Rating: 3.4/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Open Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Wat Tham Khao Noi is a temple located at Ban Nong Tao Pun, Village No. 7, Kui Nuea Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The temple belongs to the Dhammayut sect and covers an area of approximately 62 rai and 2 ngan. Its surroundings are peaceful and naturally beautiful, with mountains and lush greenery encircling the temple grounds. This setting makes the temple an ideal place for meditation and spiritual retreat for those wishing to escape the busyness of daily life.

 

Wat Tham Khao Noi has a long history. Before it was officially developed into a temple, the site had once been an abandoned temple. Later, in 1937, a wandering forest monk traveled to the area, and the villagers of Nong Tao Pun invited him to stay there during the Buddhist Lent. This led to the revival of the site and the beginning of new religious construction within the cave area. In 1940, a merit-making pavilion was built inside the cave, and the site gradually developed into a temple of importance to the local community.

 

In later years, Wat Tham Khao Noi continued to develop and became a religious center for the community in Kui Nuea Subdistrict. It was officially granted royal Wisungkhamsima status on August 22, 2014, which was an important milestone affirming the temple’s stability and role as a Buddhist religious site in the area.

 

Within Wat Tham Khao Noi are several important monastic buildings and structures used for religious activities and the daily life of monks. One of the main buildings is the sermon hall, a wooden structure measuring approximately 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, built in 1940. This building is used for religious ceremonies, community meetings, and other important temple activities.

 

The temple also has 5 monk residences, built in a half-concrete, half-wood style, serving as living quarters for monks residing at the temple. In addition, there is a large multipurpose pavilion measuring about 18 meters wide and 30 meters long, used for community events, merit-making ceremonies, and other religious functions.

 

Another important building is the prayer hall, which is a large reinforced concrete structure measuring approximately 18 meters wide and 36 meters long. It was built in 1990 and is used for chanting and Buddhist ceremonies. The temple also has a wooden merit-making pavilion used for funeral rites, merit-making events, and important community ceremonies.

 

One of the most significant places within the temple is the shrine of Luang Pho Si Mek, which houses the Buddha image known as Luang Pho Si Mek. This Buddha image is regarded as an important sacred object deeply respected by local residents. Visitors to the temple often come to pay homage to Luang Pho Si Mek and pray for blessings and good fortune in life.

 

Wat Tham Khao Noi also contains valuable antiquities and Buddha images of historical significance, especially ancient Buddha images showing artistic styles from the Lopburi and U-Thong periods. These Buddha images are enshrined inside the cave and serve as important evidence of the spread of Buddhism in earlier times. They also reflect the flourishing art and culture of each historical era.

 

The atmosphere inside the cave is cool, quiet, and peaceful, allowing visitors to feel calm and spiritually refreshed. Inside the cave, several Buddha images are arranged along the cave walls, and visitors can walk through, admire them, and pay respect for auspicious blessings.

 

With its tranquil atmosphere and shaded natural surroundings, Wat Tham Khao Noi is well suited to those who wish to practice meditation, study Buddhist history, or simply find peace of mind. Visitors can spend time exploring the cave, viewing ancient artifacts, and enjoying the still-preserved beauty of nature surrounding the temple grounds.

 

Wat Tham Khao Noi is therefore regarded as one of the most interesting historical and religious attractions in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Those who visit will gain peace of mind, learn about the temple’s history, and leave with a strong impression of its beautiful natural setting.

 

Getting There If traveling from Bangkok, take Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) south toward Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Once reaching Kui Buri District, turn into Kui Nuea Subdistrict and continue toward Ban Nong Tao Pun, Village No. 7. The entrance to Wat Tham Khao Noi is located not far from the community and can be reached conveniently by private car or local public transportation.

 

 

A: The temple is located at Ban Nong Tao Pun, Village No. 7, Kui Nuea Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: Its main highlight is the ancient cave containing Buddha images in Lopburi and U-Thong artistic styles.

 

A: Luang Pho Si Mek is an important Buddha image of the temple, deeply respected by local residents.

 

A: It is suitable for paying respect to Buddha images, studying history, and practicing meditation.

 

A: Yes, visitors can enter the cave and pay respect to the ancient Buddha images inside.