Tham phraya Nakhon Cove ,Sam Roi Yot National Park
When you get to city of Prachuap Khiri
, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Tham Phraya Nakkon Cove to witness Kuha
Karue Hat Royol Throne; a landmark of this province.
What makes Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave so special is the
collapsed roof over the cave that lets the sunlight com through to illuminate
the entire cave which opens up the confined space. In addition there are manly
plants that grow naturally from the sunlight entering the cave.
The large collapsed ceiling makes the first chamber of the
cave very bright and you will notice the beauty of stalactites on the left side
of the cave wall which looks like a waterfall as you walk to reach the bottom
of the first chamber.
From there, the bottom of the cave
turns into a wide space and if you look up to the collapsed roof, you will notice “the bridge
of death” which is the sheet of the solid rock
branching out like the bridge (in the past, wild animal used this path to cross
over and some fell down to their deaths which is the reason for the name)
When you reach the
second chamber of the cave , the path will appear with various sizes of
swelling that look similar to the back of alligator, and so derived the name
“alligator back path”
The main highlight
of Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave is in the deep end of the cave, located kuha Karue
Hat Royal Throne; the small royal pavilion (a building with four gable ends) is
constructed on the soil rise at the center hall of this chamber. Kuha Karue Hat Royal Throne will shine the bright
golden spark phenomenon when is reflected
sunlight shining through. High noon is the best time to
witness this phenomenon as the sunlight shine directly from the collapsed roof
the pavilion that puts every photographer in awe.
History denoted as
in the reign of King Rama I the great, PHRAYA NAKHON traveled by ship, when he
was forced ashore by a violent storm. He discovered the cave by “accident”.
Later in the reign of King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) had heard of the fascination
of this cave and decided to visit here so the small royal pavilion has been built inside the cave to commemorate his
visit. Also king Rama VII and his majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej made appearances at the cave.
Tham Phraya Nakhon
Cave can be reached on foot from Laem Sala beach inside the park or hired boat.
I recommend walking as you will be able to see the natural surrounding and open
view of landscape around you. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellant along as
this place is teeming with mosquitoes.
The next steps next week introduce a row. Western region nakha.
