Khao Bandai-it Temple

Phetchaburi's Bandai It hill stands 121 meters at its peak. On the top is an old monastery dating from the Ayutthaya period. It was once a famous school for meditation, often visited by King Sua of the late Ayutthaya period. Now many Thais come to the temple to pay their respects to Luang Por Dang, a former master of meditation, who is greatly admired by the local people. The temple gables also feature local stucco work, with garudas fashioned in typical Thai style.

Besides the temple, people come from far and wide to see the three important caves located under the hill. The first is called Prathun Cave, which has Buddha images enshrined along both walls of the grotto. The remnants of an old wooden boat, offered to the Lord Abbot Saeng by King Sua, still reside in the cave. From Tham Prathun, it's possible to reach another cave called Tham Phra Chao Sua, which translates as 'King Sua's Cave'. The Ayutthayan monarch visited the cave to offer a two-meter standing Buddha image to his teacher. This statue is in the attitude of calming the ocean. The third cave is called Tham Phraphuttha Saiyat or 'Cave of the Reclining Buddha', which houses a Buddha image in the attitude of reaching nirvana.

Tourists can visit several more caves in the area. Tham Phra Arthit (the Sun Cave), Tham Phra Chan (the Moon Cave), and the Duke Cave (the name given to the cave after a visit by Duke Johan Albert of Germany) are among the more noteworthy. Visitors should bring along a flashlight.

The temple is at the side of Phetkasem Road, about 2 km from Khao Wang. Turn left at Km 169, in front of Phetcharat Hospital. Drive about 800 meters and the temple is on the right. The road goes to the top of the small hill.

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