Phraya Nakhon Cave

Hua Hin is undoubtedly a popular destination amongst visitors to Thailand, but many visitors may not realise that one of Thailand’s most spectacular landmarks is only a stone’s throw away. Less than an hour away by car, the incredible natural caves are home to a gleaming gold and blue Thai temple building, known as a pavilion, which is truly a stunning sight to behold as the light comes down through the open roof of the cave and bathes the temple in glorious sunshine. King Rama V began construction of the pavilion itself in 1890, and it was visited by several other Thai kings over the years, including the much-revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

How to get there and admission fees

To reach the cave from Hua Hin, you first need to get to the beachside village of Bang Pu, to do so you could either hire a taxi or take a minibus, either of which can be booked at many hotels and travel agents in Hua Hin. Once at the village, you have the option of a fairly demanding 45 minute hike over the hill to Laem Sala beach, or to take a boat ride from the village to the beach for around 200 baht ($6.5), which is advisable if you are not in good shape. Once at the beach, then you have to pay the National Park entrance fee of 200 baht, and begin a fairly steep climb up a path of stone steps. After the summit, the path then snakes down into the first cave which contains a natural stone bridge, and then another pathway which takes you into the second cave containing the pavilion, known as the Kuha Karuhas pavilion.

Opening times & dress code

Conveniently, there are some small restaurants and shops at Laem Sala beach where you can buy food and drinks, plus bottles of water if you forgot to bring some. The complex is open from 8am-3:30pm, but it is highly recommended to try and arrive at the pavilion between 9am-11am to get the best light for your photos. There is no dress code for the park or the caves.