Tham Klaep (Wat Bunthawi)
ถ้ำแกลบ (วัดบุญทวี) · Also: Wat Tham Klaep, Wat Bunthawi, Wat Boonthawi
Small caves in Wat Bunthawi at the southern foot of Khao Luang, with stalactites, hanging vines and Buddha images, and an old Phetchaburi legend that the cave mouth leads to the hidden city of Laplae.
Wat Bunthawi was originally called Wat Tham Klaep, after the cave beside it. It sits at the southern foot of Khao Luang in Thong Chai subdistrict, Mueang Phetchaburi; it was founded in 1872 and renamed Wat Bunthawi in 1935. The grounds are wooded hillside with several caves.
Tham Klaep is a series of small chambers tucked into clefts in the rock, with natural stalactites, stalagmites and hanging vines. The entrance faces east and steps lead down inside, where there are a number of Buddha images. Other caves in the temple include Tham Phra Phuttha Saiyat and Tham Bieo.
Local legend says the mouth of Tham Klaep is the way into Laplae, a hidden city of women. The temple has decorated the cave with coloured lighting and statues from the Laplae story for visitors to walk through and photograph, and there is a coffee shop in the temple grounds.
Getting there
At the southern foot of Khao Luang, 63 Khiri Rattaya Road, Thong Chai subdistrict; the temple is also a starting point for visitors walking up Khao Luang.
- Things to do
- CavesWorshipPhotography
- Facilities
- Food
Sources and photos
Written from the sources below, read on 30 October 2026. Fees and opening can change, so check with the managing office before you go.