By: Alex
In Hua Hin, Thailand, this small golden temple bathed in sacred light may seem like a scene from a movie, but it has now become a sacred site. The small temple is located within the Phraya Nakhon Cave. It was originally built in Bangkok in 1890 to welcome King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and then transported to the cave for assembly, serving as a shaded resting place for the king (hence the more accurate name is the Royal Pavilion). Later, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) and the late King Bhumibol also visited the Phraya Nakhon Cave.
▲Phraya Nakhon Cave in Hua Hin (photo by KenKenPhoto @Twitter)
The Phraya Nakhon Cave actually consists of two chambers, one larger and one smaller, and the space is not very large. However, there is a "skylight" in the cave ceiling that allows sunlight to stream into the cave, creating a magnificent spectacle. If the time and season are right, the sunlight will even shine on the small temple situated on the earthen mound, creating a sacred and majestic atmosphere. According to travel guides and the field experience of photographers, the best time for photos is around 10:30 to 11:00 AM.
▲(photo by KenKenPhoto @Twitter)
The Phraya Nakhon Cave is located within the Khao Sam Roi Yot (also translated as Thirty Peaks or Thirty Mountains) National Park, about 50 kilometers from downtown Hua Hin. Due to the relatively inconvenient transportation, visitors have to walk for about an hour along rugged mountain paths after getting off the vehicle, so there have not been many tourists. It was not until recent years, thanks to social media, that backpackers and photographers from around the world gradually came to know about it.
▲At the right time, sunlight will shine on the small temple, creating a sacred and majestic atmosphere. (photo by ivnovish @IG)
▲(photo by ivnovish @IG)
▲The small temple was built in 1890 to welcome the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). (photo by marskap @IG)
▲The cave consists of two chambers, one larger and one smaller, and the space is not very large, but there is a "skylight" in the cave ceiling that allows sunlight to shine into the cave. (photo by patrickjoda @IG)
▲(photo by ulkacurl @IG)
▲(photo by ulkacurl @IG)
▲(photo by leslievreys @IG)
▲The small temple is situated on a small earthen mound, surrounded by a low fence, and visitors are not allowed to enter. (photo by walkbyshooting @Twitter)
▲(photo by silyehhh @IG)
Sources: Thai National Parks, Hua Hin by Hotels.com