Wat Tham Khao Luang

Wat Tham Khao Luang is a Buddhist temple built within a natural limestone cave system north of Phetchaburi town, housing more than 180 Buddha statues arranged across multiple chambers. The cave creates an intimate sacred space where visitors move through different sections filled with religious figures of varying sizes.

King Mongkut established this sacred site in 1868 as a meditation space with numerous Buddha images installed throughout the cave chambers. His decision to use the cave as a temple transformed it into an enduring center of spiritual practice.

The temple serves as an active place of worship where visitors light incense and leave flower offerings at the Buddha statues. The golden figures and flickering candles reflect the spiritual practices that continue here today.

Visitors reach the cave via paved stairs from the parking area, making access straightforward. Modest clothing is expected here, and regular daily hours allow flexible visiting at different times of day.

Natural sunlight filters through openings in the cave ceiling, creating shifting light patterns across the golden statues throughout the day. This constantly changing illumination makes the interior experience different with each visit.