Wat Tham Suea
An 18-meter-tall Buddha built in 1973 is the focus of this well-known temple on a hilltop.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tham Suea, round out your day in Kanchanaburi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This is a must visit temple, and you can stop here if you're going on the way to Kanchanaburi. The main attractions are obviously the big Buddha and octagonal chedi which can be entered. There are quite a few floors to climb with windows all around from which you can get great views of the Buddha, surrounding fields and the nearby pagoda of Wat Tham Khao Noi (which is a different Chinese style temple and you need to go to a different entrance to access it). Inside the chedi there are also various statues and paintings to see. The main attraction is obviously the big Buddha which is nestled in a structure which frames it nicely. There are a couple of other buildings to explore as well. You can write your name on a roof tile for a donation if you desire. There is a tall staircase leading up to this platform where the Buddha is, or you can take a little car up to the top if you're unable to take the stairs. I highly recommended visiting this place and the nearby Chinese temple too. The views are spectacular.
Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) is one of the most impressive temples in Kanchanaburi. The giant seated Buddha is stunning and can be seen from far away. Up close, it’s even more striking. The temple complex sits on a hill, and while the climb up the stairs can be a bit of a workout, the panoramic views over the rice fields and countryside are absolutely worth it. The pagoda and surrounding buildings are beautifully maintained, and the entire area feels open and spacious. It’s a great place for photos, but also for simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere. A must-visit landmark when you’re in Kanchanaburi.
Regardless of the farang pricing, this is still a good place to appreciate this asthestic pleasing temple. Motorized rams are avaliable for those that have mobility issues and a beautifully designed stairways for those that wana climb. There is the main pagoda and also its subsidiary structures. 2 of the taller structures allows you to access to the 5th level for a fanstastic view of its surroundings. Highly recommended to drop by for an hour if in the area!
Location Info
XJ34+H36, Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110, ThailandTips 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 scenic farm-to-table café on Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi, serving fresh, locally-sourced food in a spacious, village-style setting.

Keeree Mantra Restaurant
Expansive open-air eatery with lake & mountain views serving traditional cuisine.
Keereetara Riverside
Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kwai with fresh local cuisine, views of the famous bridge, and occasional live music.
Keeree Tara
Classic Thai preparations in a casual restaurant offering vistas of the famed River Kwai Bridge.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, home to the Emerald Buddha
Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
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