Phum Cave

THAILAND, Chiang Rai, Mae Sai

This cave lies 12 km south of Mae Sai, Chiang Rai. It was originally a natural cave created by water erosion and was subsequently enlarged and sculpted. According to local legend, Sakyamuni Buddha and three Buddhas of the past have all visited this cave. Furthermore, it is believed that the future Buddha, Maitreya, will also visit this cave. The belief that all of the visiting Buddhas drank the water from the pond in the cave represents the long tradition of the transmission of the Dharma in this area.
A staircase with a handrail sculpted in the shape of a naga is found at the front of the entrance to the cave. It leads to a platform paved with ceramic tiles. The facade of the entrance is carved in a unique stupa-like shape, with a narrow pointed top curving down to a wide opening at the bottom. Images of Buddhas and disciples are depicted inside the cave. Several natural cavities, located at the rear of the cave, house two seated Buddhas and one reclining Buddha. An additional meandering corridor leads to a shrine featuring a group of Buddha images.