Kailone Cave is an interesting alternative tourist attraction located in the Hua Hin area of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It is situated on a hill in the vicinity of Ban Nong Krathum. The cave is relatively accessible by road, and the area in front of the cave entrance is home to Tham Kai Lon Monastery (Samnak Song), a peaceful place for meditation. To reach the cave itself, visitors must ascend a concrete staircase, which is quite steep, spanning approximately 200 meters. Upon reaching the top, you will find a clearing and a pavilion for resting and enjoying the surrounding panoramic views. The air is naturally breezy and not overly humid, making for a comfortable cave-visiting experience.

The primary feature of this cave is the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites adorning the ceiling and walls. The main chamber is well-lit, not too dark, due to a large shaft in the cave's ceiling that allows ample sunlight to stream in. In terms of spiritual significance, Kailone Cave enshrines Buddhist images and the prominent Benjamahaphotisat Chedi (pagoda), whose spire pierces through the ceiling shaft towards the sky. This creates a sense of wonder and sanctity for visitors. The name "Kai Lon" (meaning "Fallen Chicken") originates from the area above the cave shaft, where wild fowl once lived in large numbers and occasionally fell into the cave.

The overall atmosphere of Kailone Cave is one of tranquility and a place for both making merit and appreciating nature. The walk up the stairs to the cave entrance is a small physical challenge that is highly rewarding, as the summit features an open-air viewpoint pavilion where tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery of the surrounding forest, hills, and local community. The cave is open for visiting year-round, but the mornings and evenings offer cooler temperatures, making the climb easier. Visitors should be moderately prepared physically for the staircase ascent.

Kailone Cave is an ideal spot for tourists seeking a mild adventure, couples looking for a peaceful retreat, or those interested in natural geological formations and religious sites. Photographers will particularly enjoy capturing the sunlight as it beams through the cave shaft, illuminating the pagoda and the speleothems, creating a stunning and rare image. Furthermore, it is part of a cave-visiting route near Hua Hin, including Tham Dao and Tham Lab Lae, allowing visitors to plan a multi-cave trip in one day.

We invite everyone to experience the quiet beauty and spiritual significance of Kailone Cave, another hidden charm of Hua Hin waiting for you to discover.

Private Car:

• Take Road No. 3218 (Nong Phlap-Pong Ket) from the Nong Phlap intersection. Continue along this route, past the entrance to Tham Lab Lae. A few kilometers further, you will reach the turn-off for Kailone Cave. Drive along the road until you reach the parking lot of the monastery.

Taxi/Rental Car:

• You can hire a taxi or rent a car from Hua Hin town center to Ban Nong Krathum for ease of travel.

Note:

• As the location is on a hill, traveling by private vehicle is the most convenient option.

Best Visiting Seasons:

• The cave can be visited year-round, but it is advisable to avoid periods of heavy rain for safety when climbing the stairs and inside the cave.

Footwear and Equipment:

• You should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for the steep climb. It is also recommended to carry drinking water for the journey up.

Visiting Etiquette:

• Since the cave is part of a Buddhist monastery, please dress modestly and maintain respectful behavior, avoiding loud noises that could disturb meditation.

Photography:

• Be ready for opportunities to take striking silhouette photos where the light shines down the cave shaft, capturing the dramatic scene of the Chedi and the cave formations.

Trip Planning:

• Consider combining your visit with Tham Dao and Tham Lab Lae, which are located on the same road, to make your trip worthwhile and varied.

Admission Fee

• No official admission fee information is available (Monasteries and religious sites often do not charge fees).

• Please check for the latest information before traveling.

Opening Hours

• The site is generally open daily throughout the year (as it is a monastery).

• Estimated Hours: Likely 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, following the general opening hours of a temple or monastery.

• Please check with the Tham Kai Lon Monastery for exact times.