Tiger Cave Temple

The Tiger Cave Temple, known by locals as Wat Tham Seua, is a small temple built inside a shallow limestone cave, surrounded by a large meditation compound and natural forests. The temple gets its name from the nearby rock formation resembling a tiger’s claw, but is also rumored to have been named following a monk witnessing tigers roaming the cave during his meditation.

After learning that Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Krabi and popular among visitors, Ryan and I decided to check it out while we were out exploring the area one afternoon.

After arriving, we were instructed by our guide to cover up any bare skin upon entering the temple compound. It is very hot in Thailand this time of year, but luckily I had a lightweight sarong in my bag I used to cover my shoulders. For anyone who finds themselves without a cover-up, there is a station by the entrance lending out monks’ garbs.

There are approximately 250 monks and nuns who live within the temple compound today, and it was interesting to see them walking around, buying local produce, and working in the shops.

For visitors a little more adventurous {and physically fit}, there are two staircases which will take you up the limestone cliffs. The first is a mere 130 steps, leading into a valley where the monks live in simple huts. The second staircase is a much different adventure, cutting an aggressive path and winding 1,237 steps steeply up the mountain. Your reward when reaching the top are stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding area as well as a huge golden Buddha who congratulates you for reaching the hill’s apex.

Naturally, I opted out of that little mountain climbing adventure during this trip, but it’s definitely on my bucket list of things to do when I come back post-pregnancy!

In addition to the monks and nuns who live on the compound, there is a family of monkeys occupying the temple grounds as well. Despite the cute and docile little guys portrayed in the pictures, these monkeys are not shy! They will follow visitors carrying any kind of food or drink until they hand over whatever they have. We even saw them drinking soda out of plastic bottles and hunting down tourists with ice cream!

As I am an animal lover, watching all of the monkeys run around and play, and seeing the tiny baby monkeys being carried by their mothers was one of my favorite parts about visiting the temple.

As we drove away from Wat Tham Seua, Ryan and I caught a glimpse of the great golden Buddha perched atop the mountain in the distance. I may not have been able to climb the 1,237 steps to get an up-close look this time, but the view was still quite amazing from afar!

After leaving the Tiger Cave Temple, Ryan and I decided to explore the area of nearby Krabi Town. Surrounding this bustling city center, there was a fascinating mix of lush jungle, palm tree forests, and pineapple farms randomly placed next to chaotic streets, large intersections, and businesses none other than 7 Eleven.

From the colorful homes and stunning landscape to mopeds and monkeys riding on top of cars, we really enjoyed observing a little bit of the average, everyday life of the Thai people. Although seemingly ordinary to them, it was amazingly foreign to us and very interesting to witness!

{Offering the only ATMs with the ability to withdraw from American banks, 7 Eleven has become our new best friend since moving to Asia! We were pleased to see them while we were in Thailand and had to stop in quickly to say hello.}

· More Information ·

Wat Tham Seua {Tiger Cave Temple}

หมู่ 1, ตําบลกระบี่นอย อําเภอเมืองกระบี่ จังหวัดกระบี่
81000 Thailand 

+66 95 242 5630

· Tips ·

• Cover up. If you are wearing a tank top, make sure you bring something to cover up with like a lightweight scarf or sarong to wrap around your shoulders. No mini skirts, exposed mid drifts, or anything that shows too much skin.

• Visit the temple during the morning to avoid crowds and hot temperatures, especially if you are planning on hiking the 1,237 steps to the top of the mountain.

• Don’t carry food with you unless you want to get jumped by a gang of vicious monkeys. There are a couple food vendors inside the compound selling drinks and snacks.