Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu

Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu is a limestone cave shrine within Khao Ngu Stone Park in Ko Plap, Mueang Ratchaburi, Ratchaburi Province. It is notable for its ancient Buddha images and hermit (Ruesi) statue housed inside the cave, associated with the Dvaravati period. Set among scenic karst hills and a former quarry lake, the site combines natural cave features with religious and archaeological interest.

Visitors can expect a small limestone cave set in the Khao Ngu Stone Park landscape of karst hills, lakes and parkland. Inside the cave are Buddha images, a revered hermit statue and wall carvings. The cave is accessed by steps and a short walk from the park area. Surroundings include walking paths, viewpoints of the limestone cliffs, lakes, and nearby caves such as Tham Fa Tho within the same park complex.

Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu contains Buddha images and carvings attributed to the Dvaravati period (approximately 6th-11th century), reflecting early Buddhist art in central Thailand. The caves in the Khao Ngu hills are recognized as an important archaeological site for Buddhist votive art and rock-cut imagery.

The cave is an active Buddhist religious site where visitors pay respect to Buddha images and the hermit (Ruesi) figure. It reflects local reverence for hermit ascetics in Thai Buddhist tradition and is part of the cultural landscape of Khao Ngu, which is valued for both religious practice and community recreation.