So, you’re planning your trip to Southern Thailand and have Krabi on your list of places to visit? Excellent choice! There are plenty of things to see and do in Krabi Province, but one place you simply must visit is the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Sua.
This temple is home to a massive limestone cave that’s said to have been inhabited by tigers centuries ago.
If that’s not enough to get you interested, the temple is also perched atop a hill overlooking the dramatic scenery of Ao Luk Talum, the mountains and valley, and the Andaman Sea. Curious yet?
In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Krabi Tiger Cave Temple, including how to get there, expert tips, what to expect, and what kinds of things you can see and do while there. Let’s jump right in!
Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi – Overview
If you have limited time to read this guide, the best ways to get from Krabi to Tiger Cave temple are the following:
- CONVENIENT OPTION: Book a Grab Taxi to get to the temple and back
- CHEAP OPTION: Rent a motorbike and drive from Ao Nang to Tiger Cave Temple (For experienced drivers only)
If, on the other hand, you have a few minutes to go through this full guide, read on for everything you should know before coming!
Where is the Tiger Cave Krabi?
The Tiger Cave Temple, also called Wat Tham Suea, is located 9km, or about a 20-minute drive from Krabi Town, and 20km from Ao Nang.
While it’s pretty near Krabi Airport, I recommend checking into your hotel and chilling during the first day to get prepared for climbing the summit the day after.
How to Get from Krabi to Tiger Cave Temple?
By Motorbike
A cool way to get to the Tiger Cave Temple is by renting a motorbike and driving there. By motorbike, the trip will take around 30 to 45 minutes one way from Ao Nang. Renting a motorbike in Krabi is pretty cheap – I personally paid 250THB ($6) for the day.
A word of caution: I do not recommend this option if that’s your first time riding a scooter, as it takes around 45 minutes to get here from Ao Nang and the roads in Thailand aren’t as organized as back home. If that’s your case, keep reading for more options.
By Private Taxi
Alternatively, if you can’t drive a motorbike, you can book a Grab Taxi, which is the alternative to Uber in Thailand. A one-way trip will cost you around 500THB, so 1,000THB return.
That being said, finding a taxi after visiting Temple Wat Tham Suea isn’t the easiest task as most taxis are based in Krabi Town and Ao Nang, which are kilometers away.
By Songthaew
Despite not being the most convenient option, stopping a Songthaew to get to the temple is by far the cheapest way – around 200THB per person, one way from Ao Nang. It’s worth noting that, again, finding a Songthaew to go back to Krabi Town or Ao Nang isn’t always easy and you may have to wait a while before seeing one passing by.
Take One of the Tours to the Tiger Cave Temple
Finally, the most convenient bet is to join a day trip or a private tour to the temple. You have 2 different options:
- Tiger Cave Temple Day Trip with a visit to the Emerald Pool
- Joining a Sunset Tour to the summit to take in the view in the late afternoon
Both options are fantastic to visit Tiger Cave Temple, and the transportation is included, but I particularly the first, as the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs are really worth it!
Top-Rated Tour
Tiger Cave, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour
- See the best spots out of Ao Nang
- Affordable and fun day guaranteed!
- Get to the Tiger Cave and springs easily
Includes
- Roundtrip transfers from Ao Nang
- Entrance fees and free time in all spots
- Walking tour of each site with your guide
Opening Times and Entrance Fee
The entrance to Wat Tham Suea is free, and you can stay as long as you wish – However, a donation is expected, either at the summit or at the base, to maintain the temple.
The temple complex is serviced from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, but you can get to the top 24 hours a day, which is convenient.
In case you come here with a scooter, you can park it at the entrance, and it’s free of charge – again, any donations are welcome but not mandatory.
How Long Does it Take to the Tiger Cave Temple Summit?
It will take you about 40 minutes to get to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple, stopping a few times for for photos. I’ve heard people getting to the top in only 15 minutes, but these are proper athletes, for lack of better words.
How Many Steps Are There at the Tiger Cave Temple?
There are 1260 steps to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple. Check out the last step here below.
What to Expect at the Tiger Cave Temple?
The Wat Tham Suea Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, and for a good reason. Let me tell you more about it, the difference sections, and what to expect.
The Tiger Temple Complex
There are 3 separate parts – the actual Tiger Cave with monks chanting and praying near the entrance, the Lady Buddha Temple at the base, and the Temple at the hilltop.
When you get into the Tiger Cave Temple Complex, you will be greeted with a beautiful, giant pagoda. Stop here for a quick photo and continue straight to the temple at the base.
Skip the Tiger Cave and the Lady Buddha temple for now, and go all the way to the summit first. You can always come back to the Tiger Cave afterwards to relax while taking nice photos of the tiger statues as memories.
The Facilities
At the base of the temple complex, there’s a small convenience store where you can buy water, soft drinks, snacks, and ice cream before or after the visit.
There’s also a toilet at the bottom and on the way up (despite not being the cleanest, it works).
At the entrance, you will find a small parking lot for motorbikes, which is free and convenient.
The Way Up
The temple is located atop a hill, and you must climb 1,260 steps to reach the summit (most websites mention 1237 steps, but it’s actually 1260). The stairs are narrow and uneven, but you’ll see very few people on the way, unless you encounter a group.
Around the first 200 steps, you will see groups of monkeys with their babies. They’re not dangerous but you have to follow basic precautions:
- Do not play with the monkeys
- Don’t try to give them or hand them things
- Avoid abrupt movements – the slower you move around them, the better
The steep climb can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. On the way up and at the top of the hill, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle, and you can also see a massive statue of a Buddha.
The Views
As soon as you start going up and all the way to top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the jungle, tropical rainforest, and limestone cliffs. Honestly, these are hands down the best views you can get in Krabi.
And while it’s indeed a sweaty climb, the views definitely make it worth the effort!
The Temple at the Hilltop
After the 1260 steps hike, you are finally rewarded with some of the best views you’ve ever seen in your life, brought together with a sense of calm in the temple.
Here, you will see a massive statue of Buddha surrounded by smaller images as well as stunning views over the limestone cliffs, the Andaman Sea, and the rain forest.
Of course, don’t forget to take a photo with the sign congratulating for all the effort!
The Tiger Cave
Once you’re back at the base, don’t forget to pay a visit to the the actual Tiger Cave, located on the temple grounds.
The cave is a Buddhist temple with lots of Buddha statues, an image of a tiger, and you’ll see locals offering donations to the monks. Don’t hesitate to do the same, and you’ll be rewarded with a Buddhist bracelet, which will remind you of your trip for a long time!
Note that this is a sacred place, so please respect the locals and cover your shoulders and knees if possible
Other Attractions in Krabi
There are several attractions near the Tiger Cave Temple that will keep you entertained. From stunning temples and ancient ruins to lively markets and beautiful beaches, you’ll find something to enjoy no matter what your interests are.
Krabi Hot Springs
The Hot Springs are a beautiful natural wonder in Krabi and they get their water from an underground source of hot water. The earth’s molten core heats this source of hot water. The water in the hot springs is about 35 degrees Celsius.
The hot springs are a popular tourist destination for people who want to experience the benefits of the hot springs as they have healing properties.
While I highly recommend spending a couple of hours at the Krabi Hot Springs, they’re located about 45 kilometers away from the Tiger Cave Temple, hence why joining a day trip is the best option.
The Emerald Pool
Another attraction near the Tiger Cave Temple worth visiting is Krabi Emerald Pool, one of the top natural attractions in Thailand. It’s a beautiful deep blue pool located in the middle of a lush rainforest.
The pool gets its color from the minerals in the rocks and algae that grow in it. Visitors can swim in the pool or just relax and take in the scenery. There are also several hiking trails nearby, making it a great place to spend a day outdoors.
Khao Khanap Nam
Whether you’re staying near Wat Tham Suea or in Ao Nang, the towering cliffs of Khao Khanap Nam are a beautiful site to behold. The boat trip only costs 500THB and lasts 2 hours, where you’ll be taken around the river and to an archaeological site.
Your Krabi vacation couldn’t get any better than that.
Krabi Town Night Market
After visiting the Tiger Cave Temple, what better way to roam around the night market in Krabi Town?
Leave your backpack at the hotel, head over to Krabi Town, order delicious Thai food, sit down, and enjoy a fantastic meal while rewatching the photos that you took today. How amazing was the hike?
Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi – FAQ
Now that you know everything about the Tiger Temple, let’s answer some questions that first-timers often have and that you may find helpful too.
Is the Tiger Temple in Krabi Worth it?
Absolutely – The Tiger Cave Temple is one of the best attractions in Krabi, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.
The hike up with incredible views, the interesting Buddhist temple, the sacred Tiger paw prints, I could go on for hours telling all the features that the temple has to offer, and why it’s one of the things you can’t miss on your itinerary to Krabi.
Tiger Temple Dress Code
The Tiger Temple dress code is simple – women must wear modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. This is to protect you from the elements and to respect the religious beliefs of the temple. Men should avoid tank tops.
Once at the summit, you are expected to remove your hats or sunglasses before entering the temple.
Expect to sweat a lot on the way up, so I suggest bringing a change of clothes, especially when taking a private taxi or joining a day tour in Krabi.
What is the Best Time to Visit Wat Time Suea?
The best time to take the hike at Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple is in the morning, as soon as the temple opens at 8.00 am. At this time, the sun isn’t that strong yet, it’s not that hot, and it’s easier to hike to the top.
Alternatively, while it’s definitely hotter, going in the evening to witness the sunset is a fantastic idea.
Is It Difficult to Get to The Tiger Cave Temple Summit?
While you don’t have to be fit to visit get to the hilltop, it’s surely not easy. Don’t worry if you haven’t been to the gym for a while or if you’re overweight; with a little effort, you’ll get to the top.
That said, plan at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the Tiger Cave Temple Krabi and climb up and down.
What to Take to the Tiger Temple in Krabi
Climbing up to the top can be pretty challenging, so there are some key items you’ll want to take with you.
First of all, bring a backpacker with a lot of water – a big bottle per person will do. You will see monkeys on the way up, make sure to put your plastic and belongings in your pockets and backpack when you see them, as they’ll try to steal anything from you – monkeys love plastic, keep that in mind.
Then, as mentioned previously, you will want to bring a change of clothes. The weather in Krabi is very hot and the forest is pretty humid, making things more complicated, so an extra t-shirt and shorts will make you feel a lot more comfortable.
I recommend wearing baskets or hiking shoes to remain safe. I’ve seen some people going up with flip-flops, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Lastly, when joining a sunset tour, don’t forget to bring a headlamp as there’s no light on the path.
Where to Stay in Krabi?
Last but not least, let’s talk about the best Krabi hotels, whether you travel on a budget or looking for a premium property.
While many people stay in Railay Beach, and I did too, you’ll want to stay near Ao Nang Beach if you have only 3 days in Krabi.
The reason for that is obviously convenience, so you won’t carry your luggage everywhere, but also because you can see most things in Railay on a day out, like I mentioned in this Krabi itinerary.
Luxury: Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa
Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa offers a luxurious stay near Nopparat Thara Beach, featuring a large outdoor pool with a water slide, a day spa, kids’ club, and 24-hour concierge services.
Rooms boast free Wi-Fi, pool views, and modern amenities. Dining options include international buffets at Palm Court and room service, with various services such as laundry. It’s a short drive from Ao Nang Pier, which is great if you plan to take an island-hopping tour from Ao Nang.
Mid-Range: Aonang Viva Resort
Aonang Viva Resort, a short walk from Nopparat Tara Beach, provides comfortable accommodations with free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar.
Rooms are air-conditioned with modern conveniences, and you can enjoy international and Thai cuisine on-site. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, and free parking.
Budget: The Krabi Forest Homestay
The Krabi Forest Homestay offers a serene escape amidst tropical landscapes, close to Nopparat Thara and Ao Nang Beaches. It features rooms and bungalows with traditional Thai décor, free Wi-Fi, and a range of activities including fishing, diving, and horseback riding.
Dining options serve Thai and international dishes, with easy access to Railay Beach and a 45-minute drive to Krabi Airport.
Conclusion – Krabi Temple Tiger Cave
Tiger Cave Temple Krabi is a stunning example of Thai architecture and nature working in harmony.
The temple complex is set against a backdrop of lush jungle, limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Krabi!
Have you made it to the temple yet? Let me know how it went!
