Summit and golden Buddha
Top of the 1,260 steps
A large golden Buddha sits at the summit of the 1,260 steps. The views stretch over Krabi's limestone hills, farmland and the Andaman coast.
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Krabi, Thailand
Tiger Cave Temple — Wat Tham Suea
A forest temple with 1,260 steep steps up a limestone peak to a golden Buddha and views over the whole province.
Favourite places
Tiger Cave
Main temple area
The main cave at the foot of the hill, where tiger paw prints are said to be found in the rock. It is still used for prayer and meditation.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Forest valley
Behind the temple
A walk through a forest valley of tall old trees, where monks live in simple cells and caves. It is a quiet contrast to the climb.
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Local food
Khanom jeen
Krabi, Thailand
Rice noodles with curry, a common breakfast in Krabi.
Fresh coconut
Krabi, Thailand
The best drink after the climb.
Where to eat
Stalls at the temple
Near the base
Small stalls sell drinks and snacks.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chao Fah Pier Night Market
Krabi Town riverside
An evening market with Thai food and seafood by the river.
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Where to stay
Krabi Town
Krabi, Thailand
The nearest town with hotels, markets and restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Ao Nang
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi's main resort area, about 30 minutes away.
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Culture
This is an active Buddhist temple. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes in buildings, and speak quietly. Monks live in the forest — respect their privacy. Keep bags closed around the monkeys.
History
The temple is named after the tiger paw prints said to be found in its main cave, where a monk once meditated. Monks still live in the forest cells around it. The climb to the summit takes most people 45 minutes to an hour.
Tour plans
Tiger Cave and Krabi Town
1 dayStep 1: Early climb
Climb the 1,260 steps at sunrise.
Step 2: Explore the temple
See the cave and the forest valley.
Step 3: Krabi Town
Explore Krabi Town in the afternoon.
Step 4: Night market
Eat at the Chao Fah Pier Night Market.
Travel information
Best time to visit
All year; climb early in the morning before the heat, or late afternoon for sunset views.
How to get there
About 8 km north-east of Krabi Town by Grab or songthaew.
Getting around
Tiger Cave Temple is about 8 km from Krabi Town. Reach it by Grab, songthaew, scooter or car.
Travel tips
Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before entering the halls. Sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance. Climb early in the morning and bring water; watch your bags around the monkeys.
