The Mystery Cave of the Land of Diamonds

Phechaburi, which means "The Land of Diamonds", lies near Hua Hin at the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It is one of the narrowest parts of the country, bordering Myanmar to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The province is home to a very special and famous holy cave.

This cave was a favorite of the deeply religious King Mongkut (Rama IV), who believed it to be a place of profound spiritual energy. He would come here to meditate and study Buddhist scripture. Before becoming king and ruling over Siam for over 20 years, King Mongkut spent three decades as a monk. Though he preferred the monastic life, he assumed the throne because of his loyalty and duty to the kingdom. After King Mongkut's death, his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) ordered the construction of a temple within the cavern in honor of his father.