Tham Khao Luang
The reason to make the trip is the light. Deep inside this limestone cavern, north of Phetchaburi city and about an hour from Hua Hin, openings in the rock ceiling drop shafts of daylight onto a reclining Buddha and the shrines and stupas around it. Plenty of people turn back partway. Don't. The innermost chamber is where the light channel does its thing, and it's the whole point of coming.
From the car park it's roughly 80 metres to the entrance, then a steep set of stone steps down. Bats cluster near the mouth of the cave and thin out as you go deeper, which unnerves some first-timers for about a minute. Visitor numbers are low enough that you can stand there quietly for a while. Monks sell amulets inside, and there's one on site if you want a blessing. The cold stone air makes this a good move on a punishing hot afternoon.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tham Khao Luang, round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is a must visit historical site. Only a 10 ThB entrance fee. There are a quite a few steps down into the cave. The cave entrance is only about an 80 meter walk from the parking lot. Once inside you see the golden Buddha and sleeping Buddha statues and many more. There are several monks inside the cave selling Buddha amulets and other trinkets. Probably THE BEST cave I visited. Much better than the one on Railey (Krabi). A great place to go on a hot and humid day in Thailand. This place does not disappoint.
Reclining budha, shrines and stupas in a cave network just north of Phetchaburi city. Easy walk up to cave entrance from parking area then steep steps down into the caves. 50 baht entry Toilets by ticket office Monk on site should you require blessing.
Very beautiful cave temple entrance fee was 10 bhat, follow a path up to the cave not far. There are monkeys around so keep your belongings close they like to steal, I highly recommend a visit
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,041 reviews on Google.
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Tham Khao Luang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tham Khao Luang worth visiting?
Tham Khao Luang holds a 4.6★ rating from 4,041 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Tham Khao Luang?
Tham Khao Luang is typically open 08:00-16:00 — 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 Tham Khao Luang?
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 Khao Luang located?
Tham Khao Luang is at 4WMJ+2P4, Thongchai, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Location Info
4WMJ+2P4, Thongchai, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand032 706 639www.thongchai.go.th/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 Khao Luang
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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
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng
Free-entry Khmer ruins from the 13th century, quietly tucked in Phetchaburi — one of the empire's most south-westerly outposts.
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (Wang Ban Puen)
A German-built royal palace in Phetchaburi, free to enter, mostly empty rooms and one staircase worth the trip.
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 Khao Luang
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
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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