The beam of light
Falling on the royal pavilion each morning.
BerryJ — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nawit science — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nawit science — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nawit science — CC BY-SA 4.0
One of Thailand's most breathtaking sights: a vast limestone cave whose roof collapsed long ago, leaving an opening through which morning sunlight falls onto a small gilded Thai royal pavilion built inside the cave in 1890 for a visit by King Chulalongkorn. The light striking the pavilion looks like a beam from heaven. The cave lies in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, the mountain of three hundred peaks, about an hour south of Hua Hin. Getting there is an adventure: a short boat ride to Laem Sala beach or a walk over the hill, then a steep mountain trail of half an hour to three quarters of an hour up to the cave. Park entry for foreigners is about two hundred baht per adult and one hundred per child, valid across the park for the day of purchase, with the boat to the beach paid separately. The best time to see the beam on the pavilion is roughly between ten and eleven in the morning. Wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the trail is rocky and hot, and it does not suit anyone with health problems. The park also has quiet beaches, bird marshes and a viewpoint, so make it a full day.
Falling on the royal pavilion each morning.
Built for King Chulalongkorn's visit.
A mountain park by the sea.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, about 60 km south of Hua Hin
About half an hour to three quarters of an hour from the beach on a steep rocky trail, then a descent into the cave. Take rests and plenty of water; early morning is kinder.