Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสามร้อยยอด

A stunning national park featuring dramatic limestone hills, pristine beaches, caves, and scenic viewpoints along the Gulf of Thailand. Home to Phraya Nakhon Cave with its famous natural light shaft and diverse wildlife.

Things to do

• Phraya Nakhon Cave Exploration — Hike to this iconic cave featuring a natural skylight that illuminates the interior chamber with a dramatic shaft of golden sunlight, best visited in late morning.
• Sam Roi Yot Beach — Relax on this long, sandy beach with limestone peaks rising dramatically behind it, ideal for swimming and sunset viewing.
• Hat Laem Sala Beach Trek — Trek through jungle to reach a hidden beach nestled between limestone cliffs, where small caves dot the shoreline.
• Khao Daeng Viewpoint Hike — Climb the red limestone hill for panoramic views across the national park, three islands offshore, and the Gulf of Thailand.
• Limestone Kayaking — Paddle through emerald waters between towering karst formations and explore sea caves accessible only by kayak.
• Sai Cave Visit — Explore this stalactite-filled cave with an underground stream and chamber of stalagmites located inland from the coast.
• Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting — Observe hornbills, eagles, flying lemurs, and wild boar in their natural habitat along the park's forest trails.

Food to try

• Fresh Seafood Grilled over Charcoal — Catch-of-the-day fish, prawns, and squid grilled with salt and served with spicy lime dipping sauce at beachside vendors near the park entrance.
• Khao Tom (Rice Soup) — Comforting breakfast dish of soft rice simmered in clear broth with fish, shrimp, or chicken, topped with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs.
• Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) — Vibrant spicy and tangy salad made from shredded green papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh chilies, commonly found at park restaurants.
• Satay with Peanut Sauce — Grilled marinated meat skewers served with creamy roasted peanut sauce and cucumber slices, popular at park vendors.
• Local Sticky Rice with Curry — Glutinous rice paired with southern Thai curries featuring local seafood or game meat, reflecting regional cooking traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Cave Etiquette — Remove shoes before entering Phraya Nakhon Cave and speak quietly to respect the sacred nature of the site, which holds spiritual significance for local Buddhists.
• Visit During Dry Season — Plan your visit between November and February when weather is most favorable, as the monsoon season (May-October) brings heavy rain and rough seas.
• Support Local Communities — Purchase handicrafts and food from park vendors and nearby villages to support local livelihoods dependent on sustainable tourism.
• Wildlife Protection Awareness — Maintain distance from animals, never feed wildlife, and follow designated trails to protect the park's fragile ecosystems and natural habitats.