Wat Tham Khao Phlu

Wat Tham Khao Phlu takes its name literally: a temple built into and around a cave in a limestone hill outside Pathio, about 25 kilometres south of Chumphon town. A shrine hall sits at the base of the hill, but the cave itself — one of three at the site — is the reason to stop. Entry is free, as is typical for a temple, and the site keeps loose daily hours around 08:00-16:30.

The main cave starts unassumingly: around ten steps up from the car park lead to the entrance, which narrows almost immediately into a short excavated tunnel — roughly 15 metres long — cut through the rock. It then opens into a larger chamber shaped like a T, letting you branch left or right once inside. Steps and handrails are fitted on the steeper stretches, making the walk manageable without technical caving gear, though the floor is uneven rock rather than a paved path.

Insider Tip: Bring a phone torch for the tunnel section — light from the entrance doesn’t carry far into the narrow passage before the chamber widens out. Shoes with some grip make the uneven, occasionally damp rock easier to manage than sandals.

Watch out: This is an active cave, not a lit, paved show-cave — there’s no ticket booth, guide, or barrier system. Go with a companion and use the handrails on the steeper sections, particularly if visiting outside daylight hours.

The temple itself is modest and still active, with a small shrine hall at the cave mouth where locals stop to make merit before or after exploring inside. It’s a low-key detour rather than a headline stop in Chumphon province, best combined with other Pathio-area sights — Wat Kaeo Prasert or Thung Wua Laen Beach — if you’re already driving Highway 3253, rather than sought out on its own.