Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong cave temple
Published · Last checked · Independent guide, no bookings
Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong is a hillside cave temple just south of Bang Saphan town. Inside the cave you find stalactites, rows of Buddha images, a golden reclining Buddha and a rock shaped like a horse's head. It is an easy, rewarding stop between Ban Krut and Bang Saphan Yai.
Where it is
The temple is at Moo 1, Ban Fai Tha, Phong Prasat subdistrict, Bang Saphan district. It sits on a green hill about 2 km south of the Bang Saphan District Office. From Bang Saphan Yai it is only a few minutes by car.
Inside the cave
The cave has several chambers with stalactites, stalagmites and patterned walls that change with the light. Meditating Buddha images line one wall. A large chamber on the left holds a golden reclining Buddha. In the main hall, a mineral formation looks like a horse's head. It is the temple's best-known feature and gives the place its name: 'Ma Rong' means 'neighing horse'.
The sacred spring
A spring flows inside the cave, and local people regard its water as sacred. Some visitors take a little home for worship. The water has reportedly been used in royal ceremonies. Please treat the spring with respect.
A living temple
This is an active temple with resident monks. Local people gather here on Buddhist holy days such as Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha and Asalha Bucha for merit-making, sermons and candlelit walks. Visitors are welcome, but remember it is a place of worship first.
Taking photos
Light inside the cave is low, so a phone night mode or a camera with a steady hand works best. The horse-head rock and the reclining Buddha are the classic shots. Do not use flash near people who are praying, and never climb on images or formations for a picture.
How to get there
From Bang Saphan town, head south for about 2 km from the District Office, then turn in at the temple sign. The lane crosses the railway and runs about 1 km to the hill. Cars and scooters can park near the cave entrance. Some parts of the road up are steep.
Frequently asked questions
What does Tham Ma Rong mean?
Roughly 'cave of the neighing horse'. A rock inside looks like a horse's head.
Wat khao tham ma rong how to get there
Drive about 2 km south of the Bang Saphan District Office, turn at the temple sign, cross the railway and continue about 1 km.
Can you take photos inside?
Yes, quietly and respectfully. Avoid flash near worshippers and do not climb on anything.
We give no fixed prices or timetables, because they change. Check the official source (for trains, the State Railway of Thailand at railway.co.th) before you travel.
