Samnaksong Tham Laplae
An underrated cave temple near Hua Hin where monks lend flashlights to explore vast limestone chambers filled with bats.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–17:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Address
- 370 หมู่2 บ้านหนองพลับ หนองพลับ Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 76130, Thailand
- Phone
- +66 85 703 8417
Full opening hours
Tours that include Samnaksong Tham Laplae
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Samnaksong Tham Laplae.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked into the hills of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, this Buddhist cave sanctuary — also known as Lub Lae Cave — offers one of the more genuinely atmospheric and unhurried temple experiences in the Hua Hin region. The site centers on a large natural limestone cave housing a small temple, where resident monks greet visitors and provide flashlights for self-guided exploration. The cave is notably spacious, home to a significant bat colony, and carries the kind of quiet, otherworldly ambiance that makes it feel well removed from the region's busier tourist circuit.
Visitors make a donation at the community building near the entrance before heading into the cave, where the combination of dim natural light, resident bats, and Buddhist shrine elements creates a distinctive and memorable atmosphere. The experience is largely self-paced, with visits ranging from around ten minutes to considerably longer depending on how thoroughly guests choose to explore. The site sees relatively few visitors, meaning many travelers have the cave largely to themselves.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Samnaksong Tham Laplae
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Experience hints
Reviews from Google
Amazing Cave that we had to ourselves. The dirt track up to the entrance is manageable with a normal car, but needs careful driving in parts. There is a community building near the entrance where you can get torches. The cave is easily accessible, but can be slippery inside. It is very impressive and full of varied rock formations, and bats. Great fun to explore.
Excellent cave to visit but we were glad we were in a 4x4 as the dirt track was full of holes. We came prepared with torches and there are only a few steps up to the cave entrance. Lots of bats which I found fascinating. Definitely recommend
Also known as Lub Lae Cave. A trip up a one lane, rocky dirt road leads you to the 'Monastery' where you make a donation & are given a torch to explore on your own. You could spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour underground, dependant on your tolerance of bats, the heat & enclosed spaces. You can walk the well defined trail or crawl though tiny spaces to reach on amazing cavern. You will generally have the caves to yourself as it is not designed as a tourist attration
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 317 reviews on Google.
370 หมู่2 บ้านหนองพลับ หนองพลับ Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 76130, Thailand
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All within 1.6 km of Samnaksong Tham Laplae.
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Samnaksong Tham Laplae: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samnaksong Tham Laplae worth visiting?
Samnaksong Tham Laplae holds a 4.6★ rating from 317 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Samnaksong Tham Laplae?
Samnaksong Tham Laplae is typically open 08:00–17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Samnaksong Tham Laplae?
The best months to visit Hua Hin are November – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October (wettest month).
Where is Samnaksong Tham Laplae located?
Samnaksong Tham Laplae is at 370 หมู่2 บ้านหนองพลับ หนองพลับ Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 76130, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (green, along Phetkasem Road to Khao Takiab); Motorbike taxis.
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