It is also a popular destination among Thais …… so the province can perhaps give traveler a greater insight into the “real” Thailand.

Today we’re visiting the breathtakingly stunning Phraya Nakhon Cave & Temple’, one of the most photographed and famous attractions in the breathtaking Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located 59 kilometers south of Hua Hin.

00:00 – Taking the longtail boat option from Bang Pu to Laem Sala Beach
01:23 – Trekking up the mountain to the Phraya Nakhon Cave
02:37 – Revealing the Kuha Karuhas Pavillion within the cave

Once arriving in the small fishing village of Bang Pu there are two options. A refreshing longtail boat to Laem Sala Beach or a more strenuous 30-minute hill-hike to the Cave’s trek staging point.

In front of the mountain there is also a small restaurant, where you can refresh yourself with drinks or food before P the demanding hike or before the way back. There is no entrance fee to visit the cave, but there is an entrance fee of 200 baht for the national park in which the cave is located.

From Laem Sala Beach, another fairly steep 40-minute hike of about 430 meters awaits. The walk takes us along uneven and sometimes steep steps through the dense forest.

For a seasoned hiker, the climb is not that challenging, but the heat and the humidity can be. That’s why an early morning start is recommended. For some tourists the conditions are too tough! Luckily there are relaxed breaks, where there are glimpses of the endless sea and the lovely beaches. Once you reach the top of the hill, it’s a little easier downhill into the cave.

The Phraya Nakhon Cave received its name from a local ancient ruler who discovered the cave over 200 years ago after being forced ashore during a violent storm. It is so vast that there are patches of forest growing inside it. The central focus of the cave is an intricate four-gabled roofed pavilion bathed by natural sunlight and was built for the visit of King Rama V in 1890.

The best time to visit this religious landmark is in the morning between 10 and 11 o’clock, when the sunlight of the morning sun shines directly on the impressive temple

The cave was also visited by King Rama VII in 1926 and by King Rama IX twice during his reign.

An adventure well worth visiting!

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