When I decided to go to Krabi I knew I absolutely had to visit the Tiger Cave Temple. Tigers, caves, temples… what’s not to love?
After Googling the temple, I quickly found out there are no tigers at the Tiger Cave Temple. Boo. But there are plenty of monkeys. Confused by the name, I still marked it as a must-do.
After a day of working by the pool, my coworker and I decided it was about time for an adventure. We laced up our shoes, just kidding, we both wore flip flops (terrible decision), and headed to the main road in Ao Nang to track down the songthaew.
Although the songthaew may not be the safest or most reliable of transportation options, it sure is the easiest way to get around.
What’s The Tiger Cave Temple?
The Tiger Cave Temple was founded by a monk back in the 70s. Legend has it that one day a tiger wandered into the cave where he was practicing meditation and stumbled out without harming the monk.
Of course, this was considered totally wild so the monks built a temple to honor the site. Today, nearly 250 monks and nuns live in the village at the foothills of the temple.
At the base there are plenty of monks, stray cats and obscenely ornate buildings to go around. If I hadn’t read about the temple, I would’ve thought this was it. Towards the back of the village, there is a nature trail but to the left, there is a steep staircase that goes to the Tiger Cave Temple.
Climbing to the top
How steep you ask? 1,237 steps. When I first heard this number I thought to myself, okay, cool, so like 10 minutes? More like a half-hour each way.
Some of the steps are more than a foot high and take all the concentration in the world while others are jagged and narrow. It’s a no wonder why the locals call this the Stairway to Heaven.
I like to consider myself mildly athletic, but this climb kicked my ass. Maybe it was the 90 degree heat? Or maybe it was the mojitos from last night? Either way, I was never so happy to see a bubbler in my life.
Step 347
At step 347 you’ll meet a cackling tribe of Gibbon monkeys. These guys will take anything you’ve got so be sure to put all your important belongings – particularly your very necessary water bottle in your bag.
347 steps is also the spot where a lot of people turn around. Cough, cough, like my coworker. Don’t be a quitter. You’ve got this.
Apart from the monkeys and the occasional climber, I spent most of the hike alone and absolutely loved it.
The Golden Buddha
When I finally reached the top, I removed my shoes and went directly to the enormous Golden Buddha. He’s so big I couldn’t even get a picture of him without chopping his head off.
Nearby are some smaller shrines and my favorite Hindu, Ganesh. Whoever said the best time to visit is at sunset was definitely right. The sunsets over the Andaman Sea in the distance and the sky turns the most serene color pink.
Climbing down
While the way up was amazing, the way down was terrifying.
I really wished I had brought that headlamp my mom sent me quote “just in case of hurricanes”. There are no lights on the path and the uneven steps are a death sentence. I used my iPhone light to guide me just like I do when I have to pee in the middle of the night.
Getting to the Tiger Cave Temple from Ao Nang
In Ao Nang there aren’t exactly bus stops. You basically stick your head out into the road and wait until you see a small white tuk-tuk eager to pick you up.
It costs ฿120/pp, that’s $3, and the driver will know where to go if you tell him Wat Tham Sua. If you’re two confused looking girls, you may even get to sit inside the air-conditioned cabin with the driver while elderly women hang on for dear life in the back.
Discover all my Thai adventures here.
