Khao Luang Cave is located approximately 5km north from Khao Wang. From the foot hill, there are concrete stair cases leading to the cave entrance. Khao Luang is a small-sized hill having a height of 92 meters at the peak. However, Khao Luang Cave is regarded as the Largest and most important cave of Phetchaburi province because the important ornamented Buddha image built by King Rama V and dedicated to King Rama III and IV is enshrined here. This cave had been a royal picnic site since the King Rama IV period. He was very fond of this place so that he commanded the renovation of several old Buddha images in the cave. On the right hand side of the entrance at Khao Luang foot hill, there is a big beautiful monastery called by Phetchaburi folks Wat Tham Klaep which is now Wat Bunthawi. There are some interesting items to be seen in this monastery such as a hude multipurpose pavilion, and beautiful wood carved door panels of the main shrine hall which was designed and constructed by the Lord Abbot who was a famous artisan. The old legend told by Phetchaburi folks for centuries is that the entrance of the cave at this monastery is the entrance of a twilight zone town where inhabitants are only young maidens. How to get there - from Bangkok's side of highway 4 take the flyover to Phetchaburi and turn left at the first cross road drive straight on (road 3173) for about 2km until foot of the hill. On the right you will see Wat Bunthawi. Drive to the parking area at the top of the hill. There you can hire an English speaking guide for the cave if you want to. They accept any fee. |