Phraya Nakhon Cave
A magnificent cave housing a royal pavilion, illuminated by a breathtaking shaft of sunlight. Accessible via a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunlight illuminates the pavilion
Phraya Nakhon Cave
Best Time
Sunlight illuminates the pavilion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent cave housing a royal pavilion, illuminated by a breathtaking shaft of sunlight. Accessible via a scenic hike.
"One of the most beautiful places I've seen, with a magical moment when sunlight hits the pavilion."
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot and humid, especially during the hike. Stay hydrated! Water is sold, but it's pricier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Pavilion in Sunlight
Main chamber of the cave
Witness the breathtaking Kuha Karuhas Pavilion bathed in sunlight filtering through the cave's opening. A truly magical sight.
The Cave's Natural Beauty
Inside Phraya Nakhon Cave
Explore the vastness of the cave, marveling at its natural formations and the unique ecosystem within.
Scenic Coastal Hike
Path to the cave
Enjoy a rewarding hike along the coast with stunning sea views before reaching the cave entrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Sunlight
Prepare for a Hike!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot and humid, especially during the hike. Stay hydrated! Water is sold, but it's pricier. +1
⏰ Time for the Sunlight
Aim to arrive between 10 AM and 11:30 AM for the best chance to see the pavilion lit by sunbeams.
🛥️ Boat Option Available
If hiking the entire way is too much, a boat can take you part of the way to the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. +1
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
It gets hot and humid, especially during the hike. Stay hydrated! Water is sold, but it's pricier. +1
⏰ Time for the Sunlight
Aim to arrive between 10 AM and 11:30 AM for the best chance to see the pavilion lit by sunbeams.
🛥️ Boat Option Available
If hiking the entire way is too much, a boat can take you part of the way to the beach.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
The forest path leading to the cave can have mosquitoes. Apply repellent before entering.
👚 Modest Dress Code
Dress respectfully for the temple inside the cave. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phraya Nakhon Cave is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty and the iconic royal pavilion, especially when illuminated by sunlight. Visitors appreciate the scenic hike and the unique cave formations. However, the challenging and steep terrain of the hike, coupled with the heat and humidity, can be demanding for some. The cost of boat rides and the need for modest dress are also points to consider.
"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 wonderful experience."
Kat A.
"It's a beautiful cave that is worth going to. But get ready for some hiking! Bring good hiking shoes and a big water bottle. The first part is a light to medium hike over a mountain. This part you can skip with a boatride if you want. The last part to the cave is a medium to light advanced. If you are scared of heights or if you are not in fysical shape, this part is not for you. But i recommend to hike the whole way to the cave, because it's worth it! There are many beautiful view points along the way and the cave is amazingly beautiful!"
Tony Kempe
"Huge cave, stunning area. Temple is amazing, but people around us weren't prepared with appropriate clothing. The walk up wasn't too challenging, although was hot! Beautiful scenery and monkeys on the way, even spotted dusky langurs. We started the walk around 9am and only had a couple of people behind us, first ones to enter the cave which was special. With the national park entrance fee you can also do the boardwalk a 45min drive away."
Annika Haataja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phraya Nakhon Cave is located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. You can drive or take a taxi to the park entrance. From there, you can either hike approximately 2 km to the cave or take a longtail boat from the beach area for a fee (around 100-400 THB depending on the starting point).
Phraya Nakhon Cave is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Hua Hin, making it a popular day trip destination.
While public transport to the national park is possible, it can be time-consuming. Renting a scooter or hiring a taxi/Grab from Hua Hin is generally more convenient for reaching the park entrance.
Many visitors use motorbikes to travel between attractions within the park, such as the mangrove forest, viewpoint, and the cave.
Yes, there is usually free parking available at the national park entrance near the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which includes access to Phraya Nakhon Cave, is typically 200 THB per person.
Phraya Nakhon Cave is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 
Yes, the boat ride to the beach area near the cave is an additional cost, separate from the national park entrance fee. Prices can vary, often around 400 THB for a private boat.
You can visit Phraya Nakhon Cave independently. The trails are generally well-marked, and the cave itself is easy to navigate.
Yes, the national park entrance fee is usually valid for multiple attractions within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, such as the boardwalk and viewpoints.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike from the park entrance to the cave is about 2 km, taking roughly 30-45 minutes one way, depending on your pace and whether you stop for photos. Some guides suggest 1.5 hours, but allow 2-3 hours for the round trip and exploration.
The hike involves some steep, rocky, and potentially slippery sections, especially the final ascent to the cave. It's considered moderate to challenging, particularly in the heat. +1
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Also, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as there is a temple inside the cave.
Yes, there are cafes, restaurants, and restrooms available near the beach area before the final ascent to the cave.
The best time to visit is between 10 AM and 11:30 AM to witness the sunlight illuminating the royal pavilion. Arriving earlier can help avoid crowds.
While monkeys are commonly seen, including dusky langurs, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings. Applying mosquito repellent is also recommended for the forest sections.
📸 📸 Photography
The main highlight is the royal pavilion illuminated by sunlight. The coastal hike also offers beautiful scenic views. Swings on trees near the beach are also popular for photos.
For the iconic shot of the pavilion, aim for the late morning (10 AM - 11:30 AM) when sunlight streams in.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. It's best to check with park authorities upon arrival.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the cave and pavilion. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the cave interior.
Be patient for the sunlight to hit the pavilion. Consider capturing the contrast between the dark cave and the illuminated pavilion.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The contrast between the dark cave interior and the bright, sunlit pavilion creates dramatic and stunning shots. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the scale of the cave. Don't forget to also capture the scenic coastal views during the hike. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Cave
For those seeking a quicker or less strenuous route, longtail boats are available from the beach area to take you closer to the cave entrance. This option can be particularly appealing in the heat or for visitors with mobility concerns. However, many travelers recommend the hike for the immersive experience and the beautiful vistas it provides.
Regardless of the chosen method, the final approach to the cave involves a steep, rocky ascent. This section requires careful footing and is best tackled with appropriate footwear. The park also stations a first-aid team at a resting point halfway up, offering peace of mind for hikers.
The Magic of the Sunlight
This natural illumination transforms the pavilion and the surrounding cave walls, creating a truly magical and ethereal atmosphere. Many visitors describe it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' moment. Arriving during this window is highly recommended to fully appreciate the cave's most iconic feature.
It's worth noting that the intensity and angle of the sunlight can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. However, even without direct sunlight, the pavilion and the cave's grandeur are impressive.
Respecting the Sacred Space
Adhering to these dress codes ensures that the sanctity of the location is maintained. Many social media posts and traveler reviews emphasize the importance of this cultural consideration.
Beyond attire, visitors are encouraged to be mindful of their behavior within the cave, maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor. This helps preserve the serene atmosphere of this unique natural and spiritual landmark.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit