Viking Cave (Phi Phi Islands) FAQs In 2024

10 FAQS on Viking Cave

What is the Viking Cave?

Viking Cave, known locally as Tham Phaya Nak, is a notable cave on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh Island, part of the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. It is famous for its impressive limestone structure, prehistoric paintings, and its role in the harvesting of swiftlet nests, which are used in making bird's nest soup.

Tourists can visit Viking Cave by booking a boat tour from Phi Phi Don or other nearby islands. These tours typically include trips around various attractions of the Phi Phi Islands, including Viking Cave. However, entering the cave is usually not permitted to protect the swiftlet nests.

The cave is called Viking Cave because of the ancient drawings found inside that resemble Viking ships. These drawings lead to speculation that ancient seafarers, possibly resembling Vikings, might have visited the cave many years ago.

Yes, tourists can often swim in the waters around Viking Cave when the conditions are safe, and it's included in the tour itinerary. The surrounding waters are crystal clear and offer a chance to see a variety of marine life.

The swiftlet nests found in Viking Cave are of high economic value because they are the primary ingredient for bird's nest soup, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The nests are harvested under controlled conditions to maintain the swiftlet population. Due to the value and fragility of this industry, access inside the cave is typically restricted.

There is no specific entry fee for Viking Cave itself since tourists generally do not disembark from their boats. However, tourists should expect to pay for the boat tours that include sightseeing around Viking Cave among other attractions in the Phi Phi Islands.

The best time to visit Viking Cave is during the dry season, from November to April, when the sea is calm, and the weather is suitable for boat tours. During the monsoon season, the seas can be rough, and some tours may be canceled for safety reasons.

Safety concerns for tourists visiting Viking Cave include potential rough seas during the monsoon season and restrictions on entering the cave which must be respected. It is always advisable to check weather conditions and heed the advice of local authorities and tour operators.

Tourists do not need to bring any special equipment for a Viking Cave tour, but it is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water for sun protection and hydration. If they plan to swim, appropriate swimwear, a towel, and snorkeling gear can enhance the experience.

A typical Viking Cave tour is usually part of a larger itinerary covering several points of interest around the Phi Phi Islands and can last from a few hours up to a full day, depending on the tour package selected.

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10 FAQS on Viking Cave

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