Tham Khuha Banphot

Rating: 3.7/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (call the temple to confirm before you go)

 

Khuha Banphot Cave (Khao Sakae), Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi is a rare cave destination where you can walk through from one end to the other—something you do not come across often in Phetchaburi. The cave’s charm comes from the scale of its interior: a broad chamber that opens up like a natural hall, so the first step inside feels as if you’ve entered a living structure shaped by time. The width of the main chamber makes light and shadow more readable as your eyes adjust to the darkness. Light from the cave mouth and brighter pockets within naturally guide your path, keeping the walk comfortable even for visitors who are not used to exploring caves.

 

What stays with most visitors is the way sacred presence and geology sit side by side. A Buddha image is enshrined within the main chamber, and that immediately changes the atmosphere: this is not only a place to admire stalactites and stalagmites, but also a site of reverence that the local community continues to respect. The hush of the cave softens footsteps and breath on its own, and when you add the shrine area, the visit becomes equally appealing to photographers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to experience Phetchaburi in a deeper way—beyond beaches and cafés.

 

One of the highlights people come to see is the clear water that drips and runs down toward the cave floor (depending on season and humidity). This subtle flow makes parts of the rock surface look glossy and alive. Compared with a dry cave, a damp cave often feels cooler, and the color and texture of the stone tend to stand out more clearly. In late rainy season into early winter, the air is usually more comfortable and details can be easier to appreciate. In any season, however, safety must come first: some sections can be slippery due to moisture and algae, especially where water seeps through.

 

Another signature feature is a formation many visitors interpret as a “white elephant.” This is a natural shape created by the cave’s limestone formations, but caves like this often invite story-based viewing: the mind connects shapes into familiar symbols that are easy to remember. In a temple-cave setting where people already approach the space with respect, the white-elephant likeness is easily carried forward as a sign of auspiciousness. It also gives the walk a clearer sense of direction, turning the visit into a sequence of observation points rather than simply passing through.

 

From a geological perspective, many caves in Phetchaburi form within limestone hills through long-term dissolution by rainwater and groundwater. The fact that Khuha Banphot Cave is pass-through suggests a connected internal corridor rather than a single dead-end chamber. That connection creates a changing rhythm as you walk: wide to narrow, dark to brighter pockets, and back again. It also opens up more variety for photography, especially silhouettes near the cave mouth, light falling across textured rock, and wide-angle views of the main chamber.

 

The cave lies within Wat Khuha Banphot (Khao Sakae), Nong Chumphon Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi. The surrounding area is rural, yet access from Phetkasem Road is straightforward. This makes the site practical for a one-day trip or as a stop along a north–south drive, since the detour from the main highway is short and you can continue on to well-known Khao Yoi attractions and Phetchaburi town without difficulty.

 

A good way to enjoy the cave is to allow time for your eyes to adjust. Do not rush deep inside immediately. Stand near the entrance where natural light still reaches for a moment, then walk slowly, watching for uneven ground, damp patches, and standout formations. If you come as a group, keep some spacing in narrower sections. A slow pace and a little distance reduce the risk of slips and also preserve the calm atmosphere that makes this place special.

 

Dress should follow two principles: respectful and practical. This is a temple area, and you will be walking on real cave ground. Shoes with good grip are strongly recommended; avoid flat soles. A small flashlight (or your phone light) is useful for darker sections, but avoid shining harsh light at other visitors or directly toward the worship area. If you bring children or elderly family members, offer support on uneven stretches and stay within the safer sections instead of forcing entry into tight or very damp corners.

 

Morning is generally the best time for visitors who want photographs, since the light is softer and temperatures are more comfortable. If you visit in the afternoon, bring drinking water and take breaks as needed. The most rewarding way to explore is not to walk fast, but to read the details: rock texture, natural shapes, and how the worship space is arranged inside the cave. That combination is what makes Khuha Banphot feel different from a cave that is purely a scenic stop.

 

Getting There If you drive from Bangkok or from Phetchaburi town, take Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) toward Khao Yoi District. When you reach the Nong Chumphon area, turn onto local roads by following signs or asking residents for directions. The route is generally easy, and regular passenger cars can access the area. Local information commonly describes the distance from Phetkasem Road to the cave/temple area as about 3 km, making it a convenient stop without a long detour. You can also plan onward travel to other Khao Yoi cave/temple sites and major attractions in Phetchaburi in the same trip.

 

For travelers without a private car, a workable approach is to reach Khao Yoi or the Phetkasem Road area first, then use local hired transport (such as motorbike taxis or local vehicles when available). Tell the driver your destination as “Wat Khuha Banphot (Khao Sakae), Nong Chumphon Subdistrict.” Public transport in rural areas may be less frequent than in cities, so visiting with your own vehicle or as a group is usually more practical.

 

What makes Khuha Banphot ideal for meaningful travel content is that it naturally supports two layers of storytelling at once: the nature layer (the cave corridor, the wide chamber, the dripping water, and distinctive limestone forms) and the community layer (the temple grounds, local reverence, and the cave as a lived sacred space). If you write or photograph with respect and safety in mind, the result feels authentic and reliable—and it helps readers discover Phetchaburi beyond only the most famous stops.

 

 

A: It is within Wat Khuha Banphot (Khao Sakae), 41 Moo 4, Nong Chumphon Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi.

 

A: The cave can be walked through from one end to the other, features a wide main chamber, has a Buddha image enshrined inside, includes seasonal dripping water, and has distinctive limestone formations often described as a white-elephant-like shape.

 

A: The route is generally easy to drive, and local guidance commonly describes it as about 3 km from Phetkasem Road to the temple/cave area.

 

A: Wear shoes with good grip, bring a small flashlight or phone light, walk slowly, and be careful on damp or uneven sections—especially after rain.

 

A: Yes, if you stay within safer sections, walk slowly, offer support on uneven ground, and avoid tight or very damp areas.

 

A: Contact Wat Khuha Banphot (Khao Sakae) at 093-609-5096.