Wat Suwan Khuha

The Wat Suwan Khuha or the Cave Temple is located inside a large limestone cave and is one of the most interesting temples in Phang Nga Province. It is one of the stops on the way to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Khao Sok or Donsak Pier.

Main Attraction – Reclining Buddha

The largest image is the 15-meter statue of the Reclining Buddha in the main cave. It is decorated with other small Buddha images, incense burners and other items which are presented as an offering to the Buddha by the believers. The spirit of this place is very calm and sacred especially during the times that the monks conduct their prayers inside the cave.

History and Spiritual Significance

For centuries, Wat Suwan Khuha has been a place where people have come to worship and meditate. In the main cavern is also a gilded chedi, which contains the remains of the Na Takuathung family, the former rulers of the area who had the temple built about 160 years ago. This is a special place for the local people and is often visited by Thais who come to pay respect to their ancestors.

##Caves, Secret Forest, and… Monkeys! 🐒

The Wat Suwan Khuha is not just one cave, but there are more, smaller caves that lead from the main cavern, which have more Buddha statues and shrines. In the dimly lit regions are the bats and the mysterious cave birds. From the caves one can get to a clear space in the shape of a rain forest surrounding the temple which offers some relief from the heat in the shade of the tropical vegetation.

At the entrance of the cave there is always a large group of monkeys that are an integral part of the place. Though they look cute, it’s advisable to avoid their friendship as they are known to snatch food, drinks and even small items of clothing, cameras and other belongings from tourists! If you want to feed them, you can buy some special feed from the vendors located near the entrance, but one should not feed the wild animals as they become dependent on it! If you wish to feed them, special snacks can be purchased on-site, but remember that wild animals should remain wild.

How to Get There?

The location of the Wat Suwan Khuha is approximately half hour from Phuket Sarasin Bridge. The road is quite straightforward, however, there are no English signs, therefore it is advised to follow the signs to Raman Waterfall National Forest as the temple is located just 500m off the main road.

What Else to See in the Area?

You can combine the visit to Wat Suwan Khuha with other activities in Phang Nga:

• Namtok Raman Forest Park – Beautiful waterfalls and trek
• Phang Nga Bay – Boat tour to the famous limestone rock formations
• Sam Chong Pier - Thee door to different, undiscovered Phang-Nga

Summary

It is a place which is historically and culturally interesting and also has a natural environment. It is worth stopping at this temple when travelling from Phuket to Phang Nga or when exploring unique temples located in the countryside and filled with mysterious spirit. If you like caves, Buddhist temples, and do not mind mischievous monkeys – this temple will attract you!