Tucked into the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, Ice Cream Cave is a hidden gem often included in James Bond Island canoeing tours. The cave gets its name from the smooth, melting-like texture of the stalactites hanging from its ceiling, resembling scoops of ice cream frozen in mid-drip.
How to access Ice Cream Cave?
Access is only by canoe, guided by local paddlers as part of a tour. Boats remain anchored outside the limestone karst, and canoes navigate through a narrow opening into the cave. Entry may be affected by tide levels, especially during very high or low tides.
Things to know before visiting Ice Cream Cave
The cave is filled with smooth, bulbous stalactites that resemble scoops of melting ice cream. Their glossy, dripping shapes make this one of the most unusual limestone features in the bay.
You reach the cave through a narrow sea-level crack in the cliffs, small enough that only inflatable canoes can fit. The entrance feels hidden, heightening the sense of discovery.
Inside, the temperature drops noticeably, offering a break from the sun. The echoing chamber is calm and quiet, lit only by the soft reflections off the water and rock.
The cave is one of several stops along a guided canoe circuit that also explores sea tunnels and coastal cliffs. It’s not a standalone destination. It flows naturally into a larger cave-and-lagoon experience.
Not all tours include the Ice Cream Cave, and its inclusion depends on tidal conditions. That makes each visit feel more intimate and uncrowded, often with just a few canoes entering at a time.
Though the stop lasts only a few minutes, the surreal texture of the cave walls and the cool, echoey silence leave a strong impression—something very different from the open islands and lagoons.
How Ice Cream Cave was formed
Over millions of years, rainwater mixed with carbon dioxide seeped through the limestone cliffs, slowly dissolving the rock and creating hollow chambers inside. As mineral-rich water dripped from the cave ceiling, it left behind deposits that built up into stalactites — long, pointed formations that hang like frozen drips. What sets this cave apart is the shape and texture of its stalactites. Instead of sharp or jagged edges, the formations are smooth and rounded, resembling soft scoops of melting ice cream.
This effect is caused by consistent water flow and high humidity inside the cave, which smooths out sharp edges and creates a glossy surface. The cave is tucked into a vertical cliff face near Panak Island and sits just above sea level. Its entrance is only wide enough for small inflatable canoes, adding to the sense of discovery. Inside, the floor floods at high tide, making it accessible only during specific tidal windows.
The cave is only accessible by inflatable canoe. Boats anchor nearby, and local guides paddle you through a narrow opening at sea level into the cave.
No, Ice Cream Cave itself is not within a designated national park, so there are no separate entry or conservation fees required for visiting the cave.
The cave is known for its distinctive stalactites—smooth, rounded, and glossy formations that resemble melting ice cream. It’s a short but visually unique stop.
No, the cave is only experienced by canoe. There’s no walking route or dry ground inside, and guests remain seated throughout the visit.
Yes, but guests must be able to sit low in a canoe and step down from the main boat. It may not be ideal for those with mobility limitations.
The stop inside Ice Cream Cave is brief—typically just a few minutes—before continuing to the next paddling site as part of the guided canoe route.
Quick-dry clothes, water shoes or sandals, and a waterproof phone pouch are recommended. Large bags should be left on the main boat.
By Big Boat: James Bond Island, Hong Island & Phang Nga Bay Canoeing Tour from Phuket
