About Tham Khao Luang
Tham Khao Luang is a revered cave temple located on Khao Luang Hill in Tha Rap, about 5 km north of Phetchaburi city. The large limestone cave houses numerous Buddha images and is famous for dramatic sunbeams streaming through natural sinkholes onto the statues. Developed as a temple since the Ayutthaya period and restored by Kings Rama IV and Rama V, it is one of Phetchaburi's most visited cultural and natural attractions.
Visitors guide
Visitors descend steep stairs into a series of large, interconnected limestone chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. The chambers contain multiple Buddha images including a large reclining Buddha, ancient chedis and shrines illuminated by natural light from collapsed ceilings. The cave floor is uneven and can be damp. Outside, there are food and souvenir stalls and troops of monkeys around the hill and entrance area.
Key highlights
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Dramatic sunbeams shining through natural ceiling openings onto Buddha statues
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Large reclining Buddha and numerous historic Buddha images inside chambers
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Impressive stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations
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Historic cave temple restored by King Rama IV and King Rama V
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Troops of monkeys inhabiting the hill around the cave entrance
History of Tham Khao Luang
The cave has been a Buddhist religious site since the Ayutthaya period. King Rama IV (King Mongkut), who had a palace at nearby Khao Wang, ordered restoration and installation of Buddha images in the cave. King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) later added further images and continued patronage, establishing it as a royal temple cave.
Culture & Context
An important Buddhist pilgrimage and merit-making site for locals and visitors. The cave temple enshrines sacred Buddha images including a revered reclining Buddha and is considered an auspicious religious site in Phetchaburi, reflecting the tradition of cave temples in Thai Buddhism.
Route
| By air |
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