Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat Temple

📍 Location of Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat Temple 🚘 Directions to Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat Temple

About Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat Temple

This hidden gem, discovered after a visit to a nearby elephant sanctuary, is a haven for monkey enthusiasts. The place is teeming with monkeys and their babies, providing a unique opportunity to interact with these playful creatures. For a mere 20 baht entry fee, visitors can also purchase a bag of bananas for 70 baht to feed the monkeys. However, be prepared for the larger monkeys to assert their dominance and demand the first share of your bananas. They are known to persistently follow visitors until they see an empty bag. But fear not, there is a lady armed with a slingshot to keep the monkeys in check if they get too frisky.

The site also houses a temple, which, while pretty, is not the main attraction. The real highlight is the cave. Visitors can venture deep inside to observe the bats, but a torch is necessary for this adventure. For the more daring, a metal staircase leads up the cliff to another part of the cave. This is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or a strong adherence to health and safety regulations.

The monkeys are the star attraction here, and feeding them is a fun and engaging activity. They are generally harmless, losing interest once the food runs out. It's a joy to watch them roam freely without being harassed by people. The temple on site is decent, but it's not the main reason people visit. There's also a small cave with Buddhist statues and an underground water supply that visitors can explore.

The site is easily accessible, just a 15-minute walk from Koa Sok. While the temple may seem abandoned, the presence of the monkeys more than makes up for it. Visitors are allowed to feed the monkeys with peanuts, and there's also a temple cave to explore. However, the visit to the cave is usually quick.

For those looking for a unique photo opportunity, this is the place to be. The monkeys are fearless and will even climb on visitors, making for some great pictures. However, they are also known to grab at belongings and even jump on cars. One visitor had to bribe a monkey with snacks to retrieve a stolen camera. Despite the brief visit, the experience of interacting with the monkeys and capturing some memorable photos is worth it.

The site is located half a mile along the road from the Bus Stop at the entrance road to Khao Sok National Park, in the direction of Khao Sok Good View Resort and Surat Thani. The temple is fairly new, having been blessed in November 2013. However, the presence of a statue of a young Buddha in the entrance to a cave suggests that this has been a sacred Buddhist location for much longer. The temple is next to a sheer limestone outcrop, with a walkway built into the face leading to more caves. Wild macaques come over the cliff to the temple, where monks and tourists can feed them. The main temple building houses beautiful Buddhist images and visitors are reminded to respect its religious significance.