Amidst the lush greenery of Krabi in Thailand, lies a place of spiritual serenity and natural wonder – the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea. Renowned for its stunning vistas, ancient relics, and hiking trail. This temple offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in both cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
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Before delving into the hiking experience, it’s essential to understand the rich history and significance of the Tiger Cave Temple. Dating back over a thousand years, this sacred site is steeped in legend and lore. With tales of monks meditating in the caves and tigers roaming in the surrounding jungle. Today, the temple serves as a place of worship, attracting visitors from around the world.
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The Tiger Cave Temple is located on the northeast island of Krabi. This is a sacred Buddhist temple and is known for the tiger paw prints in the cave.
The Temple is located on top of a 600-meter cliff, and you’ll have to take 1237 steps to get to the top. The steps to the top are tough and you must go prepared.
This was one of my highlights when we visited Krabi and should be on everyone’s list.
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How to get to the Tiger Cave Temple
There are many ways to get to the cave. You can either hire a Tuk-Tuk or a taxi. This is a popular tourist destination, so they’ll know where to go to.
OR you can hire a scooter and travel there yourself. Just follow the GPS Coordinates.
The Cave is a 10-minute drive from Krabi Town and a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang.
What you need to know
We visited Thailand during its warm, humid season. And trust me, the heat will get to you if you do not take enough water with you. Also, make sure to pack EVERYTHING in a backpack as you’ll meet some monkeys along the way and they tend to grab whatever they can. Luckily these monkeys are not dangerous, but you still have to be cautious.
Since it is a sacred temple, make sure you cover your shoulders and that you take off your shoes before entering the temple.
It is free to visit the temple, but you can make donations if you’d like.
The start of the climb
The highlight of any visit to the Tiger Cave Temple is the exhilarating hike to the summit, where panoramic views of Krabi’s landscape await.
The trail begins near the temple grounds which are decorated with dragons and souvenir shops. The start of the trail is clearly marked. From here, the trail winds its way up a steep limestone cliff, ascending over 1,200 steps to reach the peak. Along the way, hikers are greeted by lush greenery, towering trees, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife.
Make your way to the top
Make no mistake, the hike to the Tiger Cave Temple is not for the faint of heart. With its steep inclines, it presents a formidable challenge for hikers. Yet, for those willing to brave the climb, the rewards are plentiful. At the summit, a sense of accomplishment washes over you as you take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. There are also glimpses of distant islands dotting the horizon. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual energy offer a welcoming respite, inviting you to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of the moment.
The steps to the top are sometimes very steep, which can make the climb really tough. Do make sure to stop every now and again to admire the view, although the view at the top will top them all.
Remember to be respectful once you enter the temple. Once at the top, take off your shoes before entering the temple.
There is more than enough space for tourists to walk around and explore the different viewpoints. The golden Buddha stands tall at the peak, overlooking the most beautiful cliffs and the Andaman sea.
When you are back at the bottom, make sure to treat yourself to a delicious iced drink which will be a great reward after the strenuous climb.
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