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Wat Tham Suea is a well-known Buddhist temple in Krabi, Thailand. It is famous for its tiger cave, a long staircase with 1,237 steps, and a big golden Buddha statue at the top. Many people visit to pray, meditate, or take on the challenge of climbing the steps. The temple is important for locals because monks live and practise meditation here. Visitors can also see old relics, caves with interesting rock formations, and large trees. The place is not just for religious activities but also for learning about Thai culture and history.
Wat Tham Suea Location
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Wat Tham Suea is about 8 km northeast of Krabi Town in Thailand. It is part of a temple complex that spreads across a forested area, housing monk quarters, caves, and towering limestone cliffs. The temple is peaceful and surrounded by large trees and rock formations, making it a significant spiritual and tourist attraction.
How To Reach Wat Tham Suea
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By Air: The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport (KBV), about 12 km from Wat Tham Suea. The airport has flights from major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, as well as international locations. You can take a taxi or a rented car from the airport to reach the temple in about 20 minutes.
By Bus: Krabi Town has a well-connected bus terminal with routes from Bangkok, Phuket, and Surat Thani. From the bus terminal, you can take a tuk-tuk, songthaew (shared taxi), or private taxi to the temple, which is about a 15-minute drive.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Surat Thani Railway Station, located about 160 km from Krabi. From Surat Thani, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Krabi Town and then proceed to the temple.
Places To Visit In And Around Wat Tham Suea
There are several interesting places to explore in and around Wat Tham Suea, ranging from temples and caves to natural attractions. Here are some notable spots to visit.
1. The Tiger Cave
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
The Tiger Cave is an important religious site within Wat Tham Suea. It gets its name from the tiger paw prints on the cave walls. Locals believe a tiger once lived in the cave before monks turned it into a place of worship. Today, it is a meditation centre where monks practice in silence. Inside, you will find a golden Buddha statue and ancient relics. Visitors can walk inside and see how the monks live. The cave is also a good place to learn about Buddhist traditions. Many people come here to pray and seek blessings.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
2. The 1,237-Step Staircase
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
The staircase at Wat Tham Suea is famous for its 1,237 steep steps that lead to the top of the hill. It is not an easy climb, but many visitors consider it challenging. People from different parts of other countries visit the temple to complete the climb as an act of devotion. There are resting spots where you can take a break and see the forest. At the top, there is a golden Buddha statue and a small shrine. The view from here is one of the best in Krabi, and many people take photos to remember their visit.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 1.5 hours
3. The Big Buddha Statue
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
At the top of the hill in Wat Tham Suea, there is a giant golden Buddha statue. The statue is a symbol of Buddhism and attracts both tourists and local worshippers. Many Buddhists visit this place to pray and make offerings. The area around the statue is clean and well-maintained, with small shrines and bells that people ring as part of their prayers. Visitors can also sit and rest after the tiring climb. It is common to see monks meditating near the statue. This place is important because it represents peace and devotion in Thai culture.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
4. Khao Khanab Nam Caves
Photo: Simon / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Khao Khanab Nam Caves are about 10 km from Wat Tham Suea and are an interesting place to visit. These caves are inside two tall limestone cliffs from the Krabi River. To reach them, you need to take a boat from Krabi Town. Inside the caves are large stalactites, stalagmites, and old human skeletons. Researchers believe that people lived in these caves thousands of years ago. Today, visitors come to see the rock formations and learn about the history of the caves. Many people also take a boat ride around the river to enjoy the view of the cliffs.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 100 THB / ₹240
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
5. Krabi Emerald Pool
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons
The Krabi Emerald Pool is a natural water body. It is famous for its clear green water, which looks beautiful in sunlight. The pool gets its colour from the minerals in the water. People come here to swim and relax in the warm water. The pool is inside a national park, and visitors must walk through a short jungle trail to reach it. Along the way, they can see different plants and birds. There is also a nearby Blue Pool, which is deeper and has a darker blue colour, but swimming is not allowed there.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 200 THB / ₹480
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Where To Stay
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There are several accommodation options available near Wat Tham Suea in Krabi Town. Budget travellers can stay in hostels and guesthouses, while mid-range and luxury hotels are available for those looking for more comfort. Popular choices include Nap Krabi Hotel, Krabi Front Bay Resort, and The Brown Hotel. Staying in Krabi Town allows easy access to both the temple and other attractions.
Where To Eat
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Krabi Town offers plenty of dining options for all budgets. Restaurants like Ruen Mai Restaurant and Ko Suang Seafood serve authentic Thai cuisine, including fresh seafood, curries, and noodles. Vegetarian and halal food options are also available in Krabi. For a quick bite, you can try Thai street food near the temple, such as Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh coconut juice.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Wat Tham Suea is between November and March when the weather is cooler and dry. The early morning hours are best for the climb to avoid the heat. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from June to October, as the stairs can become slippery.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The trip cost to Wat Tham Suea varies depending on your travel style. A budget trip can cost around 1,500 THB (₹3,600) per day, covering local transport, street food, and budget accommodations. A mid-range trip with better hotels and guided tours costs approximately 3,000 THB (₹7,200) per day. For a luxury experience with private transport, fine dining, and high-end resorts, expect to spend around 6,000 THB (₹14,400) per day. Additional costs may include temple donations, souvenirs, and adventure activities in Krabi.
Tips For Travellers
- Start your climb early in the morning to avoid the heat.
- Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
- Be mindful of the monkeys around the temple – avoid carrying food in your hands.
- Dress modestly as it is a religious site.
- Always ask permission before taking photos at Wat Tham Suea, where monks are present.
- Keep some cash with you, as small vendors may not accept card payments.
Wat Tham Suea is a must-visit attraction in Krabi, offering a mix of adventure and spirituality. From the Tiger Cave to the 1,237-step climb, the temple is a unique experience that should be on every traveller’s list. From exploring nearby attractions or capturing photos of Wat Tham Suea, this place provides unforgettable memories. Plan your journey today and book your trip with TripXL for the best travel deals.
Cover Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons
