Phraya Nakhon Cave

The magnificent Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of Thailand's most mysterious and fascinating sights, but only a handful of visitors get the chance to photograph it. The reason is simple because it is hidden inside a cave that is difficult to access and only a few dedicated visitors make the effort to get here. But when they reach this cave, they will admire a beautiful view, which looks like an Indiana Jones movie.

Phraya Nakhon Cave is located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, a 45-minute drive south of Hua Hin. The first step to getting to the cave is to drive to the small village of Bang Pu which is next to the beach and from there decide if you want to rent a boat to take you around the headland to Laem Sala beach or walk 30 minutes up on the hill leading to the same Laem Sala beach. As the boat ride costs only 150 to 200 baht per person and since you will still have to climb 430 meters with steep and uneven steps, we recommend saving your energy and taking this short trip to the cave . You can also combine boat trips to visit Monkey Island cave.

Once you've reached the beach, you'll notice a large rustic restaurant where you can dine on the way back. You will have to pay the entrance fee to the National Park 200 baht and a guide can be assigned to you as you can't seem to get there without someone accompanying you, and don't be surprised if the direction Your tour guide might just be a 9 year old girl. After that, you will have to climb over 430m long rugged stone steps to reach the cave.

Near the top, the path gradually loosens then begins to descend to the first cave, where you can see sunlight pouring down generously from the open ceiling of the cave. This cave looks very beautiful with a natural stone bridge called 'hell bridge'.

Phraya Nakhon Cave consists of two chambers. The ceilings of both rooms are open allowing the sun's rays to penetrate inside, illuminating the stalactites giving it a mystical look. The atmosphere inside the cave is very quiet and peaceful, especially when there are not many people around. Upon entering the cave, the first void has an information board with a map showing the layout of the cave and the attractions contained within.

The first thing you will see when entering the cave is a dry waterfall in the first part. Here, you can also see stalagmites and stalactites. When the roof of the second cave opens, rain and sun shine into the cave, creating conditions for bushes and trees to grow there.

Phraya Nakhon Cave is best known with Pavillion Kuha Karuhas in the main chamber. This structure was built in the late 19th century for the visit of King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V). Later, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and the current King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) also visited the cave.

The main room has the signatures of both King Rama V and King Rama VII on the wall. The best view of Kuha Karuhas can be had in the early morning, when most of the sunlight hits the cave through the open ceiling. The provincial seal of Prachuap Khiri Khan has the image of PavillKuha Karuhas.

Opening hours: 08:00 - 16:00

Fare:

Entrance ticket to Khao Sam Roy Yot Nature Reserve: 200 Bath/pax

Boat ticket from Bang Pu village to Laem Sala beach: 150 Bath/pax/round trip. Ticket prices may vary depending on the number of passengers on board.