Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong is located in Phong Prasat Subdistrict, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. This temple has a longstanding legend and holds significance in the history of Buddhism in Thailand. Since the early days of Buddhism's spread into the Southeast Asian region, monks from Sri Lanka and India often used this cave as a shelter during their journeys. Today, Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong has been promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as a major natural and religious attraction in the province.

 

The temple features several large caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the cave, lighting has been installed for easy exploration. Rows of seated Buddha images in meditation posture line one side of the cave wall, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. One of the stalactites within the cave resembles the shape of a horse's head, which is the origin of the name "Tham Ma Rong" (The Cave of the Neighing Horse). If visitors enter the cave, turn right, and continue for about 20-30 meters before turning left, they will encounter this distinctive horse-head-shaped formation.

 

A sacred well inside the cave is a key feature. This "divine water" has never dried up, even during droughts. Water from this well has been used in royal ceremonies, such as those commemorating the 60th and 72nd birthdays of the King. The well's water is held in deep reverence, and visitors are allowed to take some sacred water home for their own devotions.

 

A local legend from the reign of King Rama III recounts that General Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) once led his troops to subdue bandits and stopped to rest at Nong Hat Thai in this area. During this time, the general’s horse went missing. Soldiers heard the sound of the horse neighing from the mountain, but they were unable to locate it. Hence, the mountain came to be known as "Khao Tham Ma Rong" (The Mountain of the Neighing Horse).

 

In addition, the temple grounds feature a large fish pond with fish that have lived there for many years. Visitors can buy fish food to feed them, contributing to merit-making. There are also opportunities to collect sacred water during royal ceremonies and to bring it home for worship.

 

Getting There: The temple is located just 2 kilometers south of the Bang Saphan District Office, with clear signage leading to it. Visitors can travel by car directly to the entrance of the cave. However, as the area can be quite secluded, it is recommended to visit with a group and bring a flashlight to aid in exploring the cave.

 

Visiting Hours: The temple is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entry fees are by donation, which helps fund the lighting within the cave for visitors' convenience.

 

Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong is one of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s notable religious and natural tourist attractions. Visitors can admire the beauty of the caves, the remarkable rock formations, Buddha statues, and the sacred well, all while absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of this ancient temple filled with stories and legends.