Tiger Cave, Koh Lanta - Image 1
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Tiger Cave Koh Lanta

3.3
·118 reviews·Tambon Ko Lanta Yai, Thailand

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Tiger Cave, Koh Lanta - Image 1

Tiger Cave Koh Lanta

Best Time

Sunrise

Magical light and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.3
(118 reviews)

"The 1256 steps are a challenge, but the panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Summit View

The Summit View

Top of the mountain

Ascend 1256 steps for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Krabi's stunning landscape.

The Giant Buddha

The Giant Buddha

Summit

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

Jungle Trail

Jungle Trail

Path to the cave

Trek through lush jungle scenery, encountering local flora and fauna on your way to the temple.

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Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Climb

Prepare for a significant climb to reach the Tiger Cave Temple's summit. The 1256 steps are challenging but rewarding. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the jungle path can be humid and hot. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and crowds.

Monkey Business & Temple Etiquette

Be aware of the monkeys along the trail; they are known to snatch belongings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid feeding them. Remember this is a sacred Buddhist site, so dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, especially when exploring the temple grounds.

Best Times

When
Sunrise
Why
Magical light and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tiger World Thailand #tigerworldthailand
@tigerworldthailand
466.1K likes • 12.9M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The 1256 steps are steep! Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the challenging trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Reddit

Welcome to Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple. . . Best place to Visit for Couples💕 Make memories for your loving life in Phuket-Krabi. . Book Phuket-Krabi (Thailand) Package. . . . #krabi #thailand #phuket #travel #krabithailand #bangkok #phiphiisland #thailandtravel #beach #amazingthailand #pattaya #travelphotography #sea #kohsamui #thai #kohlanta #aonang #phiphi #nature #thailandia #kohphiphi #sunset #i...
kin.o.philia
48 likes • 554 views
🇹🇭 Thaïlande 🇹🇭 🐅 Tiger Cave Krabi #thailand #thailande #thaïlande #thailandtravel #krabi #krabithailand #krabitrip #tigercavetemple #tigercave #travelblogger #traveler #tdm #tdm2023 #lifeloversworld #biketravel #travelbike #voyageurfrancais #voyageursdumonde #tourdumonde #temple #travelbiker #couplevoyageur #instareels #instareel #reels #réel #lifelover #koh #kohlanta
lifeloversworld
50 likes • 1.2K views

🐒 Secure Your Belongings

Monkeys are common and can be mischievous. Keep bags closed and away from them. Reddit

🙏 Dress Respectfully

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the temple grounds. Instagram

Tiger Cave Temple #tigercave #tigercavetemple #tigercavetemplekrabi #tigercavetemplemountain #tigercavekohlanta #tigercavekrabi #tigercavetempel #krabi #krabiview #tigercavekrabithailand #tigercavetemplekrabi #krabiviews #thaiview
mi.ma7551
8 likes • 94 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The 1256 steps are steep! Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Stay hydrated on the challenging trek. You can buy water, but it's cheaper to bring your own. Reddit

🐒 Secure Your Belongings

Monkeys are common and can be mischievous. Keep bags closed and away from them. Reddit

🙏 Dress Respectfully

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the temple grounds. Instagram

🌅 Aim for Sunset/Sunrise

The views are spectacular during these times, offering a magical atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.3
(118 reviews)

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

Spectacular summit views
Challenging climb
Spiritual ambiance

What People Dislike

Underwhelming cave
Expensive guides

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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

No, advance booking is typically not required for entry to Tiger Cave Temple. You can usually pay any applicable fees upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available, but some visitors have found them to be expensive and not particularly informative. Many people prefer to explore independently. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tiger Cave Temple can be an adventure for families, but it requires careful planning. The 1256 steps to the summit are a significant challenge for young children, and it's advisable to assess your children's stamina and the weather conditions before attempting the full climb. Consider focusing on the accessible temple grounds at the base, which offer a more relaxed experience with interesting statues and a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers

Tiger Cave Temple is a popular stop for solo travelers and backpackers, offering a rewarding physical challenge and stunning views. Renting a scooter is a cost-effective and flexible way to reach the temple from Koh Lanta or Ao Nang, allowing you to explore at your own pace and potentially visit other nearby attractions. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ascent: A Journey of Steps

The most defining feature of Tiger Cave Temple is its challenging ascent. A total of 1256 steps lead to the summit, a pilgrimage that tests the endurance of visitors. The path is carved into the mountainside, winding through dense jungle. While the climb is demanding, it's also an integral part of the experience, offering a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top. Many visitors recommend wearing good quality athletic shoes for grip and support, and bringing plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the trek. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Spiritual Significance and Temple Grounds

Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Suea, is a significant Buddhist site with a rich spiritual history. The name 'Tiger Cave' is believed to originate from the presence of tigers in the area historically, or from the cave's resemblance to a tiger's paw. The temple complex at the base features intricate architecture, including statues and prayer halls, offering a peaceful environment for reflection. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the sacred grounds. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram