The effort is worth the reward
Wat Tham Suea (“Tiger Cave”) is Krabi’s most iconic cultural site. 1,237 steep steps — painful at the beginning, exhausting in the middle, exhilarating at the top: 360° view of the sea, the limestone cliffs, Krabi Town, and on a clear day, Koh Lanta to the south.
Our advice
- Get up early: departure 6:30 a.m. = arrival 7:15 a.m. at the temple, climb in the cool, summit around 9-9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. onwards, the heat becomes hellish.
- Sturdy shoes: no flip-flops, sneakers or walking shoes.
- Cash for donations: 20-50 THB per altar, although officially free.
- Water quantity: 2 × 500 ml minimum.
Our tip: count 1 walk for each year of your age in meditation. Thai local practice, very nice.
Detailed programme
6h30
Hotel pick-up
Air-conditioned van to the temple (25-40 min depending on hotel).
7h15
Arrival and briefing
Presentation of the temple, dress code, instructions of respect, holy water.
7h30
Tiger cave visit
Bottom of the hill: cave where tigers lived in the 20th century. Paw prints visible in the rock.
8h15
Climbing 1,237 steps
Ascent 45-60 min, elevation 280 m, steep but well maintained stairs. Possible breaks.
9h30
Summit: large Buddha statue
Golden statue, 360° panoramic view of Krabi Town, the Andaman Sea, limestone cliffs.
10h00
Descent
Return by the same staircase, easier but watch out for your knees.
10h30
Return to hotel
Return van, arriving around 11:15 a.m.
Included / Not included
Included
- Return transfer from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Klong Muang
- English-speaking guide (French-speaking +800 THB/group)
- Fresh water
- Skirt/shawl to cover knees and shoulders
- Brief history of the site
Not included
- Temple entry (free, donations 20-50 THB recommended)
- Meal
- Tip guide