When you think about Krabi Thailand most people will likely associate it with the beautiful beaches and chilled out atmosphere. Although that is true, Krabi truly has some stunning beaches such as Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi. There are also some really cool things to visit inland, one being the Tiger Cave Temple.
This is not only a gorgeous temple with plenty of unique features to explore, but also a bit of a challenge due to the temple being located 1,260 steps into the mountain. If you’re looking for a memorable day out and maybe some exercise after lazing around at the beach this is the perfect day out for you!
Where is Krabi Tiger Cave Temple Located?
The Tiger Cave Temple is located around 22km from Ao Nang, which is the most popular area for people visiting Krabi to stay due to its close proximity to the many popular beaches.
You can book a taxi that will get you to the temple or book a tour in advance. If you have access to a motorbike, you can also drive. The road is fairly well maintained, so it shouldn’t be an issue for beginner drivers. The journey should only take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Hidden temple that is often missed
Before you start climbing the 1,260 steps to the top of the mountain to reach the Golden Buddha. I would highly recommend that you check out this smaller temple. It’s is often missed and it’s actually a really cool feature of the temple with a large statue of a tiger. There is some signage which explains the history of the temple and why it is called the tiger cave, super interesting!
Climbing the 1,260 Steps to the Top of the Temple
Now, I need to give you a slight reality check. You should mentally prepare yourself before starting the climb. Although I am a fairly fit and have a lot of experience climbing munros in Scotland. The climb up to the top was harder than expected, mainly due to the heat, but also due to the repetitive nature that climbing a stair case can become.
You will be sweating buckets and your legs will be on fire. However there are plenty of places to stop and rest. Due to the stair case snaking its way through the mountain side there are many trees offering shade from the sun, which make great resting points.
Reaching the Summit of Tiger Cave Temple
Once you reach the top, you will have a clear view of the huge Golden Buddha Statue dominating the skyline (15 meters high). Before entering the upper platform you are required to take your shoes off, which is common practice in Buddhist temples.
There are several seating areas to catch your breath before exploring the upper platform. As soon as you ascend the final steps you will have an amazing view of the breathtaking surroundings. When you are at the top you will be encircled by the majestic limestone mountains which stretch all the way to the coast and offer a fantastic place to take some epic photos.
FAQs About Tiger Cave Temple
What time does The Tiger Cave Temple Open?
The Tiger Cave Temple opens from 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM everyday. I would recommend going in the morning or evening to avoid the heat. I visited the temple around 1 PM and it made the climb to the top much less enjoyable.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Regarding this all I can say is if you think you might struggle, I would recommend visiting the temple in the morning before it gets too hot. During the climb there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and catch your breath. My advice would be take your time and don’t forget to pack some water.
Should I be concerned by the monkeys?
There are quite a few monkeys that you will likely encounter on the path. Generally, monkeys are friendly and won’t bother you. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your valuables and try not and interact with them and leave them be.
What other activities can I do in Krabi Thailand?
Krabi offers some of the most pristine beaches notably Railay and Phra Nang. There are also some amazing natural hot springs further inland (I will write about my experiences here in a future blog). Another great thing to do in Krabi would be to join a boat tour of the many islands in Ao Nang, you can read about my experience here.
Is the Tiger Cave Temple Worth It?
In short, yes it is.
When visiting Krabi its easy to spend all of your day at the beach and don’t get me wrong that’s where I spent the majority of my time too. However, if you’re looking for a fun activity to break up the beach routine then Tiger Cave Temple is an excellent option for a short excursion offering beautiful views and a nice challenge to overcome.