Wat Tham Phu Wa
A limestone cave full of Buddha images and 108 Guan Yin statues, best seen before the day heats up.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 08:00–18:00
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
- Website
- wat-tham-pu-wa.websy.me
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Tham Phu Wa
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Phu Wa.
Why go, and how to do it well
Go early. That's the whole trick with this cave temple outside Kanchanaburi, because the 108 Guan Yin statues catch the soft morning light and the place is close to empty at that hour. People come out of there talking about goosebumps, and it's not the usual temple-circuit hyperbole. The cave is a real one, stalactites and stalagmites and all, with Buddha images and shrines set among them. The air inside runs cool against the heat outside, which is its own small mercy in Kanchanaburi.
A monk gives blessings down in the cave, and that's the part that lifts it above sightseeing. Handmade cooling herbal oil sometimes turns up for sale on site, worth a few baht if you see it. Even if you arrive too late for the cave, the grounds and the external structures hold up on their own, so the drive isn't wasted. Give yourself time to wander rather than ticking it off between the bridge and the waterfalls.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Tham Phu Wa
SponsoredSearch Kanchanaburi hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Wat Tham Phu WaOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include Wat Tham Phu Wa
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tham Phu Wa.
Experience hints
Reviews from Google
Wat Tham Phu Wa is a unique and peaceful temple experience in Kanchanaburi. The highlight is the cave temple itself, filled with natural stalactites and stalagmites alongside Buddha statues and shrines. The cool air inside the cave and the soft lighting create a calm, almost mystical atmosphere. Outside, the temple grounds are quiet and well maintained, surrounded by nature. It’s not overly crowded, which makes it easy to take your time and simply enjoy the setting. A beautiful and slightly different temple visit compared to the usual open-air wats — definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area.
Beautiful and peaceful cave temple near Kanchanaburi. Down inside the cave, a monk gives blessings, which made the visit feel very special. During my visit, they also sold handmade, cooling herbal oil—highly recommended.
Stunning this place is peaceful and religious but also an amazing piece of architecture
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,514 reviews on Google.
XCP3+54M, Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within 1.6 km of Wat Tham Phu Wa.
Wat Metta Dharma Bodhiyan
Wat Tham Khiritham
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 Phu Wa: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tham Phu Wa worth visiting?
Wat Tham Phu Wa holds a 4.6★ rating from 3,514 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Kanchanaburi.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Phu Wa?
Wat Tham Phu Wa is typically open 08:00–18:00 — 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 Phu Wa?
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 Phu Wa located?
Wat Tham Phu Wa is at XCP3+54M, Nong Ya, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, in Kanchanaburi. Getting around Kanchanaburi: Bicycle rental (town is flat); Motorbike rental.
Also popular in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi Night Market
The Village Farm To Café
Chamchuri Thai Massage Kanchanaburi
Srinagarindra Dam
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Wat Pho
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Wat Suwan Khuha
