Wat Suwan Khuha (Cave Temple)
A temple located within a large cave, Wat Suwan Khuha is an important and famous temple of Phang Nga Province. It is situated in Krasom Subdistrict, Takua Thung District. Inside, a reclining Buddha image is enshrined. It is an important historical and archaeological site, and a troop of monkeys inhabits the area in front of the cave.
History and Background
The history of the construction of Wat Suwan Khuha is not definitively documented. There are only stories passed down that a wandering monk and a novice discovered this cave and used it as a residence and place for meditation. Later, it was developed into a temple.
Points of Interest within the Temple
The Caves within the Temple
– The Main Cave (Tham Yai): This is the temple’s main cave, large and spacious. Inside is enshrined a large reclining Buddha image, measuring 7 wa 2 sok in length, or approximately 14 meters. This reclining Buddha is beautiful and highly revered by Buddhists. There are also several other stucco Buddha images enshrined within the cave.
– Tham Chaeng (The Bright Cave): This cave is located higher up from the main cave. Inside, natural light penetrates, allowing visitors to clearly see the beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites. On the walls of Tham Chaeng are royal cyphers of several Thai monarchs and members of the royal family who have visited Phang Nga’s people. This is considered an important historical record.
– Tham Meut (The Dark Cave): This cave is located deepest inside the complex and is completely dark. Inside, the stalactites and stalagmites are uniquely beautiful, differing from those in other caves.
– Other Caves: In addition to the three main caves, there are other smaller caves, such as Tham Kaeo (The Glass Cave), Tham Pheung (The Bee Cave), and Tham Khrua (The Kitchen Cave), each with its own beauty and unique stories.
Activities and Tourism
Paying Homage to the Buddha Images:
Tourists often come to pay homage to the reclining Buddha in the main cave for good fortune.
Admiring the Beauty of the Caves:
Visitors can admire the beauty of the stalactites, stalagmites, and the natural features within the various caves.
Studying History: Visitors can learn about the temple’s history and the historical traces within the caves.
Feeding the Monkeys: Tourists can feed the monkeys, but caution and adherence to staff instructions are advised.
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