Phra Nang Cave
Phra Nang Cave
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Phra Nang Cave
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
333 within 5 kms
Attractions
59 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
1,325 reviews
Excellent
466
Very good
457
Average
313
Poor
69
Terrible
20
TopKingofKings
United Kingdom605 contributions
Feb 2020
The cave is sacred for fertility reasons but I found it quite amusing. It's located on West Railey Beach (this is a peninsula - not an island that some people are led to believe - which can only by accessible by boat). West Railey Beach is awesome but very busy especially at sunset - awesome sunset on this beach
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
Devon, UK27,683 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Friday 19th January and we took a long-tailed boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. From there we walked to East Railay and then on to Phra Nang Beach where this Cave is located at one end of the beach and Ko Rang Nok tower at the other.
This is the second of two caves along the headland both have rather unusal shrines in them. However this is larger of the two caves, as result has more contents inside it.
There was a bit of confusion and no clear information about the names of the Cave. For the purposes of this review, this one is Phra Nang Cave and the smaller one is Princess Cave.
Having visited the smaller cave first we were neither surprised nor shocked to see the contents of this Cave and it's shrine.
A statue of Phra Nang sits on a table, with legs crossed, holding a bowl in front of her. The Shrine is surrounded by colourful floral tributes and pieces of cloth. There are two smaller statues perched behind Phra Nang, one on either side of her.
Around the cave there are vast numbers of wooden phalluses, erect penises, in all shapes and sizes and painted in different colours and embedded in the sand. There is a pile, towards the rear of the Cave of discarded phalluses.
The Cave is a sacred place and should be treated with respect by visitors. Fishermen and boatmen come here to make floral offerings and burn incense ensuring a safe return journey from sea.
There is a sign requesting that visitors do not leave the following five items for Phra Nang as "she is Indian, not a God and she believes in the phallus or Ungam as a symbol of the Hindu God Shiva".
The items are sex toys, red water, red flowers, traditional Thai costumes or strange offerings.
There are many legend and myths about who Phra Nang was, one is she was an Indian princess who was killed in a shipwreck nearby and her ghost occupies the cave.
Another story says that Phra Nang was the wife of a local fisherman, whose husband was lost at sea and she lived her life in the cave waiting for his return.
Fishermen and boatmen still make offerings in the form of incense and flowers to ensure a safe journey. They believe that Phra Nang, Princess Goddess lives in the Cave under the cliff
This Shrine is definitely one of the most unusual we have ever seen.
This is the second of two caves along the headland both have rather unusal shrines in them. However this is larger of the two caves, as result has more contents inside it.
There was a bit of confusion and no clear information about the names of the Cave. For the purposes of this review, this one is Phra Nang Cave and the smaller one is Princess Cave.
Having visited the smaller cave first we were neither surprised nor shocked to see the contents of this Cave and it's shrine.
A statue of Phra Nang sits on a table, with legs crossed, holding a bowl in front of her. The Shrine is surrounded by colourful floral tributes and pieces of cloth. There are two smaller statues perched behind Phra Nang, one on either side of her.
Around the cave there are vast numbers of wooden phalluses, erect penises, in all shapes and sizes and painted in different colours and embedded in the sand. There is a pile, towards the rear of the Cave of discarded phalluses.
The Cave is a sacred place and should be treated with respect by visitors. Fishermen and boatmen come here to make floral offerings and burn incense ensuring a safe return journey from sea.
There is a sign requesting that visitors do not leave the following five items for Phra Nang as "she is Indian, not a God and she believes in the phallus or Ungam as a symbol of the Hindu God Shiva".
The items are sex toys, red water, red flowers, traditional Thai costumes or strange offerings.
There are many legend and myths about who Phra Nang was, one is she was an Indian princess who was killed in a shipwreck nearby and her ghost occupies the cave.
Another story says that Phra Nang was the wife of a local fisherman, whose husband was lost at sea and she lived her life in the cave waiting for his return.
Fishermen and boatmen still make offerings in the form of incense and flowers to ensure a safe journey. They believe that Phra Nang, Princess Goddess lives in the Cave under the cliff
This Shrine is definitely one of the most unusual we have ever seen.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K_Nesan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia55 contributions
Mar 2023
We bought tickets for a round trip long tail boat ride from AoNang to Railay Beach. Good fun riding the waves. Beautiful cave formation and somewhat secluded beach - clear emerald waters and soft powdery sands - paradise. We explored the cove and the few different beaches there. Too bad no more long tail boat restaurants. We had so many food options the last visit, now there are only fancy restaurants and more being built. Still a good escape from busy AoNang
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manchester1976
Manchester, UK476 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
If visiting Railay beach then this is the opposite side of the island a 5-10 minute walk. The caves are interesting, stalactites from the ceiling enroute to the beach and the caves on the beach are cool. Nice sandy beach, safe to swim and beautiful views. Well worth a visit
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette F
Buckingham, UK382 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Visited this when we spent day at railay beach. Magnificent example of limestone karst caves with a quirky penis cave for fertility on the beach. Interesting to watch people rock climbing whilst you’re there
Written 11 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gianmarco Massolari
Brescia, Italy313 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Nice place, very typical thailandese as you can see in the movies.
People is always nice, but the sea is not crystalline. Due to pollution ..... human’s fault..
We now have some new friends, monkeys!!
People is always nice, but the sea is not crystalline. Due to pollution ..... human’s fault..
We now have some new friends, monkeys!!
Written 4 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniko8
Plano, TX1,098 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
It should be noted that there are two caves on Phra Nang Beach. The first is on the southeastern side of the beach and features a rock climbing wall and cave of phallic offerings, which makes for a few chuckles.
The cave you really don't want to miss is on the northwestern side of the beach. You'll want to follow the beach until you hit what seems to be a dead end blocked by rocks. Duck into the trees and you'll see a path leading up the the caves.
Save for a few couples doing some rock climbing, we were alone in this cave on a sunny Friday afternoon. Keep going through the cave until you climb a ladder, then you will have two options.
Turn right for a quick walk up to an alcove overlooking Phra Nang beach. This way is lit and easier for older travelers.
If you want to explore through the darkness, make sure to bring a source of light (my iPhone was adequate) and take a left after climbing the ladder. It will be a 10 minute climb through a series of ropes, but once you get to the cave opening you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of West Railey Beach!
The cave you really don't want to miss is on the northwestern side of the beach. You'll want to follow the beach until you hit what seems to be a dead end blocked by rocks. Duck into the trees and you'll see a path leading up the the caves.
Save for a few couples doing some rock climbing, we were alone in this cave on a sunny Friday afternoon. Keep going through the cave until you climb a ladder, then you will have two options.
Turn right for a quick walk up to an alcove overlooking Phra Nang beach. This way is lit and easier for older travelers.
If you want to explore through the darkness, make sure to bring a source of light (my iPhone was adequate) and take a left after climbing the ladder. It will be a 10 minute climb through a series of ropes, but once you get to the cave opening you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of West Railey Beach!
Written 30 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
Seoul, South Korea244 contributions
June 2019 • Family
We rented a longtail boat with a family of 9 and chose to come here before railay beach. It was very nice and a great place for a swim a little away from the cave. Great stop over place for an hour or two and not as crowded as expected
Written 7 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahJahangiry
Oslo, Norway144 contributions
Jan 2014 • Couples
Just a cave full of wood penises, very strange. The beach here is very nice though! Recomend to get a bite from the longtailboats selling food from the water.
Written 27 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karan I
Mumbai, India40 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
A very different expression of the Indian mythological God Shiva expressed. Being Indian, I was very amused.
Written 29 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, can anyone please advise those tour agencies which has the 4 island and hong island tours combined and how much cost for that? Actually I want to take the full day tour for both hong and 4 Islands(Poda, Chicken, Tup & Phra nang)tour as compared to taking both tours on separate days. We are couple and budget traveller. So I can not afford 15000 baht spending for 2 person(private boat). We have no problem to share and we want this trip by long tail boat. So please help me with tour operators name and cost. Thanks in advance.
Written 18 August 2017
Travel bag do a great deal on all Thailand’s destinations
Written 24 March 2018
come ci si arriva?in agosto com'e' il tempo?
Written 29 May 2017
Vai a Railay East e quando arrivi in fondo alla spiaggia (verso ovest) prendi il sentiero in piano, dopo 10 min. ci sei.
Agosto non è il massimo, rischi di avere diverse giornate di pioggia, consulta una guida tipo Lonely planet per vedere i periodi migliori.
Ciao
Written 29 May 2017
Ci sono gia stata al piu presto mettero qualche foto.
Written 2 November 2015
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing