On our last Friday in Hua Hin, we hiked in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to the Phraya Nakhon Cave. Phraya Nakhon Cave isn’t just a natural wonder; it’s a place of historical and cultural significance. The pavilion is dedicated to Phra Phuttha Chai Chanasongkhram, a revered monk, making it a serene space for contemplation and reflection.
The cave is about an hour’s drive from Hua Hin. The drive is scenic going through lush landscapes and charming coastal villages. The cave is accessible by boat or a short, but moderately strenuous, trek from the Laem Sala Beach. Hiking with other families is much more pleasant than by ourselves because the kids keep each other entertained.
During a small window each year, at certain times of day, the sun illuminates the temple through the hole at the top of the cave. It was cloudy when we started the hike, but the clouds cleared just as we arrived at the cave. Upon entering the cave, we were immediately awestruck by the surreal sight of sunlight streaming through an opening in the cave, casting an ethereal glow on the ancient pavilion. We had about seven minutes of sun before the clouds rolled back in. We took a moment to soak in the spiritual ambiance, appreciating the fusion of nature and culture within this hidden sanctuary.
We had lunch by the beach and enjoyed the breeze from the ocean. Michael created a long jump competition after lunch. Lucas came in second by a small margin. The kids found a rundown workout area by the parking lot and worked out before our van picked us up.
It was a fun day made even more fun by sharing it with our friends.
