The short answer
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea): what visitors should know first
Visit only if you or your group can climb well over a thousand steps in the cool of the morning; otherwise enjoy the lower grounds and caves. Dress modestly, bring water and expect monkeys on the lower stairs.
History and context
The story behind Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Wikipedia dates the temple to 1975, founded by Jumnean Seelasettho (Ajahn Jumnean), a Vipassana monk. He is said to have seen tigers while meditating in the cave, hence the name Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple).
The stairway to the summit was earlier counted at 1,237 steps and has since been rebuilt; the current article cites 1,260 steps, though that count is uncited.
Useful facts
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) facts at a glance
- Location
- North-east of Krabi Town, on the edge of the plain
- Faith
- Theravada Buddhism; a Vipassana meditation temple
- Dedication
- Cave and hilltop shrine with a large golden Buddha at the summit
- Visitor note
- About 1,260 steps to a summit near 278 m; monkeys on the lower stairs
- Founded
- 1975 by monk Jumnean Seelasettho
Why it matters
Why Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is worth your time
Wat Tham Suea is both a tourist climb and a working Buddhist monastery. Wikipedia records that it was founded in 1975 by a Vipassana monk, Ajahn Jumnean Seelasettho, who meditated in the cave and saw tigers there; the temple takes its name from them. Monks continue to live in caves in the foothills.
For visitors from India, it is also a good place to see how Thai Buddhism is practised: shrines, offerings, meditation spaces and the gold Buddha on the summit. The climb is a physical commitment, so go with respect for the people living and meditating there.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The summit stairway
Roughly 1,260 steps lead to the top. Go early, take breaks and keep water close.
- 02
The golden Buddha and view
The summit shrine overlooks temple buildings and much of Krabi Town and its plain.
- 03
Cave dwellings at the base
Monks live in caves in the foothills; the lower grounds are level and calm.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The temple sits in forest at the foot of a limestone ridge. Spend a few minutes at the base first: the lower grounds hold the monastery buildings and cave dwellings where monks live, and monkeys wander the area. Treat them with calm, keep food out of sight and do not tease them.
The climb is the main event. Wikipedia gives the older count of 1,237 steps and a newer count of 1,260, with the top at about 278 metres. Start as early as you can, take it slowly, and plan for rest stops where the stairs level off. Carry more water than seems necessary, because there is little shade on the upper section.
At the summit a golden Buddha stands over a small shrine, and from here you can see temple buildings and much of Krabi Town and its plain. The way down is hard on the knees, so pace yourself. If the climb is beyond your group's comfort, the lower grounds still give a reasonable sense of the place, and the viewpoint at Wat Kaew Korawaram in town is an easier alternative.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Start at opening time to avoid heat on the stairs
- Wear shoes with grip and clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Carry plenty of water and do not feed or tease the monkeys
- Leave the climb if anyone has a heart or knee condition; the lower grounds are still worth a stop
- Confirm hours and any donation request on arrival
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- North-east of Krabi Town, Mueang Krabi
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours for the summit; 30 to 45 minutes for the lower grounds only
- Best time
- Right at opening or at the coolest hour; avoid midday heat
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The summit stairway is long and steep, with about 1,260 steps by one count, and little shelter in the afternoon. Seniors, anyone with knee or heart problems and small children should stay at the foot, where the grounds and cave dwellings are level.
- Tickets and access
- Check current opening hours and any donation or entry arrangement on site. Dress covers shoulders and knees; remove shoes where signs ask, and respect monks and meditation areas.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The summit stairway is long and steep, with about 1,260 steps by one count, and little shelter in the afternoon. Seniors, anyone with knee or heart problems and small children should stay at the foot, where the grounds and cave dwellings are level.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many steps is the Tiger Cave Temple climb?
Wikipedia gives an older count of 1,237 steps and a newer, uncited figure of 1,260. Count on a long climb either way.
Can seniors visit Tiger Cave Temple?
The summit is difficult for many seniors. The lower grounds and cave dwellings are level and can be seen without the climb.
Why is it called Tiger Cave?
According to Wikipedia, the founding monk saw tigers when meditating in the cave, and the temple was named after them.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.