Just four kilometers from Khao Wang and the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park lies Khao Luang Mountain, also inhabited by monkeys and home to a labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Within this labyrinth is a temple with several Buddha statues and altars. After paying the entrance fee and taking a songthaew (shared taxi) up a twenty-step staircase to the cave entrance, you quickly reach the first chamber. There, a large seated Buddha and many smaller statues stand beneath a skylight, through which sunlight sometimes filters, creating a truly photogenic scene. Further to the left, in front of the small veranda of the second chamber, a reclining Buddha stands next to a statue of the Fat Buddha. This second chamber is also adorned with numerous statues and a skylight. Beyond this are galleries and a staircase leading outside (unfortunately, the upper section was blocked during our visit). The sheer scale of the cave, the view of the sky, and the statues will all impress you. The site was very popular with King Rama V, who ordered the restoration of several Buddha statues to honor his ancestor. For those unfamiliar with Thailand's cave temples, Tham Khao Luang is among the most fascinating. Along with Phra Nakhon Khiri, it is one of the two most famous sights in Phetchaburi.

Admission: 10 THB. Open from 8 am to 4 pm. A visit is particularly worthwhile during the hottest afternoon hours.

It's really not far from the city and is easily accessible by bicycle.

The Tham Khao Luang cave is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the building, be quiet, no hugging or kissing, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Tham Khao Luang Cave? It's really not far from the city and easily accessible by bicycle.