


Wat Tham Khiritham
Set in the Nong Ya area of Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Wat Tham Khiritham is a cave temple that weaves Buddhist devotional spaces directly into a natural rock landscape. Unlike conventional Thai temples built on open ground, the site integrates shrines, sculptures, and prayer spaces within and around cave formations, giving it a character that feels genuinely distinct from the more commonly visited temples in the region. Inside, the natural rock provides a cool, sheltered atmosphere that encourages a slower pace of exploration. Visitors move through spaces where religious imagery and raw stone sit side by side, reflecting how faith and landscape have shaped each other over time. The grounds draw both devout worshippers and travellers with an interest in Thai Buddhist culture and architecture, and the setting lends itself to quiet reflection regardless of one's reasons for visiting. Good to know: Modest dress is required, with shoulders and knees covered as is standard at Thai temples. The cave environment stays naturally cool, making a visit comfortable even during the hotter months. The temple appears to be open throughout the day and into the evening, with morning visits tending to be quieter and evening visits offering a more atmospheric quality as the light changes within the caves. Allow one to two hours to explore the grounds properly. Additional information on events or ceremonies may be available on the official website at watthamkiritham.com.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Khiritham, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
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 recommended for 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
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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.
Also Popular in Kanchanaburi

The Village Farm To Café
A deceptively spacious farm-to-café on Highway 323 that opens into a lush, village-like retreat.

Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Scenic open-air Thai restaurant with limestone mountain views, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, and traditional dishes.

Keereetara Riverside
Gourmet Thai dining on the banks of the River Kwai, with views of the iconic bridge.

Keeree Tara
Riverside Thai restaurant with sweeping views of the iconic River Kwai Bridge, open daily.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Pattaya Walking Street
Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.
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 recommended for 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
Find hotels in Kanchanaburi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.