Tham Khao Luang Cave, Hua Hin Overview
An impressive cave called Tham Khao Luang Cave is among natural beauty and tranquil beaches. Located 4 kilometres from Khao Wang in Phetchaburi District, this natural cave is one of Thailand’s most visited caves. Famous for its many Buddha shrines situated inside the cave. Like many of the country’s cave temples, Tham Khao Luang Cave was remodelled by King Rama V. This cave is decorated with Buddha statues, stalactites hanging from the ceiling and several stupas.
King Rama V ordered a Buddha statue in the cave in honour of his predecessor, King Rama IV, who was a monk in the shelter for the first few years. The cave is entered via a series of steep stairs with over 200 Buddha images, the most famous of which is the giant reclining Buddha statue. This statue is made even more mystical and enchanting by the natural skylight that fills the cave during the day. These include the monkeys hanging around the entrance, which are notorious and sometimes annoy visitors.
Cave Structure & Complex of the Tham Khao Luang Cave
Tham Khao Luang Cave is a multi-chambered cave used by the kings of the Rattanakosin Royal Dynasty. King Rama V ordered the statues to be cast in honour of his predecessors. Various small figures can be found in front of the central Buddha statue. Some icons are also adorned with mahogany curtains. From the main chamber, you can go to the second chamber, which is separated by a stone door.
Rama VI is said to have built the second chamber. In addition, you will find three more rooms in the cave. In the third chamber, you will find the 4.9-meter-high reclining Buddha statue, which symbolizes life and death. Also, note that the cave chamber is 27 meters underground.
Tips for visitors:
- It is best to take a driver or a taxi that has been to the cave before.
- This is because the cave entrance can be difficult to find. Beware of monkeys in front of the cave entrance.
- You can lose your valuables.
As Tham Khao Luang Cave is a religious site, appropriate clothing is recommended when visiting the site.
How to Reach Tham Khao Luang Cave
- It takes an hour and a half to get to Tham Khao Luang Cave from Bangkok and an hour from Hua Hin. You can travel to the cave by choosing one of the options below:
- You can take a bus to Phetchaburi and then a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach the cave.
- You can take a train from Bangkok’s Hualamphong train station to Phetchaburi and hire a tuk-tuk or taxi from there.
- The train ride takes about four to five hours.
- You can take a taxi directly from Bangkok or Hua Hin to the cave. Remember to negotiate the price.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Tham Khao Luang Cave are March to May and August to September. Outside these months, the weather is quite pleasant, which is ideal for visiting the cave.
