When you think of Krabi, you think of beaches—some of the best beaches in Thailand, as far as I’m concerned. In fact, the only time most travelers are on the mainland is right when they arrive at the airport.
Certainly, I was that way on my first trip to the province, having split my time between Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi. I’m not actually sure what compelled me to take a boat back to Ao Nammao pier, and get in a taxi headed northward and eastward into towering, lush karst mountains.
However, when I arrived at Wat Tham Suea—the Tiger Cave temple—I immediately knew I’d made the right choice. Well, not immediately: I had to climb 1,260 steps to the top first!
Krabi’s Tiger Temple Isn’t a “Tiger Temple”
As you prepare to visit the Krabi tiger temple, you might be getting anxious. After all, Thailand’s “tiger temples” are notorious dens of animal cruelty—I’m embarrassed to say that I visited a couple of them more than a decade ago. The good news? In spite of its name (which, let’s be clear is Tiger Cave Temple), there are no drugged tigers at Wat Tham Suea. And hopefully no wild ones roaming either!
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How to Make Your Wat Tham Suea Day Trip Happen
Get to the mainland
If you’re reading this, then chances are high you’re on one of Krabi’s more exotic beaches—namely Railay, which is separated from the mainland by boat. You could also be on Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, though these aren’t as easy, as jumping off points for a Wat Tham Suea day trip are concerned,
(If you aren’t there already)
On the other hand, it’s completely possible that you may already be on the mainland. Beach-wise, this obviously entailed Ao Nang; charming Krabi Town is also becoming an increasingly popular base. In this case, you’ll have a bit more flexibility when it comes to facilitating a way to reach the temple.
Haggle (if you can)
The first time I visited Wat Tham Suea, I approached the woman working at the tour desk on Ao Nammao Pier and began haggling with her. She initially quoted me 3,000 Baht for a same-day departure, but I pointed out how she had no customers in her store, and proposed half that. We eventually met in the middle, which is what I suggest you do if possible.
Book a tour in advance (if you can’t)
Want to visit Krabi Tiger Cave temple without the uncertainty that comes with haggling or booking your day trip on the day-of? Whether you visit a physical travel agency in advance (there are plenty along walking streets in both Ao Nang and Railay) or online, pre-booking a tour can minimize your stress on the ground.
Visit the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Waterfall as well
Whether as part of a pre-booked and organized tour, or one you haggle your way into, I definitely think that if you’re going to go to the effort of a day trip, you should visit multiple places. At the bare minimum, this should also include a visit to the Sa Morakot “Emerald Pool” and the unique Hot Springs Waterfall alongside Wat Tham Suea.
Other Places to Visit in Krabi Province
Krabi is one of my favorite provinces in Thailand, for all kinds of reasons. Beyond the destinations I’ve mentioned so far, here are other ideas for your trip:
- Obviously, beaches like Ao Nang (on the mainland) and Railay (which is technically on the mainland, but requires a boat to reach) are worth visiting.
- You can also go to Koh Phi Phi, which for various reasons its probably Thailand’s most famous island (though isn’t without its flaws).
- Koh Lanta, on the other hand, is highly underrated, and is one of my favorites on account of how “local” it feels compared to other islands.
- While not technically in Krabi province, the Koh Yao islands (Yai and Noi) are easily accessible from various points in Krabi.
As you can see, the Krabi Big Buddha is only the beginning of all there is to enjoy in Krabi, where you can easily spend much longer than you’re probably planning.
Other FAQ About Visiting Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple
How long does it take to climb Tiger Temple Krabi?
Don’t let the 1,260 steps that lead to the top of Wat Tham Suea intimidate you! Unless you have serious mobility issues or the weather is very bad, you can easily reach the summit in less than an hour, and potentially much more quickly than that if you’re fit.
Is there a dress code for the Tiger Temple in Krabi?
There’s not an official dress code for Krabi’s Tiger Temple, and certainly not any enforcement therein. While you should theoretically always dress modestly when going to Buddhist temples in Thailand, it’s difficult to suggest wearing long sleeves while hiking more than 1,000 steps up the side of a mountain.
How do I get to Tiger Cave Temple from Krabi?
Unless you have your own car, the only realistic way to visit Tiger Cave Temple from where you’re staying in Krabi is to hire a driver. Ideally, you would do this either through your hotel or a travel agency, who will offer you a package price for visiting this temple, plus the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Waterfall.
The Bottom Line
When you visit places like Wat Tham Suea, Krabi province is definitely worth exploring beyond its beaches. This is actually one of my favorite temples in Thailand—and not just because, thankfully, it isn’t an actual “tiger temple.” From the exhilarating hike to that leads to the top to the view from the base of the Buddha at the summit, this place is worth the trek from Railay or Ao Nang, even if you don’t pair it with visits to other inland attractions, such as the Sa Morakot “emerald pool,” or the unique Hot Springs Waterfall. Need personalized help putting your Thailand island adventure together? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
