✅ Updated on 12.02.2026
Location and How to Get There
Phraya Nakhon Cave is located about 50 km south of Hua Hin, inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
You can’t drive directly to the cave itself. First, you need to get to Bang Pu Beach, pay the national park entrance fee, and from there begin the hike to the cave.
There are three main ways to reach the national park entrance:
1️⃣ By Car or Rental Motorbike (Best Option)
Hua Hin has plenty of places where you can rent a car or motorbike. This is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to visit Phraya Nakhon Cave.
I once rented a motorbike from this shop. It was simple and hassle-free.
2️⃣ By Taxi (Grab or Bolt)
You can book a taxi through Grab or Bolt for around 400 THB one way.
However, getting back can be tricky. It’s a good idea to ask the driver for their phone number and arrange a pickup time in advance. Otherwise, you might end up waiting a while for a ride back to Hua Hin.
3️⃣ Book a Tour
You can also book a guided tour through GetYourGuide for 2,600 THB. The tour usually includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus the national park entrance fee.
This option is more expensive but completely stress-free — especially if you prefer everything organized for you.
Entrance Fee
Entry to Phraya Nakhon Cave itself is free.
However, since the cave is located inside Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, you’ll need to pay the national park entrance fee:
- 200 THB — adult foreigner
- 100 THB — child foreigner
Besides the cave, Hua Hin has many other amazing places to explore. You can find the full list here.
Best Time to Visit Phraya Nakhon Cave
The best time to visit Phraya Nakhon Cave is between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
This is when sunlight streams through the opening in the cave’s ceiling and shines directly onto the small royal pavilion inside. That iconic beam of light is the main reason people hike up here — it’s the shot everyone wants.
The national park opens at 8:00 AM, and the hike to the cave takes around 40–60 minutes, depending on your pace.
To catch the cave at its most beautiful moment, I recommend arriving at the park entrance between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. That gives you enough time to reach the top without rushing and enjoy the magical light at its peak.
The Hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave
The hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave is divided into three sections:
- Mountain trail — 515 meters (about 20 minutes)
- Walk along Laem Sala Beach — about 10 minutes
- Final climb to the cave — 430 meters (about 20 minutes)
I highly recommend doing the full route on foot.
The first section is a moderate uphill trail. It’s not difficult at all. The second part is a relaxing walk along Laem Sala Beach, where you can catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.
The third section is steeper and more physically demanding, especially in the heat, but it’s still manageable for most people with basic fitness.
Should You Take the Boat?
There’s an alternative: you can hire a boat near the national park entrance for 400 THB per boat (up to 6 people). It will take you directly to Laem Sala Beach, allowing you to skip the first mountain section.
However, I’d still recommend hiking the whole way. Here’s why:
- The boat engines are very noisy
- You may have to wait for your turn
- You’ll miss the scenic views from the first trail
- The final climb is the hardest part anyway — you can’t avoid it
So even if you take the boat, you’ll still need to hike uphill to reach the cave.
Wildlife Along the Trail
On Laem Sala Beach and during the final climb, you might see dusky langurs. They look adorable and, unlike macaques, they’re not aggressive.
I really enjoyed seeing them — it was one of the unexpected highlights of the hike.
History of Phraya Nakhon Cave
The exact date when Phraya Nakhon Cave was discovered, and by whom, remains unknown.
There are two main versions of the story. According to one, the cave was discovered by King Rama I. According to another, it was found by the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, a man named Phraya Nakhon.
In both legends, the rulers were traveling by ship when a storm forced them to seek shelter. They anchored near Laem Sala Beach and took refuge inside the cave. That’s how the cave became known.
Later, several Thai monarchs visited the site, including King Rama IV and King Rama V, between 1863 and 1890.
In 1890, to commemorate the visit of King Rama V, the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion was built inside the cave. This is the iconic structure illuminated by the famous beam of sunlight.
Technically, it’s not a temple — it’s a royal pavilion. But visually, it feels almost sacred when the light hits it.
Facilities at Laem Sala Beach
After hiking down from Phraya Nakhon Cave, you’ll probably want to rest, grab a snack, and maybe swim in the sea.
At Laem Sala Beach, there’s a small café with very reasonable prices:
- Coffee — 55 THB
- Thai dishes — 70–90 THB
It’s simple but perfect after the hike.
There’s also a public restroom where you can change clothes before going for a swim. The beach itself is quiet and peaceful — a great place to relax before heading back.
What to See on the Same Day
Since you’ve already paid the entrance fee to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, you can visit other attractions inside the park on the same day — no need to pay again if you do it within the same visit.
I recommend two additional spots: Khao Daeng Viewpoint and a boat tour along the river.
Khao Daeng Viewpoint
🚙 Car parking — 30 THB
The hike to Khao Daeng Viewpoint is slightly more challenging than the hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave. The trail is steeper and more exposed, especially under the midday sun.
But once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding valley. The mix of limestone mountains, wetlands, and sea views makes it absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re up for another climb, don’t skip it.
River Boat Tour
You can take a boat ride along the river in two different locations inside the park:
- First location — 500 THB per boat
- Second location — 600 THB per boat
I chose the second option, and I really enjoyed the scenery. The ride takes you through calm waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s peaceful and very different from the beach and mountain hikes.
