If you want to see one of the region’s most spectacular sights, you need to head to Sam Roi Yot National Park.
And over the next three months is regarded as the best time of the year to visit what is one of the must see attractions in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Located approximately an hour’s drive from Hua Hin, the Phraya Nakhon Cave consists of two main chambers, with an opening in the rooftop which allows sunlight to shine down beautifully illuminating the interior of the cave.
Park officials point out that between 10:30 – 11:30 am, during the months of November through January, is the optimal time for visitors.
During this window, the sunlight cascades directly onto the Kukha Karuhas pavilion Royal pavilion which is the cave’s centre piece, creating a breathtaking view.
The cave has famously been visited by some of Thailand’s Kings.
King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) was said to have loved the area’s natural beauty and built the second chamber, which is home to the pavilion, in 1890.
In 1925, the cave was visited by King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), while King Mongkut visited the cave in 1968 while staying in the area during a trip with European guests to witness a total solar eclipse. Both of these kings inscribed their names on the wall of the cave, with the inscriptions still visible today.
Meanwhile, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) is also believed to have visited the cave but did not inscribe his name on the wall.
For the adventure-seeking visitors, accessing the cave offers its own reward.
Guests can opt for a boat ride from Laem Sala Beach or undertake a scenic hike over the hilltop. The hike can take anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour depending on your fitness levels and how many times you stop to take photos along the way!
The hike, while moderately challenging, is interspersed with viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
The hike consists of both tracks and stairs, with hikers ascending roughly 450 meters over uneven terrains and walkways. Portions of the trail are equipped with hand ropes for support because it is steep in places.
While the hike is not recommended for everyone, those willing to undertake it should prioritize wearing suitable footwear, such as trainers or sneakers, rather than flip-flops and sandals.
Rather than hiking, you can take a boat part of the way to the cave.
Boats depart the Bang Pu Beach and will take you to Laem Sala Beach. From there you will still need to hike up to the entrance of the cave.
Those leaning towards a boat trip will be set back around 400 baht, with each boat accommodating up to six passengers. However, potential boaters should be aware that the service is generally unavailable during high tide or adverse weather conditions.
Once inside, make sure you look around the entire cave as there are a few other things to discover, including some unusual stone sculptures.
As with all national parks in Thailand, an entry fee is levied upon visitors at the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Admission fees are as follows: 200 baht for foreign adults, 100 baht for foreign children, 40 baht for Thai adults, and 20 baht for Thai children. Around the ticket office there is ample car parking, some souvenir shops and several restaurants.
The cave is open daily from 8am to 3pm.
Whether you decide to take the boat or hike, a trip to the Phraya Nakhon Cave is well worth the effort.
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Later coverage (20 January 2025): Explore two of Sam Roi Yot National Park’s best attractions in a single day.