Just six kilometers from Kanchanaburi lies Wat Tham Khao Poon, a fascinating cave system with natural chambers and illuminated passageways. It houses nine caves containing Buddhist and Hindu shrines and is considered the most accessible cave temple in Kanchanaburi province and the surrounding area. One of the most scenic ways to visit is by longboat under the bridge on the River Kwai. The Wat Tham Khao Poon cave complex consists of nine chambers: the Phra Buddha Saiyas (Reclining Buddha Chamber), the Ja-Ae Chamber, the Mai Dern (Walking Stick Chamber), the Soi Yoi (Weeping Fig Tree Chamber), the Jorrakae Hall (Crocodile Hall), the Phor Poe Reussi Hall (Ascetic Hall), the Thape Ni Mitra Hall (God Vision Hall), the Kaew Hall (Crystal Hall), and the Thape Prasittisopol Hall. Don't miss the cedi coin on the hill. The cave also bears witness to the dark events of World War II. Japanese soldiers had established a field hospital, known as Khao Poon Hospital, near the river. King Chulalongkorn visited the cave in 1870 to worship the Buddha reclining there. The temple's reputation was severely damaged in 1995 by the murder of a British tourist by a 22-year-old amphetamine-addicted monk. The monk was removed from his position and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Admission: 30 THB. Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

In my opinion, the most beautiful way to visit Wat Tham Khao Poon is by boat. You can easily hire a longtail boat driver under the bridge over the River Kwai (feel free to approach him; he's not actively looking for passengers). The round trip, including waiting time while you visit the temple, costs 700 THB per boat. Alternatively, taking a tuk-tuk or driving along the road costs around 300 THB.

Wat Tham Khao Pun is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Tham Khao Poon? In my opinion, the most beautiful way to visit Wat Tham Khao Poon is by boat. You can easily hire a longtail boat driver under the bridge over the River Kwai (feel free to approach him; he's not actively looking for passengers). The round trip, including waiting time while you visit the temple, costs 700 THB per boat. Alternatively, a tuk-tuk ride along the road costs about 300 THB.