautiful caves, go guided trekking or in the wet season kayak on the river outside through Tham Lod cave. We stayed for nearly a week and found plenty to do.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â The rooms are on a slope so choose a room near the top if you have heavy luggage!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed in the Cave Lodge dormitory with other back packers like me for a few weeks in 1991/1992 and the whole stay there was one of the most memorable of my life. My last bit of travel up hill just to get there was on a motor bike, funny rider! I went impulsively on a day trip with John Spies and some other guests, two girls dropped out, too hard but I kept going, just me and the boys. I think John realised I was determined to hang on and held out his hand to help me up in the first uphill. Explored the beautiful mountains, caves, burials underground, giant multicoloured poppies. Fast pace. Also went on the yearly trip for two days deep underground (so slept in cave) which meant wading through a river, climbing under and over a waterfall in the cave. Eating a gorgeous Thai curry the guides somehow cooked underground with a saucepan! I don't know the name of the cave, but it was very beautiful, like coloured marble in places, white crystal everywhere. Fascinating other walks seeing all the local tribes especially around Chinese New Year.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we booked our holiday in Thailand my boyfriend insisted in visiting this place. We booked it for 1 night and are really sad that we weren't able to stay longer. This place looks absolutely amazing and especially the main area looks great. The nature all around is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. The cabin (don't think it's called a cabin, but I think it looked like that) is so cute and had an amazing view. I immediately fell in love with it. The bathroom was also much better than I expected! We booked a kayaking trip through our hosts and it was the best thing of our 1,5 week trip so far! Food here is amazing as well. In the evening I lounged in the main area and read the story of John. Would absolutely recommend going here and staying for longer than 1 night!
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Stay longer than 1 night
Bring clothes that can get wet/dirty
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our Family stay in 2 Bedroom bungalow. My mom don't like the location due to it's quite far and up on hill. Very nice river view and big terrace area.
Very easy to walk to Tham Lod from my room. Just 5 minute walk.
Very easy to walk to Tham Lod from my room. Just 5 minute walk.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We came here specifically because we were attracted by the tours (especially multiday trekking) they advertise on their website. We had email contact upfront and they advised us to come to their place and arrange the tour when we arrive for the next day. Since we were not traveling by bike it was not super easy getting there by public transport (minivan from Pai to Soppong and from there a motortaxi). Not super difficult either but considering we came all this way for their tours... when we arrived it turned out we needed to be with at least four in order to book one of the treks we came for. And of all the other tourists in the lodge at that time (about 15) no one was interested in joining. So we couldn’t go (or we had to pay double the price which we didn’t want to). Was a bit disappointing since we came all the way for the trekking. Fortunately there’s plenty of one day hike options you can easily do on your own (we recommend the karst-hike and the ridgewalk, the latter is easiest if you start from the direction of the bridge instead of the cave as the path is difficult to find coming from that direction). We ended up doing one tour with them, the sunrise tour - which is beautiful! We also heard good stories about the caving tour.
The place is a bit ran down but it does the job. Nice common area with woodfire at night. Food can be better. Staff is kind and one of the staff members even took us back to Pai in her pickup after our stay as she was going in the same direction.
The place is a bit ran down but it does the job. Nice common area with woodfire at night. Food can be better. Staff is kind and one of the staff members even took us back to Pai in her pickup after our stay as she was going in the same direction.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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It’s a Superb place nestled next to Tham Lod Cave!
We received a very warm welcome. The bungalows are comfortable and we spent a pleasant night there.
In the restaurant you can eat delicious homemade dishes. In addition, a whole series of explanatory panels on the local flora and fauna are on display!
We would have liked to stay there 2 more nights!
We received a very warm welcome. The bungalows are comfortable and we spent a pleasant night there.
In the restaurant you can eat delicious homemade dishes. In addition, a whole series of explanatory panels on the local flora and fauna are on display!
We would have liked to stay there 2 more nights!
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our two night stay at the Cave Lodge was by far the most disappointing in the whole of Thailand. We have travelled around the south and north for the last month, staying in various places from hostels to five star resorts. Having read some of the positive reviews, we were initially very excited to come here and meet the Australian owner John.
When we first arrived here there was hardly anyone around to show us the different bungalows. When we found a lady, she gave us a couple of keys to inspect the different types of bungalows ranging from 400 to 700 baths. We got a room with a fan and no toilet paper (can be purchased for  12 bahts). No rooms have aircon and breakfast is not included. The place did not look like it had been cleaned..and I am not sure if the bedsheets had been changed as there was hairs and marks on them. The shower was a dribble of warm water.Â
The owner did not seem to care whether any guests were there or not. He was rather dismissive of our questions about things to do in the area, or even about his own tours. He basically said to read the information posted on the walls in the common area. The other staff were also inhospitable. For example one of the ladies rolled her eyes when I asked for a bit of extra milk in my coffee. The food was expensive for the price and could really be improved! Overall we felt very unwelcome and this was also the impression of the other lovely guests who we met. We would definitely not return!
When we first arrived here there was hardly anyone around to show us the different bungalows. When we found a lady, she gave us a couple of keys to inspect the different types of bungalows ranging from 400 to 700 baths. We got a room with a fan and no toilet paper (can be purchased for  12 bahts). No rooms have aircon and breakfast is not included. The place did not look like it had been cleaned..and I am not sure if the bedsheets had been changed as there was hairs and marks on them. The shower was a dribble of warm water.Â
The owner did not seem to care whether any guests were there or not. He was rather dismissive of our questions about things to do in the area, or even about his own tours. He basically said to read the information posted on the walls in the common area. The other staff were also inhospitable. For example one of the ladies rolled her eyes when I asked for a bit of extra milk in my coffee. The food was expensive for the price and could really be improved! Overall we felt very unwelcome and this was also the impression of the other lovely guests who we met. We would definitely not return!
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Date of stay: March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yesterday I went to the Cave Lodge to get more information about the kayaking trips they organize. I saw a lot of information on the boards in the communal area (there are about 20 of such boards), but not so much about kayaking. So I asked someone who referred me to this lady. Before I even could ask what I wanted she immediately said I should have a better look at the information panels because all the information was there, and that there would not be a kayaking trip today because all the kayakkers had left already. Wow, this is supposed to be friendly Thailand?! Of course I wasn't asking about todays possibilities, but about the coming days. Well, I took another look and hey, indeed, there was a board hanging on a separate place where I finally found some more information about the kayaking. One kayaking trip got me really interested: the possibility to kayak all the way to Mae Hong Son. So I wanted to know if they already had a group which would do the same trip the day after tomorrow, so I could join them (The trip would only run with at least 5 people). Again I was referred to this unfriendly lady. And again, she didn't even let me finish my question. Instead she barked on me: 'I told you there is no kayaking trip today! They are all gone!' When I tried to reply that I was inquiring about the day after tomorrow, she didn't really listen to me but simply said I should come back later. That was enough for me. I am not staying at the Cave Lodge, but in Soppong itself, 9 kms away. And I am very glad for that. I wouldn't want my pennies go to such an unfriendly management.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello to all on the TA. My husband and I travelled in northern Thailand for a month in November and because of Christmas etc I am only now getting around to adding my 'bit' to the wonderful adventure we had. I'm including Cave Lodge in the Chiang Mai forum as it's somewhere people might want to travel to from CM.
We travelled to Soppong in the Mae Hong Son Province via bus and then caught a 'taxi' to Tham Lod about 9ks from Soppong. WOW were we overwhelmed by the warmth, food, environment, helfpulness and the accommodation. The Lodge was built some 30years ago by an Aussie who is married to a gorgeous Thai lady, Nung and over the years John Spies has had some amazing experiences close to the Burmese border which he has documented in a book available at the Lodge. I've read the book twice and my husband who is off camping at the moment has taken it with him to inspire our son to read it. The accommodation is in gorgeous 'bungalows' that reflect a simple beauty, clean and most relaxing. I believe there is also a bungalow for singles to stay in. It is situated high above a river and our room had the best view a 'toilet' could ever have!!!! The food is fantastic and available at any toime of the day--the girls are so helpful and such fun people! You just have to try their coconut shakes!!! The best in Thai8land! I had many a laugh with Pat and Na! There is a huge open sided communal room area where a fire can be set in the middle of the room and this is where you get to eat, read, decide what to do and where to go etc. It is a great spot to chat with others. Now, what can one do?? There is just so much to do. Over thirty years John Spies has mapped over 200 caves with Australian and Thai officials so caving is a fantastic part of the Cave Lodge experience. A local guide is available to take people caving as caving by oneself is not allowed oweing to the fragility of the limestone stalegmites and stalegtites. We went kayaking into a huge cave and then caving with Pat and her husband. These activities also provide some income for these people. We also got to stay overnight in a hill tribe village which is where I learnt lots about how wonderful these people are whgo have been dislocated from home and homeland and mostly live unrecognised, and have no ID card or access to free health and schooling. I could go on!!! Must stop!! We trekked three hours to the village and in the morning went down river by bamboo raft which was a great experience. Overall our time at Cave Lodge was the most moving thing we did as it gave me so much to think about but also we had such fun. Now we are in our 60s and it was most comfortable. Cave Lodge was definately the peak of our experience in northern Thailand in its earthiness, quiet pace, beautiful people, super food and good conversation with like-minded people. Go there! You will love it! http://www.cavelodge.com/aboutus.htm
Glynnis from Australia
We travelled to Soppong in the Mae Hong Son Province via bus and then caught a 'taxi' to Tham Lod about 9ks from Soppong. WOW were we overwhelmed by the warmth, food, environment, helfpulness and the accommodation. The Lodge was built some 30years ago by an Aussie who is married to a gorgeous Thai lady, Nung and over the years John Spies has had some amazing experiences close to the Burmese border which he has documented in a book available at the Lodge. I've read the book twice and my husband who is off camping at the moment has taken it with him to inspire our son to read it. The accommodation is in gorgeous 'bungalows' that reflect a simple beauty, clean and most relaxing. I believe there is also a bungalow for singles to stay in. It is situated high above a river and our room had the best view a 'toilet' could ever have!!!! The food is fantastic and available at any toime of the day--the girls are so helpful and such fun people! You just have to try their coconut shakes!!! The best in Thai8land! I had many a laugh with Pat and Na! There is a huge open sided communal room area where a fire can be set in the middle of the room and this is where you get to eat, read, decide what to do and where to go etc. It is a great spot to chat with others. Now, what can one do?? There is just so much to do. Over thirty years John Spies has mapped over 200 caves with Australian and Thai officials so caving is a fantastic part of the Cave Lodge experience. A local guide is available to take people caving as caving by oneself is not allowed oweing to the fragility of the limestone stalegmites and stalegtites. We went kayaking into a huge cave and then caving with Pat and her husband. These activities also provide some income for these people. We also got to stay overnight in a hill tribe village which is where I learnt lots about how wonderful these people are whgo have been dislocated from home and homeland and mostly live unrecognised, and have no ID card or access to free health and schooling. I could go on!!! Must stop!! We trekked three hours to the village and in the morning went down river by bamboo raft which was a great experience. Overall our time at Cave Lodge was the most moving thing we did as it gave me so much to think about but also we had such fun. Now we are in our 60s and it was most comfortable. Cave Lodge was definately the peak of our experience in northern Thailand in its earthiness, quiet pace, beautiful people, super food and good conversation with like-minded people. Go there! You will love it! http://www.cavelodge.com/aboutus.htm
Glynnis from Australia
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Date of stay: November 2010Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Yashus,you can come here without booking for the dorm beds.
One day tours start from 9.00 AM - 7.00 PM depending on the trips and groups. The cost are start from 750-2,100 baht each.
You can get more information, pictures and book it here.
Thank you,
Jittra
Only very basic toiletries are provided at Cave Lodge.
"Bungalow 5 is the farthest from the main lodge and quietest. There is a bunkhouse for backpackers."Read full review
"There are other accommodation and tour options in the area so you're not limited to Cave Lodge."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$33 - C$37 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
cave hotel pang mapha
LOCATION
ThailandMae Hong Son ProvinceSoppong
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cave Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Cave Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Lod Cave (0.1 km), Ban Jabo (Black Lahu community) (7.8 km), and Luk Khao Lam Viewpoint (6.9 km).
What food & drink options are available at Cave Lodge?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Cave Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nongluk Restaurant, Flying Turtle Cafe, and Dekdoi Coffee at Jabo.