Phraya Nakhon Cave sunlight enters peak viewing period

Lively crowds of tourists have been gathering at Phraya Nakhon Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to witness the annual sunlight phenomenon that illuminates Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, with park officials saying the coming weeks are among the best times of the year to visit.

On 12 January, Aekrit Duangmala, head of the national park, said visitor numbers rose sharply during the recent New Year holidays as Thai and international tourists came to see the first light of the year fall inside the cave. Sunlight streams through an opening in the cave ceiling and shines directly onto the royal pavilion between around 10.30am and 11.30am, creating a scene that many visitors describe as unforgettable.

Park officials say conditions from now until the end of January are particularly favourable, as the angle of the sun allows the light to fall cleanly onto the pavilion for a longer period. This makes late January one of the most reliable windows for visitors hoping to see the phenomenon at its best.

Many visitors photograph the moment, while others come to pay their respects and make wishes. The cave is regarded as a sacred place by local residents, who believe prayers offered there can bring prosperity, especially in one’s career. The sunlight itself is often viewed as a symbol of good fortune and guidance, reflecting the site’s long-standing links to Thai royal history.

A rare natural and historical landmark

The sunlight phenomenon at Phraya Nakhon Cave can only be observed between November and January each year. During this period, national park staff are stationed in the area to manage visitor numbers and ensure safety inside the cave.

The cave’s most recognisable feature is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, a four-gabled royal pavilion built on a small mound within the cavern. When sunlight reaches the structure, its white and green roof stands out sharply against the surrounding rock walls, a contrast that has made the site one of the most photographed landmarks in the province.

The cave’s history dates back to the early Rattanakosin period. During the reign of King Rama I, Chao Phraya Nakhon, the ruler of Nakhon Si Thammarat, was forced to shelter along the coast near Khao Sam Roi Yot after encountering severe storms. A freshwater well built at the time later gave the area its name.

In 1890, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn, the monarch visited the cave and ordered the construction of the pavilion. He later presided over the installation of its chofa finials. Royal monograms of King Rama V and King Rama VII can still be seen inscribed on the cave wall nearby.

Today, Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat is not only the centrepiece of Phraya Nakhon Cave but also serves as the official emblem of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. With the peak sunlight period now under way, park officials say the remainder of January offers a timely opportunity for visitors to experience one of the region’s most distinctive natural events.

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