Phraya Nakhon Cave

The slippery and winding climb is lined with tall, shady trees providing eye-catching views that distract from exhaustion. 

An exquisite entrance cavern could have thinking you’ve reached the main attraction early. The main cavern lies a little further, welcoming visitors with warm sun rays streaming through the open roof. Contrasts of rough white and yellow limestone sparkle against green foliage and moss in every direction. A small temple, the Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion, takes center stage on the dusty dirt floor.

Look Around

Entering first cave

Inside first cave

Sign to main cave

First cave

Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion - central focus of cave

Hiking around circular path at base of cave

Main cave

Who Will Like Phraya Nakhon Cave

Nature Lover

Spend a day at the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park exploring hiking trails, caves and beaches. Venture to the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk on the same day and use the same national park entrance ticket.

Photography Whiz

Trek through the steep and winding paths to capture sun rays dancing among treetops inside the whisper-quiet cavern.

Insider Tips For Phraya Nakhon Cave

Save a 2km hike and catch a boat from the main entrance to the closer Laem Sala Beach. Boat tickets can be purchased near the national park ticket office and come in the form of numbered tokens that match a numbered long-tail boat moored near the shore. When you return form the cave, kiosk staff at Laem Sala Beach will radio the same numbered boat to pick you up. 

Long boats moored in shallow water

Tourists wading out in water towards long boats

Long boat captain

Long boat in full flight

Accessing a long boat

Once you reach Laem Sala Beach, a concrete bench with water faucet is located nearby to wash your feet. Very handy before putting shoes back on for the hike up to the cave. From there, follow the brown and yellow wooden signs to the rough rock staircase.

Concrete bench with red hose for washing feet

Signage to cave

Kiosk to call return boat

View of ocean from beach

Stone staircase to cave

What to expect on Laem Sala Beach

How To Get There

Entrance from car park

Ticket booth (right) and national park map (left)

Welcome sign

Entering national park

Tech & Photography

Food & Drink

1 restaurant selling basic Thai food and fruit smoothies is open on Laem Sala Beach, just below Phraya Nakhon Cave. Pricing is quite reasonable considering it's completely disconnected from the outside world. A classic Thai cashew chicken with rice costs about &#฿3,647;฿150 (USD$112,063.11). 

There are more small restaurants and food stands at the Bang Po Beach carpark.

Restaurant at Laem Sala Beach

Thai stir-fried cashew chicken (left), vegetable chicken (right)

View of Laem Sala Beach from restaurant

Around the restaurant

Backstory

The Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion was constructed inside Phraya Nakhon cave in 1890 for the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Subsequent Thai kings have since visited the site and it’s becomethe symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Etiquette

• The Khuha Kharuehat Pavillion is a revered site. Be respectful and do not cross the rope boundary.
• The path leading to the cave is quite narrow and slippery. Be considerate of other hikers and make way for them to pass when possible. 
• There are plenty of bins within the National Park Grounds. Do not litter inside the cave.

Scorecard

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