The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is a Buddhist monastery located in the Krabi province of Southern Thailand. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its proximity to Krabi and Ao Nang, offering beautiful views from the summit. However, reaching the top requires climbing 1237 steps, making the ascent challenging.
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The Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi
The Tiger Temple is one of the more popular attractions in the Krabi province. It’s offered by all travel agencies and hotels. Due to its popularity, it’s hard to avoid crowds there. Also, be prepared for the typical Thai “bargaining” experience.
The Tiger Cave Temple is named after a cave where, according to legend, a tiger lived. The cave, easily accessible from the parking area, contains a tiger statue hidden within a small grotto. Here, visitors can receive blessings from monks, which can be a profound experience, especially for children. Monks have long used these caves for meditation, and the tiger’s presence added to the site’s mystique and spiritual significance. Today, the temple serves as an active Buddhist center, attracting those seeking peace of mind and wishing to deepen their meditation practice.
Climbing to the top of the Tiger Temple
The main attraction of the place is definitely the ascent to the summit, not the cave itself. The path is challenging, and the stair climb may be difficult for some, but the views from the top are worth the effort. The temple grounds feature impressive statues, including a giant Buddha visible from afar, with each piece of architecture and statue telling a story about Buddhism and its teachings.
It’s important to be physically prepared for the climb to the summit of the Tiger Cave Temple and to be cautious on the stairs, especially during rain. Remember, this is a place of religious worship, so respect for monks and other visitors is paramount. Women will be asked to dress appropriately before entering the complex. For more detailed advice and insights, consider visiting the source of this information.
The best time to climb to the summit of the Tiger Cave Temple
Most organized tours reach the parking area in the early afternoon. Being there early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid crowds and the intense heat. The area is often covered in a light fog, enhancing visibility when the sun is less intense. More people also mean more monkeys, especially at the lower steps, so avoid feeding them or bringing food up. It’s also good to know that water can be refilled at the summit, which will likely be needed partway through the climb.
How much does entrance to the Tiger Cave Temple cost?
Entrance to the entire monastery complex is not fixed. You will be asked for a donation upon entry, essentially a voluntary contribution. For more detailed information, it’s advisable to check the latest guidelines or official sources related to the site.
Why it’s worth visiting the Tiger Temple?
Wat Tham Suea, the Tiger Cave Temple, is not just one of the most fascinating attractions in Krabi but also a place offering a unique sense of peace. After reaching the summit, despite not being alone, visitors can find a spot to pause and enjoy the beautiful views. The climb itself often represents overcoming personal challenges and is inherently rewarding. Having visited the temple four times in various configurations, including with children, the climb always presented a challenge (descending is even harder), but it consistently brought immense satisfaction.
