More caves have been reported in the eight northern provinces of Thailand - Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan and Phrae - than in any other region. The most extensively surveyed area is Pang Ma Pha district in Mae Hong Son province where 176 caves have been recorded. As a result of expeditions by the French many new endemic troglobitic species have been discovered. Accounts by early European travellers such as Carl Bock have also provided useful information. Nevertheless many caves remain to be unexplored. Thus the 100 caves selected for this book are only a small percentage of the 2,000 or so caves in Northern Thailand. They include many of the most spectacular wild caves, the famous temple caves and archaeological sites. The book covers all aspects of caves including their geology, environment, archaeology, temples and folklore as well as giving tips on their safe exploration and photography.