Exploring the Depths: 

My recent diving expedition to Kanchanaburi, Thailand, was an exhilarating four-day journey that combined the thrill of mine diving and the mystery of cave diving. Over the course of those days, I had the privilege of diving under the expert guidance of Por Parasu Komaradat—a name synonymous with cave diving in Thailand and part of the legendary team involved in the dramatic rescue of the 13 boys from Tham Luang Cave. It was not only an incredible learning experience but also a personal dive masterclass.

Schedule

Each day started early. By 8 AM, the team and I were awake, planning out our dives for the day, sketching dive maps, discussing safety protocols, and reviewing our gear until around 1 PM. The anticipation and careful planning added to the excitement, particularly because of the unique underwater environments we were preparing to enter.

Mine Diving in Kanchnaburi

Our first stop was the old lead mines, now flooded and transformed into a diver’s playground. I spent three days exploring these deep, clear waters. The visibility was stunning, with the water an otherworldly shade of blue. The sensation of swimming through these mines, which were once operational industrial sites, felt surreal. The contrast between the industrial history of the mines and the serenity of the underwater environment created a diving experience that was both peaceful and eerie.

As we navigated through the tunnels and shafts, I couldn’t help but admire the geological formations that had been shaped by years of mining and subsequent flooding. Diving here is not for the faint of heart—depth, enclosed spaces, and occasional silt-outs add complexity. The thrill comes from the feeling of exploring something that remains largely undiscovered, and the mines offer plenty of nooks, crannies, and shafts waiting to be explored.

Cave Diving in Pha Phum Cave

After three days in the mines, I switched gears and spent one days diving in the Pha Phum Cave system. Cave diving has always been close to my heart, and Pha Phum did not disappoint. This site is filled with narrow passages and larger chambers, and diving here demands precise buoyancy control and navigation.

One of the highlights of this part of the trip was the guidance of Por Parasu, whose knowledge and experience are invaluable in such intricate environments. Under his mentorship, I honed my cave diving techniques, and having him as my instructor was a privilege. He shared not just technical skills but his stories from the now-famous Tham Luang rescue, making every dive feel more meaningful. Por also taught me his secret techniques for laying lines, cave mapping, and surveying, as well as the critical skill of preparing external tie-off points in a cave system with limited areas to secure lines. These insights made navigating the cave’s complexities feel not only safer but much more efficient.

The cave’s beauty lay not just in its complexity but in its untouched feel. There’s a stillness in the water that you don’t often experience, making each breath, each fin stroke, more deliberate and mindful. It’s a place that commands respect and focus. As I moved through the narrow passages and vast chambers, the tune to *Hallelujah* played in my head, adding a haunting yet peaceful rhythm to the dive, perfectly in sync with the serene, otherworldly atmosphere of the cave.

Takeaway

Diving in Kanchanaburi offers a unique blend of mine and cave diving—both equally rewarding yet vastly different in challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned technical diver or someone looking to push their boundaries, these sites are a must-experience. For me, this trip was a perfect fusion of exploration, learning, and adventure. It reaffirmed why I love technical diving—there’s always something new to discover, and each dive brings its own set of surprises.

If you ever find yourself in Thailand and you’re looking for a diving adventure off the beaten path, head to Kanchanaburi. Between the deep, clear mines and the mysterious Pha Phum caves, there’s plenty of underwater wonders to be explored