Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi (Wat Tham Sua)

The Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi (Thai: Wat Tham Sua) is one of the most impressive sights this region has to offer. The Tiger Cave is located near Krabi Town and is a beautiful temple that you shouldn’t miss.

Particularly well-known is the Tiger Cave Temple for its extraordinary temple complex on the mountain, which you can reach over 1237 steps. This is for most visitors the highlight of Wat Tham Sua, not only because of the huge Buddha statue on top of the mountain, but also the view of Krabi is absolutely breathtaking.

Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple – Wat Tham Sua

The Tiger Cave Temple has been on our bucket list for a long time and meanwhile we have visited it twice already. We will explain in this detailed article how to get to the temple complex and what to expect on site.

How to get to Krabi

There are some ways to get to Krabi Town. Depending on where your place of departure is, there are different ways. An option would be the airplane, as Krabi has an international airport and you can reach it from many places within Thailand as well as from Kuala Lumpur or Qatar. Which flights you can take, what are the prices and more information can be found at Skyscanner.

The second way to get to Krabi Town is by bus. There are buses leaving from many places of the country to the Krabi bus terminal e.g. from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Phuket and more.

The boat would be the third option to get to Krabi Town. There are boats or ferries from Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi to the Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi. For all connections, times, prices and tickets see 12go.asia.

Accommodation in Krabi Town – our hotel tip

The River Front Hotel is located directly by the river, less than a 10-minute walk from the town center. So you can take a leisurely walk along the river from the hotel, and if you’re lucky, you’ll also get a room on the upper floors overlooking the river. The rooms at the River Front Hotel are clean and stylish, with everything you need. The staff was always friendly during our visit and we felt very comfortable.

If you are looking for a hotel in the city center of Krabi Town, you will find it here.

The way to the Tiger Cave Temple

The Tiger Cave Temple is located about 10 kilometers outside of Krabi Town. There are 3 options for the trip. Either with a rented scooter, a taxi or shared taxi and last but not least a private tour.

1. From Krabi Town

• Shared Taxi – The shared taxis run throughout the whole town. Mostly they start to the Tiger Cave Temple near the big crab statue at the river. But you can also stop one anywhere. The ride takes about 20 minutes. Cost: 100 baht per person (per trip).
• Scooter – There are some shops in the town where you can rent a scooter for the day. The ride through the partially dense traffic of Krabi Town takes 20-30 minutes. Especially if you need to look out for the way. But you are more free and not dependent on a driver. Cost: 200 baht rent for the day.
• Private Taxi – You can rent a private taxi or Tuk Tuk at many hotels in town or simply ask someone in Krabi Town with their Tuk Tuk/shared taxi. The trip takes about 20 minutes to the Tiger Cave Temple. The driver will wait for you on site and take you back to Krabi Town afterwards. Cost: 600 baht for round trip.

2. From Ao Nang

• Shared Taxi – In Ao Nang it is a bit more difficult to get to the temple with a shared taxi, as you would have to take a shared taxi to Krabi Town first. From there another taxi to the temple grounds. This is slightly more elaborate and time consuming. Cost: about 200-300 baht per person (each way).
• Scooter – You can rent a scooter in Ao Nang at almost every corner or in your accommodation. If you already have one to explore the area, you can use it for a trip to the Tiger Cave Temple. The trip from Ao Nang takes about 1 hour, depending on how fast and well you find your way. Cost: 200 baht rent for the day.
• Private Taxi – Small private taxis in the form of little red Tuk Tuks are very common in Ao Nang. You can also rent these for a half day tour to the Tiger Cave Temple. The trip takes about 40 minutes. The driver waits for you at the temple and brings you back to Ao Nang. The price is for up to 4 people. Cost: 1200 baht for a round trip.

Tours to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi are available from Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Many are combined with other highlights such as the Emerald Pool, hot springs or waterfalls, making it a full day trip.

Directions from Krabi Town by scooter

If you decided to rent a scooter, the way is basically very easy. From Ao Nang you first follow the signs to Krabi Town and from there you continue as follows.

You must follow the two-lane road along the river in Krabi Town to the next major intersection. There you turn right and then turn left at the next big intersection before the Big C. Now you can see the temple on the mountain from the distance and just follow the road.

The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

The temple complex is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the Krabi region. Built in 1975, the Tiger Cave Temple takes its name from a tiger, who supposedly lived here several years ago. In addition to various Buddha and Naga statues you will therefore also find some tiger statues on the site.

The rest of the temple complex, in which many monks still live today, is also nice to look at. But beware of the monkeys. You should hold on to your things well, because the little temple dwellers like to steal something from the tourists – of course mainly food.

Note: Admission to the Tiger Cave Temple is completely free. However, you should dress properly according to a Buddhist temple and at least cover your shoulders and knees. A donation for the construction of the big Chedi or for the monks is also welcome.

Tip: If you haven’t brought some water, then be sure to buy some for the ascent. You will surely need it!

1237 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple

After leisurely strolling around the grounds of the Tiger Cave Temple, the actual highlight of the temple is on now. For that you will have to cope the 1237 steps to the top of the mountain. It’s a long walk and the steps are sometimes not very wide and high.

In earlier times, when the temple was built, the building materials also had to go up to the top of the mountain. Back then visitors were asked to take a stone with them. At the moment that’s no longer the case.

In between, you’ll always be able to see amazing views through the branches on the landscape of Krabi. These are already quite high, but we are still far from the end.

If you walk up the mountain on a comfortable pace, you will probably need about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top. On the way there are also a few benches now and then, where you can take a little break.

By the way, you don’t have to count the steps because the numbers are always written down on the corner pillars and will let you know where you are at the moment and how many steps you have left.

The Tiger Cave Temple on top of the mountain

After the hard climb over the 1237 steps you are finally on top of the Tiger Cave Temple mountain. At the entrance you can sit down and relax. There is also free drinking water, which I think is a great idea!

When entering the actual temple grounds you have to take off your shoes, but beware the ground can get very hot in the sun! Now you can enjoy the wonderful tranquility on the mountain, look at the complex with its countless Buddha statues and enjoy the view of Krabi and its surroundings.

The downward path

Usually, you would certainly expect, the ascent over the 1237 steps to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple to be the hardest part. The descent isn’t less exhausting, though it is in a different way.

You probably won’t be so outworn anymore, but at some point your legs will start to tremble on the descent. I have heard that from many visitors and can only confirm that. Sure, for some of them it happens earlier, for others later. The whole descending will probably hurt your thighs.

I was glad when I arrived back downstairs and was able to rest for a while. Towards the exit there are still 1-2 shops where you can buy a refreshment and sit down in front of it. The trip then comes to its end and will certainly leave you with great impressions!

Conclusion to the Tiger Cave Temple

After two visits to the Tiger Cave Temple and the remarkable 1237 steps to the top of the mountain, we have to say that the sore muscles are definitely worth it!

Yes, the ascent is quite a challenge, but the beautiful temple and the view of Krabi are a great reward. In addition, the visit is free, except for the return trip and it is surely an impressive highlight during a stay in Krabi. Highly recommended!

Krabi Tiger Cave Temple: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know the Tiger Cave Temple in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for the Tiger Cave Temple and Krabi.

Have you ever visited the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi? How did you like the temple? Leave us a comment below the article!