Khao Sam Roi Yot
เขาสามร้อยยอด · Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Best Season
November to March (dry, cooler, best for hiking and cave visits)
Score
7.5 / 10
Elevation
10 m
Area
98 km²
About Khao Sam Roi Yot
Khao Sam Roi Yot ("Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks") is a small but stunning national park where jagged limestone mountains drop into coastal marshlands and the Gulf of Thailand. It is most famous for Phraya Nakhon Cave, a colossal sinkhole cave containing a royal pavilion (Kuha Karuhas) built for King Rama V in 1890.
When the morning sun aligns with the cave opening, a shaft of light illuminates the pavilion — one of Thailand's most iconic and photographed natural scenes. Beyond the cave, the park offers pristine beaches, mangrove forests, freshwater marshes (Thailand's largest), coastal limestone karst scenery, and excellent birdwatching with over 300 species recorded.
Its proximity to Hua Hin makes it an easy day trip or a quiet multi-day nature escape. The park has basic bungalows and camping facilities, though most visitors base themselves in Hua Hin or Pranburi.
Historical Note
Established in 1966 as Thailand's first coastal national park. Phraya Nakhon Cave's royal pavilion was built in 1890 for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The park's 98 square kilometers protect a unique combination of limestone karst, coastal wetlands, and marine environments.
Best time to visit: November to March (dry, cooler, best for hiking and cave visits)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เขาสามร้อยยอด
Province
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Region
Western
Area
98 km²
Elevation
10 m
Established
1966
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Khao Sam Roi Yot. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance (foreigner) | 200 | 200 |
| Kayak rental per hour | 200 | 500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Boat to Phraya Nakhon trail (round trip) | 400 | 400 |
| Motorbike rental (Hua Hin) | 200 | 300 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park campsite per person | 30 | 30 |
| Park bungalow per night | 600 | 1,800 |
| Guesthouse near park per night | 400 | 1,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Local meal (fishing village) | 40 | 100 |
| Seafood restaurant | 150 | 500 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 15 |
Weather & Climate
November to March for dry weather, comfortable hiking temperatures, and the best chance to see the sunbeam in Phraya Nakhon Cave on clear mornings. The cave is accessible year-round but overcast days reduce the sunbeam effect.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 22 | 10 | 65% |
| Feb | 32 | 23 | 10 | 65% |
| Mar | 33 | 24 | 30 | 68% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 50 | 72% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 100 | 78% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 80 | 75% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 80 | 75% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 90 | 76% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 150 | 80% |
| Oct | 32 | 24 | 180 | 82% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 80 | 72% |
| Dec | 31 | 22 | 15 | 65% |
Things to Do
Phraya Nakhon Cave
ถ้ำพระยานคร
Massive collapsed sinkhole cave with the Kuha Karuhas royal pavilion illuminated by a shaft of morning sunlight.
Khao Daeng Viewpoint
เขาแดง
30-minute steep climb up a limestone hill for 360-degree views over the park, marshes, coast, and karst mountains.
Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh
Thailand's largest freshwater marsh with birdwatching platforms. Over 300 species recorded including painted storks and purple herons.
Laem Sala Beach
Beautiful cove beach and starting point for the Phraya Nakhon Cave hike. Good for swimming and relaxing.
Mangrove Boardwalk
Short elevated trail through coastal mangroves with interpretive signs.
Food Nearby
ปลาทู
Pla Too (Mackerel)
Prachuap Khiri Khan is famous for mackerel — grilled or fried, served with shrimp paste dip.
40-80
Fishing village restaurants at Bang Pu
หอยแครง
Hoy Kraeng (Blood Cockles)
Local shellfish specialty, boiled and served with seafood sauce.
60-120
Coastal seafood restaurants
อาหารทะเล
Fresh Seafood
Just-caught fish, prawns, squid, and crab from the Gulf of Thailand.
100-300
Fishing village restaurants along the coast
ข้าวผัดสับปะรด
Pineapple Fried Rice
Fried rice with local pineapple — Prachuap is a major pineapple growing region.
60-100
Pranburi restaurants
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
250 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 1,000
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,000 - 4,000
THB / night
Luxury
4,000 - 8,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Park bungalows must be booked via the DNP website (nps.dnp.go.th). Most visitors base in Hua Hin and day trip.
Getting There from Bangkok
Car
3.5-4 hours
Fuel + tolls THB
Train to Hua Hin + car
4-5 hours total
200-1,000 THB
Festivals & Events
Migratory Bird Season
Palearctic migrants arrive at the marshland. Best wetland birding in Thailand.
Practical Info
Hospital
Pranburi Hospital (30 km)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Very limited English. This is a nature destination, not a tourist town.
Drinking Water
Bring plenty of water. None sold on the cave trail.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sunbeam guaranteed?
No. It requires clear morning sun. November to March, clear mornings give the best odds. Overcast days produce diffused light.
How hard is the hike to the cave?
Moderate. The 430m trail from Laem Sala beach is steep and rocky but short (20-30 minutes). Wear proper shoes.
Can I visit as a day trip from Hua Hin?
Yes. Leave by 7:00 AM, drive 1 hour, hike to cave, see sunbeam, explore Khao Daeng in the afternoon.
Is the park worth it beyond the cave?
Yes, particularly for birders. The marshland is one of Thailand's best wetland birding sites. Khao Daeng viewpoint is stunning.