Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave

Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and is considered a major landmark of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The cave is located within the national park, about 17 kilometers north of the park headquarters, and about 430 meters from Laem Sala Beach along the uphill walking trail. The highlight of this cave is its magnificent large chamber with a natural skylight that allows sunlight to shine beautifully into the cave, along with the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, which has become an important symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province today.

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave is situated in the limestone mountains of the Sam Roi Yot range, a landscape that is one of the defining natural features of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. These limestone mountains were formed through long geological processes, creating many natural caves in the area. Among them, Phraya Nakhon Cave is regarded as one of the largest and most strikingly beautiful caves in the region.

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave is a large cave with a high ceiling. Inside, there is a massive opening in the roof that allows sunlight from outside to reach the cave floor. This natural light gives the interior a bright and beautiful atmosphere, unlike many other caves that are usually completely dark.

 

When sunlight shines onto the cave floor, the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion inside the cave becomes especially prominent and beautiful. The image of the pavilion illuminated by natural light has become an iconic image of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and one of Thailand’s best-known tourist photographs.

 

According to historical accounts, during the reign of King Rama I, Phraya Nakhon, the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was sailing past the Sam Roi Yot area when a great storm prevented him from continuing his journey. He had to anchor and shelter at the nearby beach for several days. During that time, he created a freshwater well for drinking water, which became known as “Bo Phraya Nakhon,” or “Phraya Nakhon Well,” and the cave later came to be known as “Phraya Nakhon Cave” after him.

 

Inside Phraya Nakhon Cave stands an important structure known as the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, a four-gabled royal pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V. King Chulalongkorn visited the cave on June 20, 1890, and ordered the construction of the pavilion inside the cave to commemorate his royal visit.

 

The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion was designed by His Royal Highness Prince Khachon Charatsawong. It was first constructed in Bangkok and then transported in parts to be assembled inside the cave, under the supervision of Phraya Chonlayutthayothin. King Chulalongkorn personally presided over the raising of the chofa, or finial, on the pavilion.

 

On the rock wall to the right of the pavilion, visitors can still see the royal monograms of King Rama V and King Rama VII, painted in large white letters. These serve as important evidence of the cave’s connection to Thai monarchs in the past.

 

Traveling to Phraya Nakhon Cave involves several stages. Visitors usually begin at Bang Pu Village, which is near Wat Bang Pu. From Bang Pu Beach, it is possible to take a boat to Laem Sala Beach, or alternatively to walk over the hill to Laem Sala Beach.

 

Once at Laem Sala Beach, visitors must hike uphill for about 430 meters to reach the entrance of Phraya Nakhon Cave. The final section of the route is fairly steep, so travelers should be physically prepared and wear proper footwear for hiking.

 

The best time to visit Phraya Nakhon Cave is from early morning to late morning, because this is when sunlight shines through the cave opening onto the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion most beautifully, creating the cave’s most distinctive and memorable view.

 

Phraya Nakhon Cave is therefore a destination that combines natural beauty and historical significance in one place. Visitors to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province often make a point of coming here to admire its beauty, as it is one of the most famous tourist attractions on Thailand’s Gulf coast.
 

A: Phraya Nakhon Cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

 

A: The highlight is the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion inside the cave and the beautiful natural sunlight that shines through the cave opening.

 

A: From Laem Sala Beach, visitors need to hike uphill for about 430 meters to reach Phraya Nakhon Cave.

 

A: Early morning to late morning is the best time, because sunlight will shine through the cave opening onto the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion most beautifully.

 

A: Phraya Nakhon Cave is about 60 kilometers from Hua Hin town and can be reached by car to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.