The beautiful Phaya Nakhon Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park, with its small royal pavilion built in 1890 for a visit by King Rama V, is an extremely photogenic and peaceful spot. The cave is located 17 kilometers from the national park headquarters. It can be reached via a 450-meter footpath from Laem Sala Beach. Laem Sala Beach itself can be reached via a long staircase or by rented boat from Bang Pu Village or from the beach directly to the left of the staircase (300 THB per boat, 5-10 minutes). Phaya Nakhon Cave consists of two chambers. The main chamber contains the highlight of the visit: the small mound with the royal pavilion dedicated to King Rama V. To the right, on the wall, are the signatures of the king and of Rama VII, who visited the cave in 1926. King Rama IX came twice but did not sign the wall. Behind the small mound with the pavilion is a crocodile-shaped rock formation. The path leading to the main chamber is called the "Crocodile Back Path" because of its unevenness, which resembles the back of a crocodile. The royal pavilion of Phaya Nakhon Cave is the landmark of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Entry to Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park costs 200 THB (if you don't already have a ticket, you can purchase one at the bottom of the stairs leading down to Laem Sala Beach). At Laem Sala Beach, you can rent family bungalows (1200–2000 THB) or tents for camping (reservations can be made online through the National Parks of Thailand website or by phone at +60 2 620 760). Please note that while Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park attracts relatively few visitors during the week, it is very busy on weekends and holidays. Laem Sala Beach and Phaya Nakhon Cave can also be very crowded at these times.

To get to Sam Roi Yod National Park, transportation is recommended. Minivans run from Bangkok's South Bus Station to Pranburi and will take you directly to your resort in or near the park for approximately 300 THB. Alternatively, you can travel to Pranburi and take a motorbike taxi (150–200 THB). Keep in mind that the town of Sam Roi Yod is located next to the park and has a small train station. However, motorbike taxis rarely wait there, so this isn't necessarily the best way to reach the park. For a day trip from Prachuap Khiri Khan, we recommend Mr. Pinit. He is a local guide and will take you there by scooter or rental car, depending on the group size. The tour is available at a reasonable price (park entrance fee: 600 THB; rental car not included). He speaks fluent English and some French. You can reach him on the telephone number 032 550 059 or 083 765 9275 (mobile).

How to get there

How do you get to Phraya Nakhon Cave? To reach Sam Roi Yod National Park, transportation is recommended. Minivans run from Bangkok's South Bus Station to Pranburi and will take you directly to your resort in or near the park for approximately 300 THB. Alternatively, you can travel to Pranburi and take a motorbike taxi (150–200 THB). Note that the town of Sam Roi Yod is located next to the park and has a small train station. However, motorbike taxis rarely wait there, so this isn't necessarily the best way to get to the park. For a day trip from Prachuap Khiri Khan, we recommend Mr. Pinit. He is a local guide and will take you there by scooter or rental car, depending on the group size. The tour is offered at a fair price (park entrance fee: 600 THB; rental car not included). He speaks fluent English and even a little French. You can reach him on the telephone number 032 550 059 or 083 765 9275 (mobile).