Wat Tham Khiritham
A cave temple where the shrines are built into the rock itself, cool inside even in April.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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.
Details
- Phone
- +66 93 361 5694
- Website
- www.watthamkiritham.com
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Tham Khiritham
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Khiritham.
Why go, and how to do it well
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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Wat Tham Khiritham
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Khiritham.
Experience hints
Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 2.9 km of Wat Tham Khiritham.
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
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.
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