Wat Tham Phon Sawan

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00

 

Wat Tham Phon Sawan is a peaceful cave temple in Lam Phayon Subdistrict, Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan Province. It is a suitable destination for travelers who enjoy Buddhist temples, quiet cave scenery, and local cultural attractions away from the busy city center. The main highlight is Tham Phon Sawan Cave, which is divided into 2 sections: a smaller chamber and a larger chamber filled with Buddha images and religious structures. Inside the cave, visitors will find a simulated waterfall, a pond in the middle of the cave, concrete flooring, electric lighting, and a cool atmosphere that makes the visit comfortable.

 

The temple is located about 105 km from Nakhon Sawan city and around 10 km from Tak Fa District Office. It can be reached via Highway No. 1 on the Tak Fa–Khok Samrong route, around kilometer marker 224, where the temple is on the left-hand side. Traveling by private car is the most practical option, especially for visitors who want to combine the temple with nearby attractions in Tak Fa District.

 

The history of Wat Tham Phon Sawan is closely connected with the transformation of a once-wild cave area into a Buddhist temple and conservation-style attraction. In 1964, Phra Khru Nimit Sitthikan, also known as Luang Pho Pao Khemakamo, came to stay in the area. Local Buddhists later helped improve both the cave and the surrounding temple grounds by building a water source, cave stairs, monks’ residences, an ordination hall, and pavilions. Over time, the site became a respected spiritual place for the local community.

 

Inside Tham Phon Sawan Cave, the first chamber offers a calm and intimate atmosphere, while the second and larger chamber contains many Buddha images and religious features. The pond and simulated waterfall in the middle of the cave add a refreshing visual element. The cave is known for its cool and quiet atmosphere, and it does not have bats living inside, making it more comfortable for general visitors, families, and travelers who may be new to cave temples.

 

Another important feature is the Buddha footprint known as Phra Phutthabat Kueak Kaeo near the cave entrance. Many visitors stop here to pay respect before or after entering the cave. The temple is also associated with Luang Pho Pao Khemakamo, whose preserved body is enshrined at the site and remains an object of devotion for local people and Buddhist visitors.

 

Getting There from Nakhon Sawan city, take the Asian Highway toward Chai Nat, then connect to Highway No. 1 toward Tak Fa and Khok Samrong. Continue to the area around kilometer marker 224. The temple is located on the left-hand side. From Tak Fa District Office, the distance is around 10 km. A private car or hired vehicle is recommended for easier access.

 

 

A: Wat Tham Phon Sawan is located in Lam Phayon Subdistrict, Tak Fa District, Nakhon Sawan Province, along Highway No. 1 near kilometer marker 224.

 

A: The temple is known for its cave, Buddha images, cave pond, simulated waterfall, Buddha footprint, and the preserved body of Luang Pho Pao Khemakamo.

 

A: No. Admission to Wat Tham Phon Sawan is free.

 

A: The easiest way is by private car via Highway No. 1 on the Tak Fa–Khok Samrong route. The temple is about 10 km from Tak Fa District Office.

 

A: Yes. The cave has concrete flooring, electric lighting, water supply, and a cool atmosphere, making it suitable for general visitors.

 

A: It is suitable for Buddhist travelers, cave-temple enthusiasts, families, and visitors looking for a quiet spiritual attraction in Nakhon Sawan.