Wat Suwan Khuha

Wat Suwan Khuha is built into a limestone hill in Phang Nga, and the main chamber holds Phra Non, a reclining Buddha about fifteen metres long, with smaller images and stupas around it and stalactites overhead - the cave and the temple are the same space, with parts of the ceiling gilded and parts left as raw rock. Rama V and several later kings visited and their royal cyphers are carved on the cave walls. Behind the main chamber further passages run deeper into the hill, some requiring a stoop and lit only in part. The macaques outside are the thing to plan for: a large habituated troop occupies the car park and the approach, they take bags, food, bottles, sunglasses and phones, and bites requiring rabies treatment happen. Vendors sell food for them, which is the cause. It is a short visit, usually combined with Phang Nga Bay boat trips from the nearby piers.

What you actually see

• The reclining Buddha - about fifteen metres in the main cave chamber.
• The royal cyphers - carved on the walls by visiting kings from Rama V.
• The inner passages - deeper chambers behind the main hall, partly lit.
• The macaques - a large habituated troop on the approach and car park.

When to go

November to April. Mornings are cooler and marginally calmer for the monkeys. An hour covers it. Leave food, bags and loose items in the car.

Honest expectations

The monkeys steal and bite - any bite needs rabies treatment, and carrying food or bags invites it. Do not buy monkey food. The cave floor is wet and slippery. Small charge. Temple dress code applies.

Nearby

Phang Nga Bay piers are close; Krabi and Phuket are either side.