Sok Temple & Phanthurat Cave.

Tucked against the limestone cliffs near the entrance to Khao Sok National Park, Wat Sok Tham Phanthurat—often called the "monkey temple"—blends spiritual devotion with rugged nature. The main shrine sits within a limestone cave, where visitors can climb a staircase into the rock to find Buddha statues, local folklore figures, and deep, bat-filled chambers best explored with a flashlight. Outside, a steep climb up the cliffside rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding karst landscape. The temple grounds are famously shared with a lively troop of long-tailed macaques that gather near a feeding platform. It is a highly active, slightly unpredictable stop that offers an intriguing mix of cave exploration, wildlife interaction, and scenic viewpoints.