The Photography of Dr. Jeff Harper

Just exploring the Thai countryside while my wife plays golf . . .

Not too far from my home in Bangkok (Pakkret).

I've been using Google Maps to find points of interest in the Thai countryside.  Lately I have been punching in the word cave and have "discovered" many interesting places.  Khao Bin Cave.

I went to the ticket booth to get a ticket and was told the cave was closed because they were filming a movie in it right now.  I managed to talk them into letting me in with a guide so I would stay away from the filming crew.  Thanks.  And we went in.

Right away I knew I had made a good decision!  But the first thing I noticed was how oppressively hot and humid it was in the cave!  Although it was mid-90s (f) and 50% humidity outside in Thailand at the time, it was MUCH hotter and more humid inside.  I would guess 110f and humidity above 90% . . . an incredible heat index!  Fortunately I had a big water bottle.  The guide said, "Walk slow. Drink water."

This cave was one of the most interesting I have been in since Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, USA.

What sets this cave apart from the others, for me, is the amazing variety of formations.

A nicely maintained path leads through the cave.  It is about a kilometer to the exit at the far end.

This big flowing stalactite with green moss was fantastic.  I assume the heat and high humidity, along with the cave lighting supported just the right conditions for this life to thrive here.

A good walk taken.

They weren't actually filming a movie . . . just setting up the lighting.

Such an interesting, and well-lit cave. Great photos at every turn in challenging low light photographic conditions (hand held).

I have been in many caves in Thailand and all of them have had large Buddha statuary and altars . . . except this one.  This is the only votive, reverential altar in the entire cave.

Stalactites galore!

Stalactites galore!

I have never seen this kind of stalactite in any other cave in my life.

A constant walk of amazement.

There were large rooms and narrower passages, each with their own unique mix of fascinating formations.

After 45 minutes of slowly walking through this fantastic place . . . in high heat and humidity . . . we neared the exit.  I drank a whole bottle of water before I entered and a whole bottle of water while in the cave . . . and had completely soaked my clothing all the way through with sweat.

I felt the "cool" outside air before I saw the exit stairs.  I say cool, but it was 96f outside . . . such a difference to the inside sweltering, and somewhat dangerous, air inside the cave.

As my guide (who didn't want to be photographed) and I left the cave, a highly tattooed movie production technician was reentering the cave after stepping out to "cool off.