Phraya Nakhon Cave — Attraction in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

🌟 A Hidden Masterpiece of Nature and Thai Heritage

Phraya Nakhon Cave sits quietly in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park south of Hua Hin. Fewer travelers reach this spot, which makes it feel like a secret waiting to be discovered

A cave sculpted by collapse and time

Two massive natural skylights formed when the limestone ceiling collapsed centuries ago. They allow warm sunbeams to dance on the pavilion below and sustain a miniature jungle of hardy trees and shrubs in the cave floor

Tiny shrine born of royal grace

The Kuha Karuhas Pavilion is the smallest royal pavilion in Thailand. Built in Bangkok then assembled inside the cave in 1890, it was crafted without screws or nails using traditional joinery

Light show twice a day

The pavilion is dramatically lit only twice daily around 10 a m and 2 p m. Those fleeting golden rays turn the shrine into a silent stage under nature’s spotlight

Ancient inscriptions and royal footsteps

Look closely at the cavern walls and you will find the carved initials of King Rama V and Rama VII. Rumor has it a monk even meditated off‑trail in a tiny side chamber that feels surrealistic

Phraya Nakhon’s well and death‑bridge

At the mountain’s base lies a brick well built by Phraya Nakhon centuries ago to shelter from storms. Above the cave ceilings is a narrow “death bridge” rim where wild animals sometimes slipped

Hidden second cavern

Beyond the pavilion chamber is a quieter second cave filled with delicate stalactites and stalagmites standing in hushed company with shaded foliage

🧭 Hidden tips for explorers

• Go early between December and March if you want the perfect morning light on the pavilion • The hike from Bang Pu or Laem Sala Beach takes 30‑45 minutes then 430 m up rocky steps. Locals and even dogs help guide you along the path • Bring solid shoes water and a sense of wonder. Flip‑flops and smooth soles don’t stand a chance on those sharp rocks

One hiker captured the cave’s mini forest best on Reddit:

“Lush little micro jungle inside of a cave… even though it was early December the temperature was over 80 °F with 90 % humidity”

🏆 Final verdict

This cave is more than just a shrine under sunlight. It is nature meeting craftsmanship reliability and secrecy steeped in royal history. It holds micro‑forests beams of light that feel magical and hidden chambers few travel beyond. Calling this seriously neat only scratches the surface. Phraya Nakhon Cave is an experience in discovery heritage and quiet awe that every thoughtful explorer needs in their...

First of all, this cave is part of the Khao Sam Roi You national park. I recommend starting your day at the national park's ticket office. The ticket you buy here is valid for more than one attractions. I started my day with the mangrove forest around the ticket office area, then visited the Khao Daeng Viewpoint, after this Klong Khao Daeng (the boat trip price is not included in the ticket) and my last stop was Phraya Nakhon cave. I was riding a motorbike between the places. The cave can be reached by boats or walking. The motorboats are very loud and I prefer walking anyway so I hiked to the cave. Please note that it is a 2km distance. The first part of the road follows the sea shore, with wonderful views. It goes uphill first and then down to the beach. It is a bit rocky and you will definitely sweat a bit climbing here. Through the beach, you walk on flat surface among trees and sand, it is very pleasant (apart from the loud boats arriving every minute). Someone put swings on trees next to the beach, you may take nice photos here. There are also cafes and restaurant, bathrooms here to refresh if needed. The next part of the road takes you through a small forest part - apply mosquito repellent here if you haven't done it yet, they attack straight away! At the end of the forest road, you will see a big sign with many rules (how to dress, behave and so on) and a warning to understand your physical capabilities or limitations - because the next part of the road is very challenging. From now on, the road is mainly uphill on the natural terrain which has some steps built but it is mainly rocky and steep, sometimes a bit slippery. In the hot weather, it's not easy to complete the climb. Halfway up on the hill, you will find a resting stop with benches. The park also stations a first aid team here, which is reassuring. They are on standby for any emergencies or injuries. Also they sell (expensive) water. After climbing for about 500 meters, the last part of the road is finally downhill, believe me, you'll be grateful for that 😁 Please make sure you are dressed modestly to respect the Buddhist principles before entering the cave. The entrance is already impressive. I haven't seen a forest growing in a cave yet. The temple is in the second hall of the cave and if you are lucky, the sunshine will illuminate it. When I was there, I could admire it completely alone (low season) and it was a...

Must vist for nature lovers.

A little less than an hour from Hua Hin city center by taxi. Road takes you to a creek, where you can purchase entry tickets. Lot of shops here sell decent t-shirts, caps / hats, food and drinks.

B 200 per person is the entry

There are TWO WAYS of going after you have purchased the ticket.

Start a longer hike from next to the ticket counter itself. It takes 3 hrs to go and come back... total distance is about 2 km each way.

Take a boat B 400 per boat (max 6 people as there are only 6 life jackets.) This 12 min ride drops you to a place from where the distance to the cave is 450 mtrs. 50 mtr walk, 300 mtr very steep climb and 100 mtr down into a cave. Normal fit person can easily do it in 30 to 40 min.

PROS of boat route.. reduces the distance from 2 km to 450 mtr, and time from 1 hr 30 min to 40 min.

CONS of boat route.. getting into the boat and getting out is very very difficult and bothersome. There is no jetty at either end, so you have to wade through the long muddy beach (very long during low tide). ALSO your legs until above the knee level will become wet at both ends.. that is total 4 times. ANOTHER problem is the beach is muddy, slipry and full of shells. Very high probability of getting nicks, cuts and bruises all four times.

MY TAKE is that if you are fit to trek 1.30 hrs ( each way) up and down, do that.

The boat ride may be less climb, but total time taken is again 3 hrs (when you include boat travel tim, wading across time and cleaning you legs time) from ticket point to ticket point and you do not get wet four times and no nics, cuts...