Have you heard of Phraya Nakhon Cave? If not, then you are in for a treat! Phraya Nakhon Cave, located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand, is known for its 19th-century Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, also known as the “Royal Pavilion.”
The cave’s unique feature is the breathtaking view of the pavilion surrounded by the cave’s natural beauty and illuminated by natural sunlight streaming through a hole in the cave’s ceiling.
Sounds magical right? It really is one of the most unique cultural and historical experiences in Thailand. Get ready for a tough, but rewarding hike to witness one of Thailand’s most spectacular caves.
Let’s get to answering any question you may have about Phraya Nakhon Cave – A Real Unseen Thailand.
Where is Phraya Nakhon Cave Located?
As mentioned above, Phraya Nakhon Cave is located in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which is in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province of Thailand. The national park is situated approximately 45 kilometers south of Hua Hin, a popular beach resort town in Thailand.
For all the information you will need for your Thailand Holiday, we’ve got you covered.
Getting to Phraya Nakhon Cave From Hua Hin?
There are a few options for getting to Phraya Nakhon Cave from Hua Hin:
By Car or Taxi: The most convenient way is to hire a taxi or rent a car. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
By Tour: Many tour operators in Hua Hin offer day trips to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, including visits to Phraya Nakhon Cave. You can join one of these tours for a hassle-free experience.
By Public Transportation: Take a public minibus or songthaew (shared pickup truck) from Hua Hin to the town of Bang Pu. From Bang Pu, you may need to arrange additional transportation, such as a taxi or motorbike, to reach the national park entrance.
By Train: Alternatively, you can take a train from Hua Hin to the nearby Phetchaburi Railway Station. From there, you’ll need to arrange transportation to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Rent a Scooter: Many places in Hua Hin will have signs outside stating that they rent scooters/bikes. This was the option we chose as we wanted to explore Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park along the way. It was cost-effective and convenient for us.
What is the Significance and History of the Phraya Nakhon Cave?
The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion inside Phraya Nakhon Cave has a historical connection to the reign of King Rama IV (King Mongkut) in the 19th century. Here is a brief history behind the pavilion:
Construction During King Rama IV’s Reign (1851-1868): King Rama IV visited the cave in 1868 during his reign and was impressed by the natural beauty of the site. In recognition of the visit and to create a lasting monument, he ordered the construction of the pavilion.
Architectural Significance: The pavilion, known as Kuha Karuhas, was built entirely within the cave, making it a unique architectural marvel.
Spiritual and Royal Significance: The pavilion holds both spiritual and royal significance. It is considered a place of tranquillity and spirituality, and the fact that it was commissioned by a Thai monarch adds to its cultural importance.
Iconic Symbol of Phraya Nakhon Cave: The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion has become an iconic symbol of Phraya Nakhon Cave and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Thailand. Its unique location within the cave, bathed in natural light, creates a surreal and captivating scene.
Is There an Entrance Fee to Visit Phraya Nakhon Cave?
The entrance fee to the national park is 200 THB per person. For a Thai person, the fee is 40 THB, quite a big difference between prices here.
If you opt to take the boat, the fee is another 200 THB per person for a round trip.
There is an option to walk one way and get a boat back, however, you are still required to pay the full price of 200 THB per person for the boat ticket.
What is the Best Time to Visit Phraya Nakhon Cave?
It’s advisable to arrive at the cave early to avoid crowds and to fully experience the mesmerizing play of light.
Ideally, try to plan your visit between 10 AM and 11 AM. The view is magnificent between this time because it’s the only time when the sun will shine upon the temple perfectly.
Additionally, visiting during the dry season (from November to March) is recommended, as the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities, and the risk of heavy rainfall that might affect your visit is lower.
Click on the link for more detailed information about Thailand’s weather and when best to plan your Thailand trip.
How Long Does it Take to Get to and Explore the Cave?
You have arrived at the park entrance, now let’s find your best route to the cave.
At this point, you have two options to get to the cave. You can either walk all the way from Bang Pu beach which takes 45 minutes. This is a relatively easy and stunning coastal walk through the National Park with lots of viewpoints along the way until you reach Laem Sala Beach.
Look out for the monkeys along the coastal walk. They will allow you to get quite close but beware if you have any food on you as they may go for it.
Alternatively, you can catch a boat from Bang Pu Beach to Laem Sala Beach and begin the walk up from there. This is where the real hike begins!
The availability of boat services to reach Laem Sala Beach may depend on various factors including weather conditions, demand, and operational schedules set by local boat operators. It is a good idea to inquire about the operating hours and availability in advance of your visit.
From Laem Sala Beach, it will take a further 30-45 minutes hike to get to the cave, depending on your fitness level. This part of the hike is only 430M, but the combination of heat and steep limestone trail makes it more of a challenge.
The trail takes 1.5 hours to return if you’re taking the small speedboat to the middle of the trail (Laem Sala Beach), otherwise at least 3 hours is needed if you choose to walk from Bang Pu Beach yourself.
Is the Climb to Phraya Nakhon Cave Challenging?
The hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave is a moderately challenging, particularly, in the warm and humid climate of Thailand. In saying that, it was 100% worth it!
After the hike back, that dip in the sea at Laem Sala Beach will be waiting for you and will feel better than ever!
Get A Free Quote – World Nomads Travel Insurance
Let’s take a look at what exactly the hike entails:
Trailhead: The journey typically begins from the Laem Sala Beach area within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. You may reach this point by boat or by walking from the nearby Bang Pu village.
Initial Trail: The initial part of the trail is a relatively flat and well-marked path through the lush greenery of the national park.
Ascent: As you approach the cave, the trail becomes steeper, leading you uphill. The ascent includes a series of stairs and a moderately challenging climb.
Arrival at the Cave Entrance: Upon reaching the cave entrance, you will be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion bathed in natural light. This is the moment you forget about the last 45 minutes of hardship!
Return Hike: After spending time inside the cave, you will follow the same trail back to the starting point. Descending can be a bit easier, but it’s essential to watch your step, especially on the steeper sections.
The overall hike from Laem Sala Beach takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and fitness level.
We witnessed people of all ages take on this hike, take your time and bring plenty of water and you will be fine.
Are There Guided Tours Available for Phraya Nakhon Cave?
Joining a guided tour can be a convenient option, as it takes care of transportation logistics and ensures that you have a knowledgeable guide to provide information about the cave and its surroundings.
Another option, is to check with your accommodation in Hua Hin to inquire about available tours to Phraya Nakhon Cave.
What Should I Wear and Bring When Visiting Phraya Nakhon Cave?
- Prepare yourself with PLENTY of water, we recommend 2 litres per person. You will thank us. We witnessed many people take on this trek without bringing water with them and needless to say they did not get to experience this wonderful sight, having to turn back instead.
- You can’t go wrong by bringing some yummy snacks along the way to keep that energy (and motivation) up.
- We advise to wear comfortable walking shoes. There will be a steep limestone trail, which can sometimes be slippery. We wore runners and these were fine. Basically, just don’t wear flip flops!
- Considering the tropical climate, it’s advisable to wear sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, to shield yourself from the sun during the hike.
- For women, considering bringing a light shawl with you. While a shawl may not be mandatory, it can be used to cover your shoulders as a form of respect when entering places of religious or cultural significance.
- For men, we know it was a hot, sweaty hike but make sure to put that t-shirt back on before entering the cave.
- A fully charged phone/camera to take some of the most picturesque photos you will ever have taken.
- Finally, be sure to bring your sense of adventure!
Can I Take Photographs Inside Phraya Nakhon Cave?
Absolutely. The unique beauty of Phraya Nakhon Cave is a photographer’s paradise.
Keep in mind that lighting conditions inside the cave may vary, so you may want to bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or consider using a flash or other lighting equipment.
Is There Accommodation Near Phraya Nakhon Cave for an Overnight Stay?
Your best option for accommodation is Hua Hin, which is approximately 45 kilometers away from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Hua Hin is a popular beach resort town with a variety of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.
Are There Any Restrictions or Rules for Visitors at Phraya Nakhon Cave?
While there may not be strict dress code requirements at all times, it’s generally advisable to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting cultural and religious sites in Thailand, including Phraya Nakhon Cave.
Are There Any Local Eateries or Food Options Near Phraya Nakhon Cave?
At Bang Pu beach, the park entrance as well as Laem Sala Beach, where the trail to the cave begins, you may find some local eateries or food stalls.
Keep in mind that the availability of food options can vary, and it’s advisable to bring some snacks or a packed meal, especially if you plan to spend a considerable amount of time exploring the cave and the surrounding area.
Are There any Nearby Attractions to Visit Along with Phraya Nakhon Cave?
Explore other areas of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, limestone hills, and beautiful beaches.
If you are staying in Hua Hin, we have compiled a list of the top attractions in the area. If you are visiting from Bangkok make sure to check out Bangkok’s Top Day Trips to obtain a full Thailand experience.
After this trekking adventure, why not consider recovering on some of the world’s most stunning paradise islands, check out our list of Thailand’s best islands.
Enjoy Phraya Nakhon Cave!
We hope that these answers can help provide essential information for those planning a visit to Phraya Nakhon Cave, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Now that you are prepared, all that there is left to do is to enjoy exploring one of Thailand’s hidden gems nestled amongst some of Thailand’s most stunning natural beauty.
If adventure islands are your calling, be sure to check out the island of Java. In our opinion, the greatest island packed full of unique and exhilarating adventures.
We would love to hear how you got on. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
