Tham Dao
Bring a torch, and don't count on the lights. That's the single most useful thing I can tell you about this cave temple in Nong Phlap, out on the inland side of Hua Hin District. There's a donation box at the bottom of the steps near the school, and when people drop money in, someone has sometimes come out to switch on the cave lighting. Sometimes nobody does. Either way, phone torches aren't enough for the deeper passages, and the floor is covered in bat guano.
The name means "cave of the stars", and the ceiling formations are the reason to come. It's a five minute climb up to the entrance, opening into a chamber with a Buddha statue, and from there a passage runs right and deeper into the mountain. It narrows. Bats will fly past you. Some visitors love the quiet and have the whole place to themselves. Others have found the grounds unkempt, the lights off, and left disappointed. Both are true, depending on the day.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tham Dao, round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Such a peaceful temple! The cave beside it was super dark and full of bats (kind of thrilling haha). There were no other visitors when we went, so it felt really calm and almost mysterious. Perfect if you like quiet places away from crowds.
Beautiful, deep cave which is really off the beaten path. It's a really nice place to visit and see why this cave is called Tham Dao (cave of the stars). You'll have to walk not too far upstairs to visit the cave. You'll first arrive in the big room with a Buddha statue and on the right, you can go into the cave a bit deeper. If you are afraid of bats, look out, because there are many of them in the barely lit cave. The cave will get smaller at that point and bats still might pass you. The cave goes on for a while until you reach another room which is super quiet. It's a really nice cave, but I have seen better ones.
This place appeared to be abandoned. The property was not maintained. There were no peacocks around that I saw. There were some dogs around. It did see a Buddhist monk in one of the small huts that sit close to the mountain wall. Not sure if he lives on the premises. The lights were not on in the cave and we couldn’t figure out how to turn them on. The cave is very dark. Our cell phone lights were not enough. There are bats in the cave and the floor is covered in bat guano. I was excited to see the place upon reading the Google reviews but it turned out too be a bit sad looking.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 146 reviews on Google.
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Tham Dao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tham Dao worth visiting?
Tham Dao holds a 4.3★ rating from 146 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Hua Hin.
When is the best time to visit Tham Dao?
The best months to visit Hua Hin are March – 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: September – November (rainy season).
Where is Tham Dao located?
Tham Dao is at HPRH+F6H, Nong Phlap, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available
Where to stay near Tham Dao
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Samnaksong Tham Laplae
An underrated cave temple near Hua Hin where monks lend torches to explore vast limestone chambers filled with bats.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Tham Dao
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
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Member prices
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available