Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Caves Temple): Krabi viewpoint from 309 meters and cave network

What is the Tiger Caves Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Tiger Caves Temple (Wat Tham Suea, วัดถ้ำเสือ) is a temple complex, the main highlight of which is the observation deck on a mountain 309 meters high. The mountain has a large Buddha statue and offers 360° views. At the foot of the mountain there is a network of caves and a jungle, as well as religious buildings.

Wat Tham Suea is located about 5 km from Krabi Town.

On the map this place is indicated as:

• Wat Tham Suea – start of the climb to the observation deck
• The ladder to Monks Resort – path to the caves

Origin of the name Tiger Caves Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Local legend says that tigers lived in a cave under the rock. The wandering monk decided to take refuge in it from the heavy rain. It was a complete surprise for him to meet tigers in the cave. And it was a pleasant surprise that the tigers did not touch him.

Viewpoint of Tiger Caves Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

The height of the viewpoint is 309 meters, the path is 600 meters, the number of steps is 1260.

Admission is free, but donation boxes are available.

The climb to the top requires effort, but from a hiking point of view, I would rate the route as easy, for beginners. This does not mean that you will have an easy walk, it means that mountain routes are usually even more difficult and longer. Take water with you so you don't get thirsty. On the way you will meet a toilet, and along the way there will be a water tap, but there are no shops or stalls along the way.

By the way, there is a Buddha statue at the top and in general this place is part of the temple complex. This means you need to take off your shoes at the observation deck (you will see shoe racks). Also, your appearance should be appropriate for this place: for example, shorts or a skirt on a woman that is too short is inappropriate clothing.

If after my photos you decided that the view from the Wat Tham Suea viewpoint did not impress you, then please note that the photos were taken between 17.30-18.20. Sunset in Thailand starts at 18:00 and it becomes dark almost immediately. The brightness of photographs taken after 18 is greatly increased by the camera. When we descended, it became completely dark. In general, during the day the views are much more vibrant and spectacular. If in doubt, look at the pictures of other authors, or even better, just go to Wat Tham Suea: entry is free, the views are impressive, the climb, of course, requires effort, but not the most difficult of those that I have climbed.

And the photos were taken so late because the visit to Wat Tham Suea was planned on the first day of arrival in Krabi. And it’s not that I arrived in Krabi late, not at all. But circumstances began to turn against me: at first, for a long time and to no avail, I looked for where to fill the motorbike with gas (I don’t know what goes through the minds of the owners of motorcycle rental stores who hand over motorbikes to their clients with a completely empty tank). Then I got lost on the roads of Krabi – not to say that it is a big city, but the roads are very confusing. Then I waited a long time for my food in the restaurant, the food was disappointing. Then finally I went to Wat Tham Suea and got a little lost again. And again, I can’t say that I arrived at Wat Tham Suea very late, but the climb took time…

The remaining days were densely packed with events and places, and I did not stay in Krabi for another day just because of Wat Tham Suea.

Overall, be sure to visit Wat Tham Suea, this place is more beautiful than in my photos.

There are several nearby observation platforms. Overall the view is 360°.

From here you can see Krabi town, the sea and the river flowing into it, fields in the suburbs of Krabi town, as well as mountains.

The juxtaposition of mountains and a plain stretching into the distance looks very unusual.

To the right of the sea, behind the distant mountains, Railay should be located.

See also: Railay: the best beaches in Krabi

And somewhere in this direction there is an area visible from Dragon's Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail).

See also: Dragon’s Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail): the most picturesque landscapes in Krabi

And that mountain propping up the sky is most likely Khao Phanom Bencha – the height of this mountain is more than 1200 meters.

Some videos from Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Caves Temple):

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Caves

As the name Tiger Caves Temple suggests, there is a temple, tigers and caves. You have already seen the religious buildings, the tigers have gone somewhere, all that remains is to see the caves.

This is not a very obvious place, I didn’t see any signs for it, so those who don’t know about it may miss it.

The entrance on the map is indicated by the point “The ladder to Monks Resort”.

The path is located to the right of the stairs leading to the mountain, if you stand facing it (the mountain).

After descending the mountain, you need to go a little further and find the “Wonderland” sign. This is the staircase on the left side of the Guanyin Temple (Bodhisattva Guanyin Pagoda). Just a short trek up and then down into the jungle behind the mountain. From the tiny monks' meditation houses and temple, a winding jungle trail begins. Following the signs we head to several caves, many giant trees and again find ourselves at the temple. The trail is not long. We walked very slowly to enjoy everything and it took us about an hour.

It's not hot there at all, very calm. I met a turtle walking in the thicket of the jungle.

Conclusion

Wat Tham Suea in general is a very nice place that you should definitely visit, fortunately it won’t take very much time.

The temple complex is quite large, since I was there late, I did not explore it.

Near the entrance to the viewpoint, a beautiful building is being erected, but it is not yet completed.

Overall, a pleasant place to spend a few hours.