Wat Tham Suea, the Tiger Cave Temple, is a Buddhist forest monastery on the edge of Krabi Town. It takes its name from the tiger paw prints said to be seen in the cave, and its fame comes from the long staircase that climbs the limestone peak behind it to a shrine and a sweeping view of the province. At the bottom are caves and a quiet forest where monks live and meditate, and halfway up you pass monkeys on the steps. At the top stand a large golden Buddha and a footprint shrine, and the view stretches over mangroves, karst hills and the Andaman Sea. The Tiqets listing we link is a full-day tour from Krabi that combines the temple with the Emerald Pool and hot springs, lasting about nine and a half hours with a live English-speaking guide and a group limited to nine people, from around $57.
The climb: the staircase is long and steep, and the heat and humidity make it harder than it looks. Go early, carry water, wear good shoes and take rests. Some visitors turn back partway, and that is fine, because the lower temple grounds and caves are worth seeing on their own. The monkeys are used to people and will grab bags and snacks, so keep food out of sight.
Etiquette: this is a working temple, so cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes where asked and keep voices low. Do not touch monks or point your feet at Buddha images. Photography is allowed in the public areas, but be discreet near anyone praying. Entry to the grounds is generally free, with a donation welcome, and the monastery sits close to the main road from Krabi Town.
How to visit: by taxi or songthaew from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, or as part of a day tour that adds the Emerald Pool and Namtok Ron hot spring. The combined tour is the most efficient way to see the inland sights, since each stop is several kilometres from the next. Do the climb in the morning, then cool off in the jungle pools in the afternoon. In the rainy season, the steps can be slippery, so take care. If you only have time for one inland trip in Krabi, this is the one to book.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb up a long staircase to a hilltop shrine, or a small-group full-day tour pairing the temple with the Emerald Pool and hot springs.
Best time
Early morning, before the heat and the tour buses.
How long
About two hours for the climb and visit; the Tiqets tour takes about nine and a half hours.
Tips
Cover shoulders and knees, carry water, wear sturdy shoes and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Fit travellers who want a view and a cultural stop on the same outing.
- Families
- Older children can manage it with rests, but the stairs are tough for toddlers.
- Couples
- A sunrise climb followed by a jungle swim makes a good shared adventure.
- Pair with
- The Emerald Pool and Namtok Ron hot spring, or a cooking class.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day with the combined tour.
Good questions
Is the Tiger Cave Temple climb hard?+
Yes, the staircase is long and steep and the heat adds to it. Go early, bring water and rest as needed.
Is there an entrance fee?+
Entry to the temple grounds is generally free, with donations welcome. Tours charge their own price.
What should I wear?+
Cover your shoulders and knees and wear shoes with good grip. You may need to remove shoes at some shrines.
Are there monkeys?+
Yes, along the stairs. Keep food and loose items hidden and do not feed them.
Can I combine it with the Emerald Pool?+
Yes, the Tiqets full-day tour combines the temple, the Emerald Pool and the hot springs. It lasts about nine and a half hours and has a small group.
