Wat Tham Khiritham
The rock does the work here. Instead of the usual hall on open ground, the shrines, images and prayer spaces at this temple sit inside and around cave formations in the Nong Ya area, west of Kanchanaburi town. That makes it a different sort of visit from the big riverside temples most people tick off. You walk through, you slow down, and the stone and the statues sit right next to each other.
The practical bonus is temperature. Caves stay cool, so this is one of the few temple visits in Kanchanaburi that doesn't punish you in the hot months. My advice is to go early if you want quiet, or late in the day when the light shifts and the whole place feels more atmospheric. An hour or two covers it properly, more if you're the sort who stops at every shrine.
Book tours & tickets in Kanchanaburi
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Tham Khiritham — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Khiritham, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
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Wat Tham Khiritham: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tham Khiritham worth visiting?
Wat Tham Khiritham holds a 4.7★ rating from 1,911 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Khiritham?
Wat Tham Khiritham is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Tham Khiritham?
The best months to visit Kanchanaburi are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in November – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (extreme heat).
Where is Wat Tham Khiritham located?
Wat Tham Khiritham is at Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Location Info
Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand+66 93 361 5694www.watthamkiritham.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river
Where to stay near Wat Tham Khiritham
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Wat Tham Phu Wa
A limestone cave full of Buddha images and 108 Guan Yin statues, best seen before the day heats up.
Wat Metta Dharma Bodhiyan
A Chinese-style temple mid-build, where a 12-metre wooden Guanyin already outshines the scaffolding.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Wat Tham Khiritham
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (extreme heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
20°C – 38°C(68°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Thonburi station (~3 hrs, scenic). Minibuses from Mo Chit take ~2.5 hrs. Car hire is recommended if you're exploring beyond town.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (town is flat)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Songthaews along the river
- •Long-tail boat tours on the river