King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) also visited and inscribed their initials on the cave walls.
The name Kuha Karuhas means 'Royal Hall of the Cave' in Thai.
The cave is formed within a karst limestone mountain, a geological hallmark of the Sam Roi Yot region.
The collapsed ceiling provides an open-air environment that allows tropical trees and vegetation to grow on the cave floor.
The cave is home to colonies of bats which contribute to the local ecosystem of the park.
The beach directly below the mountain, Laem Sala, is reachable by boat, reducing the walking distance significantly.
The pavilion is entirely constructed of wood and painted in traditional Thai gold leaf and royal colors.
Phraya Nakhon Cave is a massive limestone cavern located within Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, distinguished by the Kuha Karuhas pavilion built inside its primary chamber. The pavilion was constructed in 1890 to commemorate a visit by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Sunlight enters the cave through a collapsed ceiling, illuminating the structure during specific morning hours. The cave comprises two main chambers featuring significant stalactite and stalagmite formations. Accessing the cave requires traversing a steep, 430-meter-long hiking trail from Laem Sala Beach or navigating a mountain pass from Bang Pu Beach. The site remains a protected feature of a national park, necessitating a registered park entry. Humidity inside the cave is high due to subterranean water sources and the semi-open ceiling.
The viewing platform overlooking the Kuha Karuhas pavilion from the trail side.
Wear hiking-appropriate footwear with high traction to handle the steep, uneven limestone stairs.
Carry plenty of drinking water as there are no facilities once you begin the ascent.
Visit on a weekday to minimize crowding on the narrow trail and inside the small main chamber.
Avoid attempting the hike in the heat of the afternoon; avoid wearing flip-flops.
May close temporarily during extreme weather or heavy monsoon rain for safety reasons.
Maintain a quiet tone to respect the historical nature of the pavilion; avoid touching stalactites.
