Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
4.5
About
The Tiger Cave Temple in southern Thailand serves as a religious site for the monks who live and worship there, and features a maze of natural caves in an overgrown jungle valley. This Buddhist complex is also popular with believers and travelers. Here, you can enjoy the views of the surroundings, and admire archaeological findings, which include stone tools, pottery remains, and the mold allegedly used to make Buddha’s footprints. Take your time to climb over 1,200 steps leading to the summit, and join a guided tour to visit the caves and learn more about the temple. – Tripadvisor
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- Sean H6 contributionsRewarding!Very rewarding… the climb is difficult but doable, and the view at the top is so worth it! The steps can be steep but take your time and go at your own pace, we only encountered monkeys at the bottom so be aware of them! It was very hot and there was no water once you started the ascent so make sure you stock up at the bottom! Go for it!!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 November 2023
- luey36Danbury, United Kingdom304 contributionsBreath taking viewAmazing view once you climb 1260 some very steep steps but worth it. Lots of places to stop for a breather and water at the top. Beware of the monkeys, they were only towards the bottom, one jumped on my back to steal my drink. It's free entry for the climb, and Tiger cave etc, we took a taxi who waited for us for around £20. Take water but hide from the monkeys. Ladies have to cover shoulders and legs, men can wear shorts and vestVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2023
- Jemma A9 contributionsOne hour to the topWOW that is one heck of a journey up to the top. Takes around 45 minutes to one hour with regular stops that are absolutely necessary. It really is quite difficult and everyone was struggling, but it is totally worth it! Amazing view from the top and so glad I didn’t give up and kept going to see itVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 December 2023
- Ruth U6 contributionsA Challenging Ascent to Breathtaking ViewsFor those seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Tiger Cave Temple offers a breathtaking view that makes the challenging climb well worth the effort. Climbing 1260 steep steps may sound daunting, but the stunning vista from the top justifies every step. During my visit in November, my partner and I encountered monkeys, especially near the bottom. Despite the monkey mischief, the climb was free, and we hired a taxi for 2000baht, which waited for us. Remember to dress modestly, with ladies covering shoulders and legs.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 December 2023
- TYH07Los Angeles, California43 contributionsHardest climb up to a temple!1200+ steps that starts out fun and simple with some short steps and cute monkeys. But then it gets really grueling with some high up steps as you reach the top. Took us 30-45 minutes. It's definitely rewarding to get to the top, but I wouldn't say it's top 10 views of my entire life. But it's pretty incredible that a temple is all the way up there. The hike up is not for the faint of heart. Plus having to wear temple appropriate clothing (although many people remove the layers to go up/down and I totally understand why) in that sort of heat is difficult. Make sure to stretch afterward (and heck, even before).Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 December 2023
- Sabrina H2 contributionsExcellent ExperienceThe steps were very steep with different highs of steps. We saw Monkeys, there were very friendly. The climb took us 1 hour to the top with some breaks, which are necessary for breathing. All in all, for the amazing view it is worth to go there.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 December 2023
- SavannahCarmichael, California50 contributionsDefinitely worth it- calves still hurt 2 days laterI definitely loved making this climb, and felt like it was worth it. I loved the views, and the feeling of accomplishment at walking all of those stairs. There are numbers on the blue pillars to show you how far you’ve gone. Took me 40 minutes to get up, and I took several quick breaks. Only 15 minutes to get down though. As others have pointed out, females must be dressed with shoulders and knees covered while you walk to the stairs, and at the top. On the climb I took my shoulder covering off because it was so hot. I also recommend starting out early in the morning to beat a lot of the heat and sun. Wear sneakers, and keep your gear locked down tight on you because the monkeys are fast and will absolutely take your stuff!Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 January 2024
- Glen D10 contributionsGreat views from the top. Beware, the 1260 steps are not for the faint hearted but if you do get to the top it’s great.Difficult climb but well worth it if you can do it. Beautiful views from the top. Saw lots of monkeys. Generally a really nice atmosphere here. It’s free but you can leave a donation if you wish.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- RachelChaweng, Thailand18 contributionsAmazing view but a hard climb!Great place to visit! We went for the sunrise, so we got there at around 6am - a bit later than we'd hoped, but none the less, we got there. The 1260 steps are hard to get to the top, don't get me wrong, but 100% doable if you pace yourself and bring water. I repeat... bring water! We got up in about 30 minutes, just as the sun was beginning to rise. It was beautiful. Note that there is an entrance fee to pay before going up, although this was only 100 thb for both me and my boyfriend, so it did not break the bank at all.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 March 2024
- R Wilson5 contributionsGreat dayGreat experience. Kids 9 and 11 did stairs in around 40 minutes. Went in morning 8am ish, and was good. Got a grab taxi there and back. There's a small air conditioned are at bottom which was great, and they made delicious Thai roti. Overall was a great day. Tiger cave really interesting to explore. Take lots of water. Wear walking shoes. We saw no monkeys there on the day we went.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sharon H
Houston, TX432 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
The Tiger Cave Temple is just a few stairs up.
Dress with shoulders covered and long pants or skirt. Monks are inside. Take shoes off.
There is another 1259 stair set in same complex (yes that is 1259 up and another 1259 down) almost vertical climb and many stairs are over 1 ft high.
There's a buddha up there...1 of many in
Thailand.
Hundreds of other Buddhas are much more accessible!
You will see the Buddha view photos attached. & the upper views photos too.
Be sure you consider this climb carefully before heading there!
I climb on most everything and everyone going up and down was whining, not to mention sweating in Jan the coolest season at 90 F with humidity !
Dress with shoulders covered and long pants or skirt. Monks are inside. Take shoes off.
There is another 1259 stair set in same complex (yes that is 1259 up and another 1259 down) almost vertical climb and many stairs are over 1 ft high.
There's a buddha up there...1 of many in
Thailand.
Hundreds of other Buddhas are much more accessible!
You will see the Buddha view photos attached. & the upper views photos too.
Be sure you consider this climb carefully before heading there!
I climb on most everything and everyone going up and down was whining, not to mention sweating in Jan the coolest season at 90 F with humidity !
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fais
Denmark8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We can recommend everyone to visit the temple. It's a good spiritual place, where you can walk around and see different types of statues (for them god).
The best point is on top of the cliff - about 1400 stair up.
The best point is on top of the cliff - about 1400 stair up.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin G
22 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The tiger cave temple itself isn’t too stunning, just a small cave with a temple inside that has an interesting history, but the hike to the shrine at the top of the mountain is unreal. It’s a grueling climb up a steep flight of stairs that will take the average person about 45 minutes to an hour, but can be done in as little as 20-30,minutes if you’re in very good shape.
I’d recommend going at first sunrise around 6 am and you’ll not only beat the other tourists, but the you’ll be the heat as well. I went early morning as only saw a few other people, and otherwise had the place to myself. Felt very adventurous and peaceful.
I’d recommend going at first sunrise around 6 am and you’ll not only beat the other tourists, but the you’ll be the heat as well. I went early morning as only saw a few other people, and otherwise had the place to myself. Felt very adventurous and peaceful.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael P
Brentwood, UK17 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
1267 steps - or thereabouts! Tougher than I expected but totally worth it! The views from the top are amazing, suggest starting an hour before sunset to watch it from the top, took me around 45mins to reach the top and I’m relatively fit and healthy, took my time and didn’t rush. The only issue is there is one way up and the same way down so you will be passing others going the opposite direction. There are stopping points you can catch your breath or have a break and toilets just over half way up. There are also monkeys you will need to walk over, around and/or through!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma L
63 contributions
Dec 2019
Take water and wear sensible shoes!
Although this place is included in many tours, it is actually free to enter. If you have your own transport, I'd recommend going before 9am, or after 3pm to beat the crowds and the heat of the sun!
I'm not normally an active person and hate going to the gym, but I did it. I was determined to get to the top, and SO glad I did it. The views are breath taking! There is a shrine at the top too, and a bit of shade - this is where some of the monkeys hung out too.
Some tourists were trying to feed the monkeys and take selfies with them, one man got his drink snatched from him too. We have to remember these are wild animals!
On the way down your legs turn to jelly and wobble! But motivate and encourage those who are stopping on the steps.
The ground level buildings are interesting and the cave where the monk and tiger lived was ok too.
Although this place is included in many tours, it is actually free to enter. If you have your own transport, I'd recommend going before 9am, or after 3pm to beat the crowds and the heat of the sun!
I'm not normally an active person and hate going to the gym, but I did it. I was determined to get to the top, and SO glad I did it. The views are breath taking! There is a shrine at the top too, and a bit of shade - this is where some of the monkeys hung out too.
Some tourists were trying to feed the monkeys and take selfies with them, one man got his drink snatched from him too. We have to remember these are wild animals!
On the way down your legs turn to jelly and wobble! But motivate and encourage those who are stopping on the steps.
The ground level buildings are interesting and the cave where the monk and tiger lived was ok too.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginie S
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We climbed the 1260 steps.
There were 4 of us, a 48 year old man who was a little sporty, a 13 year old sporty teenager, a 10 year old child who was a little sporty and me, 45 years old, not very sporty and no cardio.
We made it, we took our time, we took breaks and we were up in 40 minutes. The steps are not the same height, the inclination is sometimes steeper but it is not impossible. Arriving at the top you will have the satisfaction of having done it and also a magnificent view. For the return we took a little longer because our teenager's growing pains got the better of his knees. We recommend doing it in the morning and also bringing protein bars because your body will draw on its reserves.
There were 4 of us, a 48 year old man who was a little sporty, a 13 year old sporty teenager, a 10 year old child who was a little sporty and me, 45 years old, not very sporty and no cardio.
We made it, we took our time, we took breaks and we were up in 40 minutes. The steps are not the same height, the inclination is sometimes steeper but it is not impossible. Arriving at the top you will have the satisfaction of having done it and also a magnificent view. For the return we took a little longer because our teenager's growing pains got the better of his knees. We recommend doing it in the morning and also bringing protein bars because your body will draw on its reserves.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conor B
Patong, Thailand33 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
I do this hike 2 or 3 times per week for fitness. Go as early as you can because it gets hot and muggy. There is water available at the top but I would bring my own bottle. Be careful of the monkeys. They are at the lower levels, they don't really go above 300 steps but they will rob you blind. Be respectful, it is a religious temple, you will be asked to cover up if you have short shorts or shoulders showing( women).
My best time is 12.51 but have heard of people doing it under 11 minutes. There is also something called the verticle mile which is a whole other challenge.
My best time is 12.51 but have heard of people doing it under 11 minutes. There is also something called the verticle mile which is a whole other challenge.
Written 11 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lekha P
Mumbai, India2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The place is situated very high up and has no facilities, like water, lamps, or any medical help…
Steps are very steep and dangerous…
please avoid climbing or entering after 4 PM.
The ticket person gave us a ticket at 5:45 PM and guided Nothing at all about the danger while climbingg up or down. There were no lights absolutely, very lonely & no one around us at around 630 pm while climbing down.
It’s 1200 steps, and by the time we started climbing down, It was dangerously dark with no lights around and no people around…Even the authorities were not seen while we exited the locality….
We literally used our mobile phone torch to climb down…
The least the concerned authorities can do is stop issuing tickets at 4 pm and install lamps at equal distances…
Indeed, a very scary experience…
Steps are very steep and dangerous…
please avoid climbing or entering after 4 PM.
The ticket person gave us a ticket at 5:45 PM and guided Nothing at all about the danger while climbingg up or down. There were no lights absolutely, very lonely & no one around us at around 630 pm while climbing down.
It’s 1200 steps, and by the time we started climbing down, It was dangerously dark with no lights around and no people around…Even the authorities were not seen while we exited the locality….
We literally used our mobile phone torch to climb down…
The least the concerned authorities can do is stop issuing tickets at 4 pm and install lamps at equal distances…
Indeed, a very scary experience…
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KLizC
Gloucestershire, UK11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Thoroughly enjoyed, amazing views at top and very impressive Golden Buddha.
Tough climb - we managed it in just under 30 mins, but could easily take over an hour if not fit as the steps were very steep.
Definitely recommend going early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat, less tourists and the monkeys!!
The monkeys were cute to see as there were several baby monkeys but we saw 2 of them jump onto a lady’s bag/head and was very distressing for her.
Definitely worth a visit. We got there by taxi from Ao Nang - cost 1000Baht return for 4 people and he waited at the bottom for us.
Tough climb - we managed it in just under 30 mins, but could easily take over an hour if not fit as the steps were very steep.
Definitely recommend going early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat, less tourists and the monkeys!!
The monkeys were cute to see as there were several baby monkeys but we saw 2 of them jump onto a lady’s bag/head and was very distressing for her.
Definitely worth a visit. We got there by taxi from Ao Nang - cost 1000Baht return for 4 people and he waited at the bottom for us.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mantru
Nottingham, UK44 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
I would consider myself, husband and daughter to be reasonably fit but this was an endurance test! I expected it to be challenging based on various reviews and comments online, but it was far tougher than we imagined. We started the climb at 10am (so would recommend starting earlier to avoid the heat if you can) and it took about an hour to reach the top as had to stop and rest multiple times. There are toilets at two different points on the steps and a drinking water tap at the top - which we were very grateful for! There are also various number markers so you can see how close (or far!) you are to the top. The steps can be tricky as they vary considerably in height and depth so some flights feel easier than others. I thought I’d read it was free to enter but there was a ticket kiosk charging 50baht and they were also ensuring you had appropriate clothing, we did, but you could purchase cover-ups if not which you need to wear once at the top. The views and temple are impressive but possibly not worth the sweat and effort required, however, we were not going to quit once we started and feel we did something we will never forget!
Written 14 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does this have 'opening hours'? would it be too late to go late afternoon and try to catch sunset, rather than sunrise?
Written 19 August 2023
I read that it closes at 4 pm, the stairs are much too steep to be coming back down in the dark. I don't think it would be a good idea.
Written 20 August 2023
Are there things to see & do without climbing the steps. My husband would be unable to do this.
Written 3 January 2020
“Cars can’t drive up it’s a walk or nothing It was under repair and construction while we were there Very disappointing and messy not a lot to See or Do”
Written 5 December 2024
Здравствуйте! Пожалуйста, опишите подробно, где и как взять сонгтео сюда с Ао-Нанга?
Written 29 August 2019
сонгтео можно заказать в Аонанге там их полно а лучче брать екскурсию на етот храм но приготовьтесь к большым трудностям при походе в верх етово храма даже на четвереньках ето заимёт около часа возмите литр воды вид потрясаюшщы но сколько сил отнимит етот поход в верх соочюствою
Written 7 October 2019
Bonjour,
je souhaiterai savoir si le taxi vous a attendu ou si vous en avez trouvé facilement sur place pour vous ramener a l'hotel?
merci infiniment,
Written 23 July 2019
Bonjour. Le taxi nous a attendu sur place et nous a ramené ensuite à l hôtel.
Written 21 February 2020
Is it possible for a private car to drive up to the look out point of Tiger Temple instead of climbing the 1200 steps to the top ?
Written 16 July 2019
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