Tham Khao Luang Cave

Tham Khao Luang Cave, Hua Hin Overview

A stunning cave called Tham Khao Luang Cave is nestled amidst natural beauty and serene beaches. It is famous because of its numerous Buddha shrines found within the cave. This cave is adorned with Buddha statues, stalactites hanging from the roof, and multiple stupas.

Like many of the country's cave temples, Tham Khao Luang Cave was also transformed by the order of King Rama V. King Rama V ordered a Buddha statue in the cave to honour his predecessor, King Rama IV, who was a monk himself, in the cave, during the early years. The cave is entered through a fleet of steep stairs, which boasts over 200 Buddha images, among which the most renowned is the gigantic statue of the reclining Buddha. This statue is made even more mystical and enchanting due to the natural skylight which fills up the cave during the day.

But, one thing visitors need to be aware of is the monkeys that hang around by the entrance, who are quite notorious and sometimes cause visitors a nuisance.

Cave Structure & Complex of the Tham Khao Luang Cave

Tham Khao Luang Cave is a multi-chambered cave which has been used by the Kings of the Royal Rattanakosin Dynasty. In honour of his predecessors, King Rama V ordered the casting of the statues. One can find several small figures opposite the central Buddha statue. Quite a few icons are also ornamented with auburn drapes.

From the main chamber, you can walk into the second chamber, which is separated by a stone gate. Rama VI supposedly built the second chamber. Not only this, but, you will find three more rooms inside the cave. It is in the third chamber that you will find the 4.9-meter reclining statue of Buddha symbolising life and death. Also, know that the cave chamber is 27 meters below the ground level.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Tham Khao Luang Cave is in the months outside March to May and August and September. The time outside these months is reasonably pleasant, which is ideal for visiting the cave.

Tips

It is better to get a driver or a taxi who has been to the cave before. It is because the cave entrance might be challenging to find.
Beware of monkeys outside the cave entrance. You might lose your valuables.
Since Tham Khao Luang Cave is a religious place, it is advised to dress modestly when visiting the site.
No public display of affection is appreciated when visiting the cave.

How To Reach Tham Khao Luang Cave

It takes one hour and a half to reach Tham Khao Luang Cave from Bangkok and an hour from Hua Hin. You can travel to the cave by opting for any of the below-mentioned options:

You can get on a bus to Phetchaburi and then a tuk-tuk or a cab to get to the cave.
You can get a train from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station to Phetchaburi and from there rent a tuk-tuk or a cab. The train journey will take approximately four to five hours.
You can directly take a cab from Bangkok or Hua Hin to the cave. Do not forget to negotiate the price