Phraya Nakhon Cave
Phraya Nakhon Cave
4.5
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Phraya Nakhon Cave and nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • terrynev
    257 contributions
    Strenuous but worth it.
    Arrived expecting to take the boat but were disappointed that it was not running on the day of our visit. This meant a climb up and over the first escarpment but views were pretty spectacular. Encountered a monkey on our way up to the cave and despite the arduous climbs and descents we were rewarded with the glorious sights of the cave and its wonderment . Extraordinary fascinating. Both the climbs to and from the cave were extremely strenuous for me and my wife but we were very glad we completed the trip. To us, it’s essential to wear sturdy shoes but some people wore flip flops (???). Some small children too visited- well done the parents. Bring plenty of water!! Great trip but not for the unfit although the boat would have made our day a lot easier!! Highly recommended.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 December 2022
  • bwd1957
    1 contribution
    Interesting day trip
    We loved the boat trip to the beach, the walk up to the cave was strenuous but there were several stopping points. The view inside is just as the photos suggest. A very pleasant day trip with lunch afterwards at a nearby beach restaurant.
    Visited January 2022
    Written 23 December 2022
  • Justin Han
    29 contributions
    Enjoyable and manageable hike with a reward at the end
    Hike to the cave was relatively steep. But it was manageable for us although we were not the most outdoor-sy people around. Proper footwear for the hike would be best. Hiking the the cave and seeing the temple inside was great! I really like the fact that there are many information boards during the hike to share facts about the place. We could have hired a guide for 200tbh at the main restaurant area but only realised this after the hike. Aside from the temple, there are also inscriptions on the cave walls and also natural earth formations like stalagmites and stalactites as well as a dry waterfall. Will definitely recommend this attraction to everyone if you are fit to hike. Fee to enter is 200tbh. Refreshments can be bought at the restaurant at the start of the hike at Laem Sala beach.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 February 2023
  • Les M
    Bangkok, Thailand73 contributions
    Wonderous
    I have visited many wonderful sites throughout Thailand but this sits at the top of the list. Worth taking the boat as it brings you in at a beautiful beach where you can relax and swim after visiting the cave. Also zhere is a good local restaurant beside the beach. Advise going early to avoid the heat later in the day. You have to experience zhe main cave to see just how wondorous it is. It is a 430 mtr climb from the beach and takes around 50 minutes to do it, good footwear advised, no flip flops or sandals.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 March 2023
  • Cherry P
    36 contributions
    Amazing views
    Really amazing day, we booked a tour from a trip advisor review to see this cave and it did not disappoint. The long boat over to the national park and then did the 430m hike up to the cave. Take water if you go the same time we did as it was hot. The cave was spectacular and we saw monkeys along the way. Great day out and you can have lunch and a swim before getting back on the boat. I found the walk tough as I am not that fit however with 4 or 5 breaks on the way up and coming down was easier
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 April 2023
  • emeraldxx
    Perth, Australia102 contributions
    Tough climb in the heat but worth it
    Not an easy climb for someone not very fit like me but you take as many breaks as you need and it is worth it. The temple in the cave is beautiful and so serene. Make sure you have water and good walking shoes. We started at the bottom about 10am and it was very hot by then but most the steps were in the shade. The lunch in the restaurant after was simple but very tasty. We were lucky the boats were taking us across to the beach otherwise it would have been too hard for anyone who is not fit. You can call and check day before if the tide is high and boats aren’t running.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 April 2023
  • John Sureemee
    Lakewood, Ohio4 contributions
    Extremely physically demanding
    Minimum requirements are: you must wear at least proper shoes or hiking shoes. You must be able to run 2 km and/or you must be able to walk 4 km. If you can’t do that, you’re in for some serious torture. This is an extremely strenuous activity. Need 1/2 - 1 liter water per person. Don’t try this during rainy days. By boat or hiking in, it’s 2km hike each way. They tell you it is only a 500 meters hike if you take the boat. It is not true. The truth is that it’s 2 km distance each way regardless of hiking or by the boat. Also, either method it is a very steep elevation gain of 500 meters, then a very steep elevation loss of 300 meters. Then, do it again to return to the starting point. Plan to arrive by 11am for the most light in the cave from above and to be able to complete the task before dark. It can take up to 4 hours if you are not athletic. If you can’t pass the fitness test, happily wait at the starting point restaurants or go swimming at the beach while waiting for your loved ones. My wife and I are in our 60’s and didn’t make it all the way, but we hiked in 1 hour, for a total trip of 2 hours of aerobic exercise. We took the boat, but heed my warning it’s not a 500 meter walk in from the boat like they all will tell you. Also, I believe the boat trail is significantly more physically challenging. It 2 km distance each way regardless of hiking in or by the boat. Also, either method it is a very steep elevation gain of 500 meters, then a very steep elevation loss of 300 meters. Then, do it again to return to the starting point.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 April 2023
  • Misty Jones
    18 contributions
    A must see!
    Definitely worth the relatively short walk and going in the early morning to avoid the heat and crowds. We got there about 9.30am and in April the sun was still not close to the shrine but was entering the cave. Personally that was better for us than walking in more heat from Bang Pu. It is well signposted if driving there and the parking area (20 baht) is obvious. It was almost empty when we arrived but full when we returned from the cave. Explore the full cave in all its corners - magical!
    Visited April 2023
    Written 13 April 2023
  • chockycb
    Sunbury, Australia197 contributions
    Worth the trek.
    This would have to be one of those ‘wow factors’ . But not for the faint hearted. We got the boat around to where to trek starts to the cave. There is a large restaurant there so if there is someone in your group that doesn’t want to do the cave they can wait there. I wouldn’t say you’d have to be fit but it is a hard slog, it’s about 500 metres up the mountain and down the other side , walking up and down uneven steps . Just take lots of water and take your time because it is sooooo worth it.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 May 2023
  • Randomlychili
    Meiringen, Switzerland11 contributions
    Must see, even with toddlers!
    What a beautiful thing to do! We were told to plan at least two hours for the trip. Average time is 40 minutes up, then you spend 40 minutes around the cave, then 40 minutes back down. We took the boat around making the hike shorter. I carried our two year old on my back in the baby carrier and my husband carried our 3 1/2 year old on his shoulders. Our tour guide had repeatedly asked us if we were sure that we wanted to do this with young kids since it’s a difficult climb. We decided that we really wanted to experience this place and therefore we went for it. We wore our hiking sandals and started to climb. We reached the top, or better said the cave in just 15 minutes walking. We both don’t do any sports and were surprised by how fast we reached the top. I am saying this to encourage people with young children to go on this adventure. Yes, it is difficult, but totally worth it. So it actually only took us an hour to go up, walk the tour and walk back down.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
812 reviews
Excellent
599
Very good
184
Average
23
Poor
1
Terrible
5

Kerri2801
Toowoomba, Australia17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a very hard walk. The walk in through the beach was beautiful with monkeys in the trees. You have to walk up a steep hill for about 500m and then have to walk down the other side to get to the cave. I only made it about 200m up the hill and stopped. Very hard going and very hot. Need to have some fitness to visit.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John K
Costa Mesa, CA1,394 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I came here from Hua Hin on a weekday morning. Drive time was about an hour by car. I honestly wouldn't recommend coming by motorbike, as the day is pretty tiring and riding a bike all the way back to town is a lot. Plus I recommend seeing some of the other sights within the national park while you're there, so having a car makes sense.

So first off, skip the toilets by the parking lot. They're gross. Toilets at the beach where the speedboat drops you off inside the park are much better. And there are no toilets at the cave, so plan accordingly.

Secondly, consider skipping the speedboat, save the 400 thb boat fee, and make the first part of the hike instead. The views are fantastic and the hike is not that difficult. The boat only saves you about 1/4 to 1/3 of the hike, with the toughest part by far yet to come. If you do go by boat, be aware that on the day I was there people had to walk out into the water to board the boats, so plan your footwear accordingly.

Once you reach the beach, whether by foot or by boat, the steep climb begins. Take it slowly, and take lots of water. I drank over 2 liters. Once you reach the cave, you can wander all around inside, with many interesting vistas. And once you get back to the beach at the bottom of the mountain, there's a restaurant serving food and drinks. No alcohol is allowed in the national park.

A note on footwear. I did make the hike wearing flip flops, but it was dry, and I'm an experienced flip flop hiker with my Hawaiian "locals" on. Don't try this in the pair you just bought from the hotel gift shop. Otherwise just wear regular running shoes or hikers. Footing is tricky in spots, and if it does rain while you're on the hill it could get slippery really fast.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

933mat
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Get there early to beat the crowds. We took a speedboat around to the bay to save time - it was also very hot!!
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Co Y
116 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Thailand is sometimes regarded as a paradise for shopping and massage. It is indeed also a paradise for nature lovers. The Cave is just one of the finest examples. Located in an island with an hour drive from Hua Hin city center, a 5-minute boat trip, and 30-minute hiking (mainly uphill), you will see an amazing temple inside the huge deep Cave. If you can, go there before noon on a sunny day. You would witness how amazing the temple bathing in the sunlight pouring from the top of the Cave. Spare time for sitting in a quiet corner inside the Cave, enjoy the sunlight, the tranquility, and the peace of mind.

Well-quipped yourself: shorts, tees, sports shoes but no flip flop (dangerous when going up the hill), Be prepared, you have to climb on the boat in the beach.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chrislan
Perth, Australia102 contributions
Aug 2023
This is a tough walk (perhaps more so coming back down on aging knees) but well worth effort. The caves are spectacular! Recommend doing it early in the morning - before 10am, or later in the afternoon, as you won't want to share this magic place with noisy kids!
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Randomlychili
Meiringen, Switzerland11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
What a beautiful thing to do! We were told to plan at least two hours for the trip. Average time is 40 minutes up, then you spend 40 minutes around the cave, then 40 minutes back down. We took the boat around making the hike shorter. I carried our two year old on my back in the baby carrier and my husband carried our 3 1/2 year old on his shoulders. Our tour guide had repeatedly asked us if we were sure that we wanted to do this with young kids since it’s a difficult climb. We decided that we really wanted to experience this place and therefore we went for it. We wore our hiking sandals and started to climb. We reached the top, or better said the cave in just 15 minutes walking. We both don’t do any sports and were surprised by how fast we reached the top. I am saying this to encourage people with young children to go on this adventure. Yes, it is difficult, but totally worth it. So it actually only took us an hour to go up, walk the tour and walk back down.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lucy m
Worcester, UK5 contributions
Jun 2023
in the heat this hike is rather demanding due to the incline however, once you reach the cave it makes the trek worth it. an unforgettable experience
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Augie March
Sydney, Australia239 contributions
Jun 2023
As many others have commented here getting to the cave is not a walk in the park!
I would wear thongs for the boat ride and take walking shoes for the trek up to the cave. It is steep, it is strenuous, and it is exhausting. Take your time. There is no one at the top handing out 1000BHT notes for the quickest ascent. Take plenty of water, a backpack and a towel to wipe the sweat off your face. I would reconsider the walk if it has recently been raining as the trail can be slippery when wet, especially climbing down. But it is worth it and the inside of the cave is spectacular.
Buy a ticket, walk down to the water, the boatmen will direct you as to which boat is leaving next. Ten-minute boat trip. Follow the signs to the path up the hillside to the cave.
The light enters the cave best at mid-morning so I would try to arrive between 9am and 10am.
Written 15 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chockycb
Sunbury, Australia197 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This would have to be one of those ‘wow factors’ . But not for the faint hearted. We got the boat around to where to trek starts to the cave. There is a large restaurant there so if there is someone in your group that doesn’t want to do the cave they can wait there. I wouldn’t say you’d have to be fit but it is a hard slog, it’s about 500 metres up the mountain and down the other side , walking up and down uneven steps . Just take lots of water and take your time because it is sooooo worth it.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OMO
Hope Island, Australia137 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
This is not for the young the old or the unfit!
Steep uneven steps makes it hard work but well worth it in the end.
There is an easier way by catching a boat around the bay which cuts down about half of the climb.
One of those places where the photos don’t do it justice!
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 441
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Phraya Nakhon Cave (Sam Roi Yot) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Phraya Nakhon Cave

According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Phraya Nakhon Cave: