Phraya Nakhon Cave Tickets and Tours

Phraya Nakhon Cave, Sam Roi Yod National Park

The Awe is Worth the Ache

If there is one thing I have learned about traveling in Southeast Asia, it's that some of the most breathtaking views are earned. Such was the case with Phraya Nakhon Cave. We were very fortunate to have as our guide a young Thai lady named Pui, who was very knowledgable about the cave and its history. (How she manages to make this hike more than once or twice a year, however, is beyond me.) For what it is worth, we decided to forgo hiking over the mountain from the beach and rented a longtail boat instead. My knees would thank me later. I won't try to describe the moment I first laid eyes on the golden pavilion gleaming in the sunlight that streamed in from high above the cave. Words don't do it justice. Suffice it to say, the experience was more than worth the hike! This was actually one of the best tours I've ever arranged through Viator. You will not be sorry.

Hua Hin Sam Roi Yod National Park & Laem Sa La Beach Guided Day

An experience like no other

Like you may have, I saw a pic of the Royal Pavilion in Phraya Nakhon cave on a computer wallpaper or something at some point many years ago and it just stuck in the back of my brain. It's so beautiful; so ethereal; so... unlikely. But somewhere, dimly, I remembered that it was in Thailand, so when I was headed to the country for a visit I took the time to figure out where it was and booked this wonderful tour. I couldn't be more pleased that I did. It was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. And the chamber with the famous Kuha Karuhas Pavilion isn't the only massive and beautiful room in the cave. Getting to the cave is an adventure all its own. First you have to get to Hua Hin, a lovely beach town with every amenity you could need. Then you will meet your tour awesome guide and driver who will show you a bit of the landscape around Hua Hin and tell you about the history and people of the area. Weather permitting, you'll visit a pineapple farm and a small fishing village on the way to Sam Roi Yod National Park. Again weather permitting, you'll catch a boat to get you down the coast to the beach where the trail to the cave begins. It's just about the most picturesque beach I could imagine. Here you'll probably see several endangered dusky leaf monkeys lounging in the trees. This is where it gets challenging. It's only half a kilometer or so to the cave from this point, and only 2/3 of that is uphill. But it's very uphill. And if it's a hot and humid day, this could crush you. Take it slow. Rest frequently. Bring lots of water. It's worth the effort.