Viking Cave, or Tham Phaya Nak in Thai, is located on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh Island, part of the Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea, Thailand. This famous cave is renowned for its historical wall paintings that resemble ancient Viking ships, hence the name 'Viking Cave'. The origins of the paintings remain a mystery, but they are speculated to be drawn by seafaring pirates or fishermen taking refuge in the cave many years ago. The cave is also known for its edible swiftlet nests, which are harvested to make bird's nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The nests are built by swiftlets using their saliva, and the harvesting process is a dangerous and skilled job traditionally done by climbing on bamboo scaffolding. As a natural habitat for birds and with crystal-clear waters surrounding it, Viking Cave is part of a larger marine ecosystem that is often explored by snorkelers and divers looking to witness the vibrant marine life. Access to the inside of the cave is restricted to preserve its fragile environment, but boat tours regularly stop by, allowing tourists to view the cave from the water.
