Viking Cave
Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Thailand, 81000
So-called because of the drawings of ships found on its walls, Viking Cave is nestled inside a limestone cliff on Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand. Hundreds of swiftlets make their nests here from saliva—these are then harvested for the outrageously expensive bird’s nest soup, an Asian delicacy.
The basics
Most Phi Phi island-hopping tours stop briefly at Viking Cave to explain its history and how locals harvest the swifts’ nests. These excursions also tend to visit Pileh Lagoon, whose emerald green waters harbor a rainbow-colored variety of marine life; Monkey Beach, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques; and Maya Beach, which you might recognize from the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. If you’re short on time, speedboat tours help you cover more sights in less time.
Things to know before you go
Local laws prevent going inside the cave; you can only admire its entrance from the outside.
You don’t need more than 5–10 minutes at Viking Cave.
Make sure you wear a sunhat and strong, reef-friendly sun protection on tours of the Phi Phi Islands. The sea breeze can trick you into thinking you’re not getting sunburnt.
How to get there
The only way to reach Viking Cave is by boat. Speedboats and long-tail boats depart from Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don, the biggest Phi Phi Island. While you can charter a private boat, the easiest and most economical way to visit is on an island-hopping tour, since you don’t need to spend long here.
When to get there
The harvesting of nests begins in February, when you’ll likely see locals deftly navigating fragile bamboo structures to collect the valuable delicacy. Because you only need 10 minutes here, visit at any time of day. The best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands is during the dry season from November to April.
Where to see monkeys on the Phi Phi Islands
Just a few minutes from Viking Cave, you’ll find Monkey Beach, a powder-white stretch of sand inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed macaques. The beach is also one of the top snorkeling spots in the Phi Phi archipelago; you can see tropical fish and sometimes sea turtles near its shore. Don’t take food or drink onto the island or look the monkeys in the eye, as they can interpret this as aggression.
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