Tiger Cave Temple: Krabi’s 1,260-Step Stairway to Heaven

Tiger Cave Temple, otherwise known as “Wat Tham Suea”, is the most famous and (arguably) most spectacular Buddhist temple in all of Krabi province. It’s situated inland from the coast, roughly 20 kilometers northeast of Ao Nang Beach, known for its golden Buddha statue at the top of a mountain - surrounded by limestone cliffs covered in jungle.

The defining feature of the temple is the gruelling 1,260 step climb to reach the summit: steep almost the entire way and constantly sweat-inducing due to the typical Krabi heat. The reward at the top though is a 360° view across limestone peaks, jungle landscapes, and flatlands stretching out back toward the Andaman Sea. The site below the mountain also includes statues, shrines, monk accommodation, forest temples and the meditation cave with the mythical tiger back story. But most come for the climb itself.

Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple

1,260 steps

Climbing the 1,260 Steps to the Top

To reach the top of Tiger Cave Temple, you’ll need to be mentally prepared for a challenge. There’s 1,260 steps to contend with and some sections are incredibly steep. Your calves will burn, you’ll be drenched in sweat, and you’ll have to control your breathing. The good news is that it only takes 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on how many breaks you have.

We decided to go slow and take stops whenever we felt tired, which for Kat was about every 300 steps or so. Since we went in the early morning, it wasn’t too hot and the trees provided some much-appreciated shade. One cool aspect about the hike were the small golden shrines nestled by the cliff faces, giving us a reason to stop and a glimpse of things to come.

Climbing up the 1,260 steps

Climbing up the 1,260 steps

Climbing up the 1,260 steps

The Summit of Tiger Cave Temple

When you finally reach the top, the staircase leads to a wide open platform crowned by a golden Buddha statue (9 meters high). There’s a few other smaller statues to see at the summit but the Buddha is what stands out the most. You’ll need to take off your shoes, which is normal for Thai temples, and actually feels nice after your feet have taken a battering.

Our first thought, as we entered the platform, was to catch our breath and cool down (with the help of the breeze). Although, our tiredness soon faded and we started to appreciate our surroundings - especially the views of the limestone cliffs and countryside stretching all the way to the sea. The atmosphere at the top was extremely peaceful, so we decided to stay for a while and hang out before heading back down the 1,260 steps.

Views from the top

The summit of Tiger Cave Temple

Buddha statue at Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple

Walking Back Down 1,260 Steps

We found the walk back down to be just as punishing as the way up - a real surprise. Not the cardio aspect, in terms of your lungs puffing, but just how hard it was on your joints. The downward trajectory, and steep and uneven steps, puts pressure on your knees and ankles - which means going slow, holding onto the railings, and taking regular breaks is a good idea.

We probably did the return trip in half the time but felt no less exhausted. As we pulled up to our scooter, ready to ride back to Ao Nang Beach, our calves were shaking and our shirts were once again soaked in sweat. Yet, we felt like we had achieved something for the day and knew the beer would taste that much sweeter that night. Our plans for the next few days revolved around beach relaxation - something that Krabi has ample of.

The walk down

The walk down

How to Get to Tiger Cave Temple

From Ao Nang Beach

Being based in Ao Nang Beach, as we were, gives you pretty close access to Tiger Cave Temple - with just a 20 kilometer route to follow (30-40 minute drive). The road takes you to Krabi Town first, before turning inland towards the temple. You can choose between scooter rental, car hire, or even booking a taxi which isn’t too expensive due to the short distance.

From Krabi Town

Krabi Town is even more accessible, with just an 8 kilometer distance to get there. You’ll take highways and local roads out of town before the limestone cliffs come into view. Again, this can be done with scooters, car rentals or taxis - whatever’s more convenient for you. The great thing about Tiger Cave Temple is that there’s plenty of parking spaces available.

Tiger Cave Temple

Relaxing at the top

Views at Tiger Cave Temple

FAQs About Tiger Cave Temple

Is the climb up 1,260 steps worth it?

Climbing up the 1,260 steps at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is absolutely worth doing in our opinion. It’s not easy but that challenge adds another dimension to the experience: it’s a spiritual sight and solid workout all in one. As long as you’re reasonably fit and healthy, you should have no problems. Determination and patience alone can get you to the top.

What time does Tiger Cave Temple open?

The grounds at Tiger Cave Temple open at 5:00 AM every day, which gives you the opportunity to experience something special: sunrise (if you can get the timing right). Arriving a little later, say at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM, also works well in order to beat the heat and the crowds. We don’t recommend going in the afternoon as it would be too hot and potentially full of tourists.

What other things are there to do in Krabi?

Krabi is the ultimate package in many ways: with beautiful beaches (Railay and Phra Nang), epic rock climbing, boat tours to Poda Island and the Hong Islands, and hidden gems such as mangrove villages and emerald pools. Feel free to read about the province and get ideas for your trip here: Krabi Travel Guide: 20 Best Things To Do from Ao Nang Beach.

Tiger Cave Temple

Views at Tiger Cave Temple