Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Temples & Culture
Krabi

Wat Tham Suea

4.6(13,901 reviews)

The climb is the whole conversation here. Somewhere between 1,237 and 1,280 steps, depending on who's counting, rising steeply through jungle to a hilltop shrine with a gold Buddha and a 360-degree view over Krabi's karst country. The steps aren't uniform. Some have a rise close to 18 inches, which is less a stair than a hurdle, and people regularly take an hour or more to get up because they have to keep stopping. Coming back down is its own problem, harder on the knees than the ascent.

If you're not up for that, go anyway. The cave network and the lower temple grounds are open to everyone, no climbing involved, and they're a proper Buddhist site rather than a consolation prize. Monkeys hang around the trails. Reviewers say they're far less aggressive than guides make out, as long as you're not carrying food in an open bag and you don't stare at them.

Book tours & tickets in Krabi

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Tham Suea — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

Wat Tham Suea, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple, is truly one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Krabi. This temple is not just about spirituality it’s also about adventure and breathtaking views. The main highlight is the climb to the top viewpoint. Be prepared there are around 1,260 steep steps, and the climb is definitely challenging, especially in the heat. But once you reach the top, the view is absolutely worth every step. You get a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Krabi’s limestone mountains, greenery, and coastline. The giant golden Buddha statue at the summit adds to the peaceful and majestic atmosphere. Down below, the temple complex is equally beautiful and calm. There are meditation caves, prayer halls, and monks living in the area. The surroundings are very natural, with lots of trees and sometimes even monkeys roaming around (so be careful with your belongings). The place is well-maintained, and entry is free, though donations are welcome. Make sure to wear proper clothing (covered shoulders and knees), and carry water because the climb can be exhausting. Going early in the morning or late afternoon is better to avoid strong sunlight. There is also free drinking water for tourists Overall, Wat Tham Suea is a perfect mix of spirituality, nature, and adventure. If you're visiting Krabi and don’t mind a bit of a workout, this place is definitely a must-visit. The view from the top is something you’ll never forget!

Known commonly as Tiger Cave Temple, the stairs to the top are not for the faint hearted! Some steps have a rise of about 18 inches and are killers to get up! Wear good footwear, take water (and maybe a glucose tablet to restore energy quickly) but most of all go early! it was so hot by the time we got to the top (which took 1 hour 10 minutes as we had to keep stopping to rest!) Views are incredible though once you’re at the top. The temple itself is beautiful and can be visited without the 1260 step climb. entrance fee when we visited (mar26) is 50 baht

Nice temple but don't try to get to the top unless you are very fit or have plenty of time. The monkeys on the path are not as bad as the guides tell you unless you have food in your bags. Don't carry anything and avoid looking at them and you'll be fine. For me not worth the walk up the steps other than for the fantastic view

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 13,901 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Krabi

Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool

4.3(13,931)
W7G9+27J, Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand

Spring-fed jungle swimming in green water, best hit at 8:30am before the heat and the tour buses land.

Kodam Kitchen branch 1

Kodam Kitchen branch 1

4.7(10,224)$$$$
228 หมู่ที่ 3 Thanon Khlong Hang, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand

Curries with real depth, budget prices, and a queue at dinner unless you book ahead.

Krabi Town Night Market

Krabi Town Night Market

4.3(9,537)
Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Weekends only, and worth building your Krabi Town plans around if food is the point of your evening.

Royal Palm Spa

Royal Palm Spa

4.9(9,532)
1070 Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand

Ao Nang's late-opening massage spot, where regulars book therapists by name and rarely get it wrong.

Wat Tham Suea: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wat Tham Suea worth visiting?

Wat Tham Suea holds a 4.6★ rating from 13,901 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Krabi.

What are the opening hours of Wat Tham Suea?

Wat Tham Suea is typically open 06:00-18:00 — 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 Suea?

The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).

Where is Wat Tham Suea located?

Wat Tham Suea is at 35 Tambon Krabi Noi, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.

Location Info

35 Tambon Krabi Noi, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand+66 88 792 6519
Opening Hours
Monday06:00–18:00
Tuesday06:00–18:00
Wednesday06:00–18:00
Thursday06:00–18:00
Friday06:00–18:00
Saturday06:00–18:00
Sunday06:00–18:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.

Getting around

  • Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
  • Songthaews in Ao Nang
  • Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
  • Motorbike rental

Where to stay near Wat Tham Suea

Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

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.

Nearby Places

Tiger Cave temple
Hidden Gem

Tiger Cave temple

4.5(91)
450 ถนน อุตรกิจ Tambon Krabi Noi, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand

A hilltop Buddhist temple in Krabi requiring a steep 1,200-step climb, rewarded with panoramic views and a golden Buddha.

Stairs Wat Tham Suea

Stairs Wat Tham Suea

4.7(464)
4WGF+9VH, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

A steep 1,260-step climb up a Krabi mountain leads to a revered Buddhist temple with rewarding views.

Viewpoint at Tiger Cave Temple

Viewpoint at Tiger Cave Temple

4.8(1,261)
4WGF+67F, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

A working Buddhist temple in Krabi rewarding those who climb its 1,260 steep steps with sweeping karst panoramas.

The Palm Krabi
Hidden Gem

The Palm Krabi

4.3(37)
270 Maharaj Rd, Tambon Pak Nam, เมือง Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand

A cultural retreat in Krabi's Pak Nam area, offering visitors a peaceful escape with local charm.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.7(43,722)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(79,769)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

4.7(46,481)
206, 2 Soi Na Kluea 12, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.