Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
วัดถ้ำเสือ
A forest temple on the outskirts of Krabi Town. Climb 1,260 steep stone steps to the 278-metre summit, where a golden Buddha and a 360-degree panorama of karst mountains make the effort worthwhile.
Tiger Cave Temple lies about 8 km north of Krabi Town at the foot of Khao Kaeo. It was founded in 1975 by a monk who meditated in a cave, and it takes its name from the tigers that once lived in the cave (another account says the rock markings on the cave walls resemble tiger paw prints). It is the most important Buddhist temple in Krabi Province and a centre for forest meditation. The temple grounds at the base include a main cave with Buddha and tiger statues, meditation caves used by monks, a multi-tiered pagoda in Chinese style containing a statue of Guanyin, and trails winding through primeval forest and among ancient giant trees, where you may see troops of monkeys. Most visitors, though, come to climb. From the base, 1,260 steps (some over 30 cm high, with gradients close to 60 degrees) wind up to the summit at 278 metres, where a golden Buddha, a Buddha footprint and a stupa sit on a platform. The 360-degree views take in Krabi Town, the Andaman Sea and the limestone peaks rising all around, and this is widely considered the best viewpoint in Krabi, especially at sunrise and sunset. The climb takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on fitness, with numbered steps and rest areas along the way. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. Tips: set off at 6 to 7 am to see the sunrise and avoid the heat, or climb at 4 pm for sunset and head back down before dark (around 6 pm). Bring at least 1 litre of water. Combine it with the Emerald Pool and Hot Spring Waterfall for a land-based day trip. Getting there: from Krabi Town, a motorbike taxi or songthaew takes about 15 minutes. From Ao Nang, it's about 40 minutes by scooter, or you can charter a car for a day (about 1,500 baht). There is no public bus. Note: the temple requires knee-length bottoms and tops with sleeves, and covering up is expected on the summit too. The steps are very steep, so take care if you have knee problems, as the descent is harder than the climb. Monkeys will snatch food, water bottles and sunglasses, so don't carry food in your hands. The steps are slippery after rain.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00 (summit)
Nearby sights
- Khao Khanap Nam
- Krabi Town Walking Street
- Wat Kaew Korawaram
- Susan Hoi Shell Fossil Cemetery
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park (Huay To Waterfall)
- Tonsai Beach
- Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
- Ao Nang