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Located within the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Phraya Nakhon Cave was discovered by a local around 200 years ago.

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Struck by the natural beauty of the site, the Royal Family of Thailand constructed the golden-gilded Kuha Kharuehat Temple on a mound of land situated within a sinkhole in the cave in 1890.

This temple was exclusively dedicated to King Rama V as a resting place during his visits. Kings Rama VII and IX have also graced this site with their presence.

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Today, Phraya Nakhon Cave is open to the public for exploration. However, due to its challenging and treacherous terrain, not all visitors can make it to the site.

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According to It’s better in Thailand, to reach the cave, visitors must either hire a boat to Laem Sala Beach or embark on a 30-minute hike through hilly terrain to reach the beach. Boat fares range from 150 to 200 Baht (over 100,000 VND) per person.

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If opting for the boat ride, visitors can explore the nearby Monkey Island first. Upon reaching Laem Sala, one must navigate a rocky and steep path for another 430 meters to reach the cave’s entrance.

At Laem Sala Beach, visitors can find rustic restaurants offering local cuisine, providing a well-deserved respite after the adventurous journey to Phraya Nakhon Cave.

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Before embarking on this journey, visitors are required to purchase a 200 Baht ticket to enter the national park. Locals advise that the climb up to the cave’s entrance is strenuous, so it’s best to take it slow and conserve energy.

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As you approach the cave’s entrance, you’ll encounter a steep descent leading into the cave’s interior. Phraya Nakhon Cave boasts a massive sinkhole that acts as a natural skylight, ensuring a constant supply of light and fresh air.

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The best time to visit the cave is during the dry season, from December to May. The site is open daily from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Phraya Nakhon Cave is ideal for a half-day tour, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Monkey Island, Bang Pu fishing village, and more.

Frequently asked questions

The Golden Temple Cave, also known as the King’s Golden Temple Cave, is a mystical underground cave located in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam. It’s a massive cave system with stunning golden rock formations, discovered by a local man named Ho Khanh in 2005.

The cave got its name from the golden-hued limestone formations that create a temple-like atmosphere. It’s unique due to its massive size, with estimates placing it at over 2.5 miles long, and its relatively untouched state, as it’s one of the least accessible caves in the national park.

Accessing the cave is extremely challenging due to its remote location and difficult terrain. Explorers had to trek through dense jungle, cross rivers, and navigate steep and slippery slopes. The cave’s entrance is also well-hidden, making it hard to find even for those who know its general location.

Inside the cave, explorers discovered a breathtaking array of natural wonders. There are massive stalagmites and stalactites, some reaching up to 230 feet high, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. The cave also features unique ‘gour’ formations, which are small, knobby structures created by calcite deposits.

The discovery of the cave has had a positive impact on the local community. It has boosted eco-tourism in the area, providing income and job opportunities for locals as guides, porters, and service providers for adventurous travelers wishing to explore this hidden gem.