Phraya Nakhon Cave

Phraya Nakhon Cave is located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province of Thailand. It sits near the coastal town of Hua Hin, making it a popular day-trip destination for tourists visiting the area. The park itself is famous for its dramatic, jagged limestone mountains that rise directly from the Gulf of Thailand.

Reaching the iconic Kuha Karuhas pavilion requires a rigorous hike involving a steep climb up a mountain followed by a descent into the cave's sinkhole. Visitors must first hike about 430 meters up to the Laem Sala Beach area, then tackle a rocky, steep trail to the cave entrance. Inside, a steep set of stairs leads down to the pavilion, which is best photographed in the morning when sunlight streams through the roof.

The beautiful Kuha Karuhas Pavilion was constructed in 1890 for a visit by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), one of Thailand's most revered monarchs. It was built directly under the cave's collapsed roof, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the golden stupa. Every Thai king since Rama V has visited the site, cementing its status as a deeply sacred royal landmark.

To enter the cave, visitors must pay the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park entrance fee, which is typically around 200 Thai Baht (about $6 USD) for foreign adults. If you wish to skip the initial hike along the coast, you can hire a boat from the park headquarters to drop you at the base of the mountain for an additional fee. The cave is open daily, but visitors should bring plenty of water due to the high humidity and steep climbing.