Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Go early. That's the key to this cave temple outside Kanchanaburi, because the 108 Guan Yin statues catch the soft morning light, and the place is almost deserted at that time. Visitors often report getting goosebumps, and that's not the usual exaggeration on temple tours. The cave is real, with stalactites and stalagmites that house Buddha statues and shrines. The air inside is pleasantly cool compared to the heat outside—a small blessing in Kanchanaburi.

A monk bestows blessings inside the cave, and this is precisely what makes the visit so special. Sometimes, handmade, cooling herbal oil is sold on-site; it's worth a few baht if you spot it. Even if you arrive too late for the cave, the grounds and surrounding area are absolutely worth seeing, making the trip worthwhile. Take your time to stroll around instead of just quickly ticking off the bridge and waterfalls.