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Tham Sao Hin Payanak or Naga Pillar Cave is located west of Wat Tham Sao Hin Phaya Nak, where Phra Khru Praphat Chitsangwon serves as the abbot. Before the temple was established, the area was a mound surrounded by a moat, resembling ancient city foundations (Wiang). To the west, the area borders limestone mountains with a small stream flowing from an underground opening inside the cave. This stream joins water from Tham Pla (Fish Cave) and Tham Noi before flowing into the village.
In 1957 (B.E. 2500), Luang Pho Niramon Suthiyano moved from Buddhasathan Tham Pla (now Wat Tham Pla) to develop this site. Initially, there were no local supporters, but later, around 1976 (B.E. 2519), villagers who had previously supported Tham Pla Buddhist Sanctuary relocated and sought patronage from Luang Pho, who permitted them to practice merit-making at the site. As a result, several structures were built, including monk residences (kuti), the main hall (vihara), religious buildings, and restrooms.
The temple was named Wat Tham Sao Hin Phaya Nak after the cave to the west, which features stalactites and stalagmites that have merged into numerous stone pillars, resembling house columns. The cave extends 80 meters deep and was once used as a storage site for ancient artifacts. At the deepest part of the cave, there is a spacious open area called Lan Phaya Nak (Naga Courtyard), which inspired the name “Naga Pillar Cave.”
