How to Visit Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand

The first time I heard about the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) in Krabi, I figured it would just be another temple stop. But wow — I was so wrong.

This place is an adventure in itself. Think 1237 steep steps, curious monkeys staring at you like you owe them snacks, and views that make every drop of sweat completely worth it.

By the time I finally made it to the top, I was out of breath — partly from the climb, but mostly from the breathtaking view. From up there, you can see Krabi’s limestone cliffs, endless jungle, and even a glimpse of the coastline in the distance.

If you’re heading to Krabi, visiting the Tiger Cave Temple is something you shouldn’t skip. In this post, I’ll share how to get there, what to expect, and a few tips I wish I’d known before making the climb.

At a Glance

The temple sits on a hill just outside Krabi Town, surrounded by lush jungle and endless limestone cliffs. Honestly, it looks pretty in photos, but one thing I didn’t expect was how peaceful it feels once you’re up there — even with other visitors around.

The area isn’t just the famous staircase to the top. At the base, there are meditation caves, smaller shrines tucked between the rocks, and trails leading into the jungle that feel like a completely different world.

Why I think it’s worth it

So, is Tiger Cave Temple worth the effort? For me — absolutely.

Climbing those 1237 steps is no joke, but the payoff at the top is unreal.

Compared to other nearby attractions, this one stands out because it’s not just about the view — it’s the whole experience. The challenging climb, the quiet at the summit, and that feeling of being high above everything else all combine to make it unforgettable.

If you’re only in Krabi for a short time, I’d say make time for this over a half-day island tour. It deserves a spot on your Thailand itinerary. It’s unique, spiritual, and feels like an adventure and a workout rolled into one.

Where is Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is tucked into the hills just northeast of Krabi Town.

Here’s how far it is from nearby spots:

• Krabi Town: about 8–10 km (around 15 minutes by car or motorbike)
• Krabi Airport: similar distance to Krabi Town, roughly 15–20 minutes
• Ao Nang Beach: about 15–20 km (around 30 minutes)

📍Here’s the exact Google Maps location.

How to get there

1. Organize transport through your hotel

This is what I did, and honestly, it was the easiest way. I just told the reception what time I wanted to leave, and a van showed up in the morning to take me there.

We agreed on a pickup time for the afternoon, and sure enough, the same driver came back for me.

I was the only passenger, but the price was still really affordable.

2. Use Grab

Grab is another excellent option — fast, flexible, and convenient. A car costs around 150 THB, while a motorbike is much cheaper if you’re comfortable riding on the back.

The only downside is that it can sometimes be a bit harder to find a Grab for the return trip, especially if you leave in the late afternoon when it’s busy. It might also be a bit more expensive.

3. Hire a Private Driver for the day

If you want the ultimate flexibility, hiring a private driver is the way to go. It’s more expensive than a taxi or shuttle, but totally worth it if you’re planning to combine the Tiger Cave Temple with other stops — like the Emerald Pool or Hot Springs.

I recommend booking this private car charter on Klook because it’s reliable, easy to arrange online, and includes a professional driver who knows the area well.

You can fully customize your route, travel at your own pace, and not worry about finding return transport later in the day.

Entrance fee

The entrance includes a free sarong rental if you need to cover up. The temple has its etiquette, so it’s important to respect the rules — both knees and shoulders should be covered in the whole area.

Origin of the name

Before I went, I had no idea why it’s called Tiger Cave Temple — turns out, there’s actually a story behind it.

The temple is named after a small cave at the base of the mountain where, according to locals, a tiger spirit once lived. Some people say you can still see marks on the rock that look like paw prints.

What to Expect at Tiger Cave Temple

Arriving in the area

When my driver dropped me off, the first thing I noticed was how peaceful it felt. The area around the temple is surrounded by jungle, with the sound of birds and the occasional temple bell echoing through the air.

There are a couple of small stalls nearby selling cold drinks and snacks, so I grabbed a bottle of water before starting the climb — trust me, you’ll need it.

The formidable 1237 stairs

The climb starts off fine — steep, but nothing too crazy. But step by step, it just keeps going. Within minutes, I was drenched in sweat, my face red from the heat and humidity.

These aren’t ordinary stairs, either. Some of the steps are so high you practically have to lunge up them. Check the photo below for proof — it’s no joke.

I stopped more times than I can count to sip water and catch my breath. Along the way, a few cheeky monkeys were hanging out, clearly waiting for someone to drop a snack.

They can get aggressive if they see food, and getting scratched or bitten was definitely not on my itinerary. My advice? Ignore them and keep walking.

The good news: most of the trail is shaded by the jungle, so you’re not baking under the sun. The bad news: there are no views along the way — just you, the stairs, and your determination.

At the summit

The last stair says 1260 for some reason, but the sign at the bottom claims it’s 1237 stairs. I didn’t count, but I can imagine it’s a nice distraction. If you figure out the real number of stairs, leave us a comment.

The view, though, makes every step worth it. From up here, you see endless jungle, towering limestone cliffs, and the Andaman Sea glittering in the distance.

The summit itself feels like a spacious terrace perched high above Krabi. In the center is a massive golden Buddha, gleaming under the sun. There’s also a large golden pagoda and, at the far end, a small shrine where locals quietly pray or light incense.

To my surprise, there were even a few stray dogs lounging around up here, calmly napping in the shade.

The way back down

The descent is much kinder on the lungs, but not so much on the knees. By the time I reached the bottom, my legs were shaky — but in that satisfying, “I can’t believe I actually did this” kind of way.

Temple Grounds

Before heading back, take some time to wander around the temple grounds at the base. The area is calm, with monks walking quietly between shrines.

Best time to visit

I went early in the morning, around 8:30 AM, because that was the pickup time arranged by my hotel — and honestly, I’m glad I did. The weather is still relatively cool, and the climb, while tough, would’ve been way harder under the midday sun.

I can also imagine that sunset at the top is magical — the view must be incredible, and the area gets much quieter as most people have already left. If you decide to go for sunset, make sure to bring a good light for the way down.

Other places to visit nearby

• Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) – A crystal-clear natural pool hidden in the jungle, perfect for a refreshing swim after the climb.
• Hot Springs (Namtok Ron) – Just a short drive from the Emerald Pool, these natural thermal springs are great for relaxing sore muscles.
• Krabi Town Night Market – I really appreciated all the tasty street food after the climb! And it’s also a good spot to get some souvenirs.
• Railay Beach – A must-visit; the dramatic cliffs and turquoise water never get old. I spent a few days here, and it was one of my favorite spots in Thailand!

Final Thoughts

Climbing to the top of Tiger Cave Temple was one of the most memorable things I did in Krabi. The 1237 steps were brutal — I’m not going to sugarcoat that — but the sense of accomplishment (and the panoramic views) made it so worth it.

What really stood out to me, though, was the atmosphere at the top. Even with a few other travelers around, there was this calm, almost sacred vibe that made me want to just sit quietly and take it all in.

If you’re in Krabi and have half a day to spare, this is an experience I’d definitely recommend. Go early, take your time on the climb, and don’t forget plenty of water.