Phraya Nakhon Cave is a large cave located in the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park mountain range in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

The entrance to the cave is accessible from Laem Sala Beach. However, as this beach is not accessible by road, there are two ways to get there:

1. Boat rentals are available from Bang Pu Pier to Laem Sala Beach, with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes. The round-trip fare is 400 baht per boat.

2. Hike from the park entrance ticket booth, crossing Khao Thian for approximately 530 meters to Laem Sala Beach.

A 450-meter trail leads from Laem Sala Beach to Phraya Nakhon Cave.

For this trip, we prepared to climb the mountain. So we chose the second option, which was to hike up the mountain with a bottle of water each. We went with two friends. When we got tired, we rested. When we couldn't go on, we dragged each other along. Our goal was to reach the pavilion in time to see the sunlight.


We booked our accommodation at Sam Roi Yot Beach and packed our belongings. We drove a short distance to Bang Pu village. While driving, we saw a view of dark green mountains contrasting with the orange ground under the sun. The clouds were fluffy on the dark blue sky. It was so beautiful that we couldn't help but stop and take pictures.

It was late afternoon when I arrived at Bang Pu. I wasn't afraid of being tired, but I was afraid of two things: rain and not being able to walk to the pavilion in time to see the sunset.

The water level is decreasing. Many tourists are seen walking to board boats to Laem Sala Beach.

We stopped for lunch at a restaurant near the beach, where there were many restaurants to choose from. We refueled before continuing our journey, as we were not going by boat. We were determined to cross the mountain on foot.

The park entrance is located where the staff recommended taking a roundtrip boat for 400 baht because they were worried we wouldn't make it back before nightfall.

As we were talking, the rain started to fall heavily. Fortunately, it didn't start raining until after we had set out. We waited for the rain to stop for about 10 minutes before we continued on our journey.

(Upon seeing the sign indicating a 2-kilometer trek to Phraya Nakhon Cave, my heart sank. However, I reminded myself that I had come here with the intention of hiking 2 kilometers, so I pressed on with determination.)

The ascent is not particularly challenging during this section, as a well-maintained path with handrails is provided. The incline is gradual, allowing for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities along the way.

The view from here is amazing. I can see the beach, the mountains, and the islands in the distance. The sky after the rain is truly beautiful.

The higher you climb, the more beautiful the view becomes. Looking down, you can see boats arriving in the distance to pick up people.

Following the path until you pass the corner of this mountain, you will find Laem Sala Beach. The first moment you see it, you will involuntarily exclaim "Wow!"

A breathtaking view of a white-sand beach, glistening under the sun's rays, fringed by a line of towering pine trees. The scene is so captivating that words fail to do it justice. Let the image speak for itself.

Most of the time was spent taking photos, not walking. The trail is currently in good condition and not too challenging, so it's still enjoyable.

Descending to the coastal plain of Laem Sala Beach, the atmosphere is filled with lush pine trees. The beach here is pristine white, as it is part of the National Park's residential area, which is maintained by park rangers. The houses here are very inviting, and the sea is equally beautiful. I even thought that next time I would find an opportunity to stay here.

Follow the signs to the starting point for the hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave.

Two determined women, armed with two cameras and a single bottle of water, embarked on the second leg of their ascent. This time, the climb was far from the leisurely stroll of the first hill. This was the real deal, with a steep and challenging path ahead.

Exhaustion awaits us ahead, with a sign indicating a further 430-meter ascent to Phraya Nakhon Cave. The evening is drawing to a close, and we encounter numerous individuals descending as we, the final group, ascend.

The only way up is a steep, rocky staircase. While it makes the ascent more manageable, it's still incredibly tiring. Despite the lack of sun and the cool air after the recent rain, the exertion brings on a torrent of sweat.

Despite my physical training, the climb seems insurmountable. Frequent rest stops are necessary, as darkness approaches and threatens to obscure the path.

On the way up, I passed two groups of foreign tourists who were coming down. I wondered how they knew about this beautiful place hidden in the mountains. I felt a little proud that they had made the effort to come up here, even though it was so tiring. It must have taken a lot of determination to get here.

The Breathtaking Viewpoint of Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave

A solitary viewing platform offers weary travelers a chance to rest and soak in the stunning vista of the sea below. This is the only designated viewpoint within the cave. After a quick whiff of our invigorating balm, we felt rejuvenated and ready to continue our ascent.

You're almost there! Just a little further.

Then they were urged to move on. Oh, my god.

The friend walked ahead, so far that I had to shout, "Wait a minute! I can't take it anymore! Let me rest and catch my breath!"

I'm really tired. My body is covered in sweat, and my face is flushed.

Approaching the final stretch, the cave entrance is now visible. It takes approximately 5 minutes from the viewpoint to reach the peak, followed by a descent.

Walking down here is really good for my legs. Now I'm so tired that I want to sit down and rest, but I have to grit my teeth and keep walking.

As the light began to fade, we had little time to admire the cave's surroundings. The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites were a sight to behold, but we could only capture them from afar before moving on to the highlight of our journey.


And finally, we arrive at...

**Phraya Nakhon Cave** is a year-round tourist destination. It is a large cave with a skylight that allows sunlight to enter. In the center of the cave is the **Phra Thinang Khuha Kharueha Pavilion**, a four-sided pavilion built during the reign of King Rama V. It was constructed in Bangkok and then assembled on site. The pavilion is well-maintained and strategically positioned to receive sunlight from the cave opening while avoiding direct exposure to rain.

The Khao Kuha Karhasan Royal Pavilion is a beautiful sight when sunlight shines through the ceiling. The best time to see this spectacle is between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, as the beam of light will gradually change angles throughout the day. It is recommended to visit before 2:00 PM, as the light beam will no longer shine directly into the cave.

This image is a representation of our dream, which we have personally decorated. It is a picture that we have gone to great lengths to capture as a souvenir. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the lighting was not at its most optimal. While we are disappointed, we are not disheartened. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it.


We could only stay for 10 minutes before having to leave, as it gets dark very quickly in the evening, especially inside the cave.

It's too dark to walk down there. You won't be able to see and it could be dangerous.

The descent is comfortable and not tiring, but be careful with your ankles as the rocks are uneven and you could twist your foot.

As we walked back, we discussed with our friends that we were too exhausted to climb the second mountain. We decided to take a boat back instead, as we were truly drained.

As we returned, we boarded a boat, just in time to catch the last rays of sunlight disappearing behind the mountain peaks.


Drive back to the accommodation at Sam Roi Yot Beach, which takes about 20 minutes.

Relaxing by the sea is truly a blissful experience.

And then sat watching the sun set over the mountains.

Waking up early to go jogging, breathing in the fresh air, looking at the sky, the sea, and the waves, it's truly good for the soul.

This tiring trip is not over yet. The next day, we will climb Khao Pha Daeng, a high, thrilling, and beautiful viewpoint in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

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