Wat Tham Mangkon Thong

The 'Cave Temple of the Golden Dragon' has long been an attraction because of the 'floating nun' - a mâe chii (Thai Buddhist nun) who meditated while floating on her back in a pool of water. The original nun passed away, but a disciple continues the tradition - sort of. The current floating nun does not meditate but instead she strikes Buddha-like poses based upon traditional mudra (ritual hand movements). Shows do not have a set schedule but instead are timed for the arrival of tour groups.

Most Western visitors prefer to visit the temple cave instead of the swimming antics. A long, steep series of steps with dragon-sculpted handrails leads on up the craggy mountainside behind the main bòt to a complex of limestone caves. Follow the string of light bulbs through the front cave and you'll find a view of the valley and mountains beyond. One section of the cave requires crawling or duck-walking, so wear appropriate clothing and shoes - the cave floor can be slippery.

The temple is 7km south of town and accessible via bicycle or motorbike.