Tree cavities are important components in forest ecosystems, as they can provide habitats for roosting, nesting, breeding, or shelters for many animals. Thus, cavity density and characteristics have been generally considered as limiting factors for cavity-dependent fauna. However, limited studies on tree cavity density and characteristics have been conducted in the tropics to date. In this study, we aimed to analyze cavity density and characteristics (height, size, type, and orientation) in tropical forests and determine potential differences across different forest types. A ground-based observation was conducted in 20 hm² forest dynamic plots of tropical seasonal rain and montane evergreen broad-leaved forests in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. We found that the cavity densities did not differ between the two forests. Most of the cavities in the two forests occurred at a lower height from the ground, with a narrower entrance diameter, and were located in the main trunk. In addition, the orientation of cavity entrances was mainly toward the northeast, which was influenced by the prevailing wind. In contrast to similar cavity sizes between the two forest types, the height, type, and orientation of cavities were significantly different (P < 0.01). Together, these results indicate that cavity characteristics were influenced by forest types, and highlighted the importance of forest heterogeneity in providing resources for cavity-dependent fauna.