Tiger Cave Koh Lanta
Ascend 1256 steps to a sacred Buddhist temple atop a mountain for breathtaking 360° views of Krabi's stunning landscape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light and fewer crowds
Tiger Cave Koh Lanta
Best Time
Magical light and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 1256 steps to a sacred Buddhist temple atop a mountain for breathtaking 360° views of Krabi's stunning landscape.
"The 1256 steps are a challenge, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 1256 steps are steep! Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the challenging trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit View
Top of the mountain
Ascend 1256 steps for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Krabi's stunning landscape.

The Giant Buddha
Summit
A majestic golden Buddha statue awaits at the peak, offering a serene spiritual experience.

Jungle Trail
Path to the cave
Trek through lush jungle scenery, encountering local flora and fauna on your way to the temple.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Monkey Business & Temple Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 1256 steps are steep! Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the challenging trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own.
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are common and can be mischievous. Keep bags closed and away from them.
🙏 Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the temple grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 1256 steps are steep! Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on the challenging trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own.
🐒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are common and can be mischievous. Keep bags closed and away from them.
🙏 Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the temple grounds.
🌅 Aim for Sunset/Sunrise
The views are spectacular during these times, offering a magical atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit and the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. The challenging 1256-step climb is a significant draw for those seeking an active experience. However, some find the cave itself underwhelming and question the value of paid guides.
"Great tracking up to the caves through the jungle. The cave we saw weren't that large but great for 3 children age 6, 3 and 2. It took approximately two hours to walk forth and back. We took a taxi from the hotel to the "ticket office"."
Albert Willerslev-Olsen
"One of the best place to visit in Krabi.
I was here because I organized a scooter trip (130 km) from Ao Nang.
The Tiger Temple Cave is magnificent.
If you want you can hike the mountain along a 1256 step stairway to the top!!!
Along the path the are a lot of monkeys BE CAREFULL the take (stolen) everything put with you water... and DON'T FEED the monkeys!!!
The place it's well known by the locals and a lot of people visit it everyday.
There is a magical atmosphere in this temple.
I recommend to visit it at the sunset because on the top there is a special 360 view."
Francesco Scarfò
"DON'T BOTHER IT'S 100B EACH OR 250B EACH FOR A GUIDE 🤣🤣🤣🤣 FOR NOTHING, LUCKILY I GOT A REFUND BECAUSE WE DIDN'T EVEN LEAVE THE CAR PARK. Go to the Waterfall down the road instead it's 40B to park a bike and the rest is free. Easy really enjoyable hike and if you're adventurous enough like me you can get to the top of the Waterfall via a pathway to the right just before the huge fallen tree. You'll be rewarded with a deeper private pool of water to swim in. Enjoy!"
G.H. JONES
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Tiger Cave Temple from Koh Lanta involves a ferry crossing and then a taxi or scooter ride. Many visitors take a taxi from their hotel to the 'ticket office' or directly to the temple. Renting a scooter for a day trip is also a popular option, offering flexibility to explore other nearby attractions like waterfalls.
Yes, transportation is generally easy to find. Taxis are readily available, and many tour operators in Koh Lanta offer day trips that include transport to the temple. If you rent a scooter, ensure you have a reliable map or GPS.
From Ao Nang, a popular option is to organize a scooter trip, covering around 130 km. This allows for a scenic journey and the flexibility to stop at other points of interest.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can often find local buses or songthaews that go in the general direction of Krabi town, from where you can arrange further transport. However, private taxis or scooter rentals offer more convenience.
The journey from Koh Lanta to Tiger Cave Temple can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transport and ferry schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the temple itself is free to enter, some sources mention a small fee for parking or optional guided tours. Be wary of unofficial guides offering services for high prices, as some visitors found them unnecessary.
The temple is generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date hours, especially if you plan to visit for sunrise or sunset.
No, advance booking is typically not required for entry to Tiger Cave Temple. You can usually pay any applicable fees upon arrival.
Yes, guided tours are available, but some visitors have found them to be expensive and not particularly informative. Many people prefer to explore independently.
Prices for guides can vary, with some reports indicating around 100-250 Baht per person. However, many visitors felt guides were not worth the cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb involves ascending 1256 steps, which can be strenuous. The path is well-maintained but steep, winding through jungle terrain. It's a significant physical challenge, but the panoramic views from the summit are a major reward.
The climb to the summit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. Allow ample time for the ascent and descent.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy athletic shoes with good grip for the climb. It's also advisable to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect for the temple.
Yes, monkeys are present along the trail and around the temple grounds. They can be curious and may try to snatch food or belongings, so keep your valuables secure and avoid feeding them.
The 'cave' experience is more of a trail through jungle to a cave system. Some visitors found the cave itself to be small and not particularly remarkable, with the main attraction being the climb and the summit views.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it ideal for landscape photography. The golden Buddha statue and the winding staircase also make for iconic shots.
It can be challenging to take photos while actively climbing due to the steepness and the need to maintain balance. It's best to pause at designated spots or wait until you reach the summit for unobstructed shots.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Midday can be very bright and may result in washed-out photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone, as it may be restricted in religious sites or national parks.
The summit itself is the primary viewpoint, offering unobstructed 360-degree vistas. There are also various points along the staircase where you can pause and capture the surrounding scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to tackle some of the steps, go at a slow pace, take frequent breaks, and ensure everyone stays hydrated. The monkeys can be a source of excitement for kids, but it's crucial to supervise them closely and teach them not to approach or feed the animals. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is essential. For families with very young children, the jungle walk to the smaller caves at the base might be more manageable than the full summit climb.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Be prepared for the climb; it's a great way to get some exercise and meet fellow travelers on the trail. The summit offers a fantastic opportunity for photography and to soak in the expansive vistas of Krabi. While some visitors opt for guides, many find that the experience is best enjoyed independently, allowing you to set your own pace and appreciate the journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ascent: A Journey of Steps
The jungle environment surrounding the steps provides a unique atmosphere. You'll encounter lush vegetation and potentially spot local wildlife. However, be mindful of the monkeys that inhabit the area; they are known to be bold and may attempt to snatch food or belongings. It's crucial to keep your personal items secure and avoid feeding the animals to maintain their natural behavior and ensure visitor safety.
For those who find the full climb daunting, there are also smaller caves and temple structures at the base and mid-level of the mountain that are more accessible. However, the panoramic views from the summit are widely considered the ultimate reward, making the strenuous climb a worthwhile endeavor for many.
Spiritual Significance and Temple Grounds
The main temple area at the base is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into Buddhist traditions. Here, you can observe monks, participate in quiet contemplation, or admire the detailed artwork. The atmosphere is generally serene, providing a contrast to the more physically demanding climb to the summit. Many visitors find the spiritual ambiance of the temple grounds to be a highlight of their visit, even if they don't undertake the full climb.
Beyond the physical climb, the temple serves as a place of worship and meditation. The presence of the large golden Buddha statue at the summit is a focal point for many pilgrims and visitors, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. The overall experience at Tiger Cave Temple is a blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and spiritual immersion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit