Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple)

A sacred cave temple tucked into Phang Nga's limestone hills, blending natural wonder with Buddhist devotion.

4.8(103)
Directions

Why go, and how to do it well

Nestled among the dramatic karst landscape of Phang Nga province, Dragon Cave Temple — known locally as Praya Nakarach Cave Temple — is a place of genuine spiritual significance set within a striking natural cave formation. The temple draws both devout Buddhist worshippers and curious travelers who come to experience the rare combination of sacred religious art and raw limestone geology. Shrines, Buddha images, and offerings are arranged throughout the cave interior, creating an atmosphere that feels quietly reverent and genuinely atmospheric rather than touristic.

Visitors can expect a cool, dimly lit cave environment adorned with religious statues and the kind of lived-in devotion that distinguishes active temples from heritage sites. The surrounding area reflects the lush, mountainous character of the Thap Put district, making the journey to the temple part of the experience itself. The site sits off the main tourist trail, which contributes to its peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.

As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for the site and its worshippers. As opening hours are not publicly confirmed, it is advisable to visit during daylight hours and to check locally before making the trip. The temple is best suited to travelers with their own transport, as the address places it in a rural district away from main roads.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

Stay within reach of Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple)

Sponsored

Search Khao Lak hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple)

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia

Tours that include Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple)

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple).

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

GHC8+2G8, Tham Thong Lang, Thap Put District, Phang Nga 82180, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

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.

Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple): Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple) worth visiting?

Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple) holds a 4.8★ rating from 103 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Khao Lak.

When is the best time to visit Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple)?

The best months to visit Khao Lak are November – April (Similan season Oct 15 – May 15), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February (strong European family season) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough seas, Similans closed).

Where is Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple) located?

Dragon Cave Temple (praya nakarach cave temple) is at GHC8+2G8, Tham Thong Lang, Thap Put District, Phang Nga 82180, Thailand, in Khao Lak. Getting around Khao Lak: Songthaews along the main coastal road (Phetkasem highway); Motorbike rental (฿250–300/day; the resort areas string along one road).

Also popular in Khao Lak

Bang Niang Fresh Market

Bang Niang Fresh Market

4.4(452)
M7P3+PFM, Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Khuekkhak, Amphoe Takua Pa, Chang Wat Phang-nga 82190, Thailand
A lively morning fresh market in Khao Lak, open daily from dawn until noon with local produce and street food.
Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant Khao lak

Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant Khao lak

4.9(1,942)$$$$
4, 100 หมู่ที่ 7 Soi Bang La On, Tambon Khuekkhak, Amphoe Takua Pa, Chang Wat Phang-nga 82220, Thailand
Turkish mezze and slow-cooked meats on the Andaman coast, and it's become a fixture for repeat visitors.
Bhandari Wellness & Spa

Bhandari Wellness & Spa

5.0(576)
Khaolak Bhandari Resort & Spa 26/25 Moo 7, Khuk Khak, ตำบลคึกคัก อำเภอตะกั่วป่า พังงา 82190, Thailand
A resort spa in Khao Lak offering daily wellness treatments in a tranquil tropical setting.
Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park

4.7(8,884)
Sleep on a raft house on the lake, wake to gibbons and mist. One night won't be enough.

Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

Viewpoint at Tiger Cave Temple

Viewpoint at Tiger Cave Temple

4.8(1,261)
4WGF+67F, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
A working Buddhist temple in Krabi rewarding those who climb its 1,260 steep steps with sweeping karst panoramas.
Saphan Hin

Saphan Hin

4.5(5,766)
VC62+J69, Phuket Rd, Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
A big seafront park where Phuket Town actually goes to jog, eat and sit under the trees.
Sai Cave

Sai Cave

4.4(538)
52J4+2X6, Kui Buri, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77150, Thailand
A short, brutally steep climb to a cave full of stalactites, best tackled early before the heat sets in.
Cave of Art
Hidden Gem

Cave of Art

4.5(75)
RQF6+GVJ Wat Rong Khun, Tambon Pa O Don Chai, อ.เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
A mysterious underground art space near Wat Rong Khun blending natural cave formations with eerie sculptures.