Tham Sua (Tiger Cave), Krabi (must see)

Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea, is one of Krabi’s most significant and visually striking landmarks. Named for tiger-like rock formations near a cave once used by meditating monks—and rumored to be home to a tiger spirit—it became a revered Buddhist temple and meditation center, drawing devoted pilgrims and curious travelers. Dense jungle and dramatic limestone cliffs surround it, creating a blend of natural beauty and sacred atmosphere.

At the complex's center is the main cave, where visitors see golden Buddha statues and offerings from worshippers. Smaller, nearby caves continue to serve as meditation retreats for monks and nuns, underscoring the temple’s role as a living religious community. On the peaceful lower grounds, pagodas, shrines, and a scenic courtyard teem with monkeys, who may approach visitors, so keeping belongings secure is advised.

Yet the temple’s most iconic feature rests high above the jungle canopy: a viewpoint crowned by a giant golden Buddha statue. Reaching it involves climbing more than 1,200 steep steps, a challenge that has become a rite of passage for many. Along the way, engraved markers remind visitors just how far they’ve pushed themselves, while the surrounding cliffs provide impressive glimpses of the scenery.

Those who reach the summit are rewarded with sweeping views of Krabi’s landscape—lush forests, limestone peaks, and distant Andaman shores. The mountaintop shrine offers a moment of stillness that contrasts sharply with the physical climb, creating an experience that feels both humbling and uplifting. More than a tourist attraction, Tiger Cave Temple offers a meaningful encounter with Thailand’s spiritual traditions and natural wonders in one unforgettable place.