It is also a popular tourist destination called the Krabi Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Sua in Thai. We can see the what makes it that famous the first the we enter the cave .
Wat Tham Sua known as Krabi Tiger Cave which is situated in the north of krabi city. The first reason why krabi tiger cave is most populer is the tiger print in cave. The main reason why the name krabi tiger cave is because of the majaestically “Big Buddha” statues. And the last reason is, the most difficulty stair way that we have to endour to get into the temple. And also, it has the best view of limestone cliff that surrounds krabi from the ascend to the summit the temple , definitely the best place for pictures.
History Of Krabi Tiger Cave Temple
Image Credit: Maxim Kozlenko for Wikimedia Commons
Depicting Krabi Tiger Cave Temple (2016)The history of this meditation centre is intricately connected with the archaeology and history of Thailand and the Krabi area itself. According to legend, this particular site is home to the Krabi Tiger Cave Temple (also known as Wat Tham Sua in Thai), which dates back to 2518 BE, or Before the Era. It is said that the Vipassana monk Jumnean Seelasattho wanted to enter the cave to meditate. When he got there, he saw a huge tiger, which turned and left paw prints on the cave wall.
Another popular legend holds that the cave did indeed belong to a real tiger. These myths are presumably the reason the temple is also known as the Wat Tham Sua in Thai. A plethora of statues of Lod Buddha stand alongside bronze statues of tigers decorate most of the temple complex, all of which were built in 1957 and has been a primary place of worship and tourist desitnation ever since. With the surrounding tropical rainforests and small mountains, it is no surprise that the cave is also surrounded by other inaccessible caves with similarly ‘mystical’ forests encasing them. These forests are often overlooked.
Ascend To The Temple
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The Krabi Tiger Cave Temple is placed on the 278 m height, underlies steep staircase with 1237 steps (for some – this is a challange, but for most tourists – adventure). Though of course, attempts of climbing are notplain sailing but beautiful views of surrounding forests and limestone caves, even with the breaks on the way don`t go unnoticed.
At the top tourists can observe the scenery of nearby area. Terrace of the temple (on one of the halts of the way you can already take a look there). The terrace is covered by big gilded Buddha which can be admired up-close and shot in the photo. Many guests choose to spend the day at a meditation centre and enjoy the views of sunset, observed from the temple.
It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to get to the temple normally by walking. So, there is a monitoring post on the way every few metres, which helps people to stop before they are exhausted.
Reaching the Temple
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The location of the Krabi Tiger Cave Temple attract more visitors who will stay for a night around after a long day climbing up the hill. It is more convenient for them to find the town for sleeping. Krabi town and Ao Nang both have more than 100 accommodation providers which are budget hostels and 5 stars hotels that are perfect for stay for one night for a solo traveller and a family as well.
Locals advise cheap private taxis from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, which should again drop you off at your pickup point. Travellers wanting to save money can use shared taxis or drive on scooters.
Tips For A Comfortable Visit
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As the Krabi Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist monastery, modesty is required.
Overlooking the temple entrance is a platform where visitors are asked to leave their shoes before ascending the staircase.
The Temple is open all day. You can enter it for free. People say that they go for stargazing from the top at night if they stay overnight in the complex. But honestly there’s not much to look at. It is the climb up and down the rock the whole day that seems to be the main challenge. It costs 40 baht to go inside the actual tiger cave.
Go in in the morning! Go in the afternoon! It’s not too hot and available to do so at sunset, it’s an amazing time!
Visitors are advised to take sufficient quantities of drinking water because the ascent tends to get exhausting even for athletes; also, the descent from above the temple is difficult.
Theyre told they should wear sports shoes which means they do that and it comes much easier that way.
Bring headlamps with you if you are planning on descending from the temple after sunset, as the hike back down is difficult without assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Krabi Tiger Cave Temple
What is the Tiger Cave Temple?
The Tiger Cave Temple (or Wat Tham Sua) in Krabi, Thailand, is a renowned Buddhist temple in a breathtaking spot. Tourists flock to the sights – tiger paw prints, excellent view – and pilgrims can complete this touristic experience with an intense-mediation retreat in a steep cave in the middle of the forest. The temple complex includes caves and forest areas and a gigantic buddha statue on a summit that you can reach after a very high flight of stairs (more than 1,000 steps).
Why is it called the Tiger Cave Temple?
The temple is named after a legend that tigers lived and walked on the cave, and there are also tiger paw prints on the walls. Tiger’s paw cave shape.
How many steps are there to reach the summit?
It is necessary to climb 1,260 steps in order to arrive at the top. It is a challenging but rewarding path with outstanding views around the countryside and the Andaman Sea.
Are there any facilities or amenities at the temple?
yes, the temple complex provides a few informational buildings such a toilet, small store and shop sell drinks and some souvenirs. Besides, there are some areas for quite for meditation for some spiritual activities. Also, every morning some living monks live and meditate in the temple, visitors can often see their daily activities.
What one should expect at the temple?
But after that, visitors will receive an arduous workout – the second most challenging one the city (along with the Appian Way itself) has to offer. There are a total of 1,237 steps leading to the hilltop shrine, but the views from the top – the marshlands of Tarquinia, the Tyrrhenian Sea – make the effort worthwhile.
The large golden Buddha statue, the many caves dug into the tufa rock, and the myriad smaller shrines dotting the temple grounds make this site worth the arduous trek into the sacred forest known as the Acropolis of Cerveteri. Visitors to the spectacular Bomarzo gardens must enter the park modestly attired (women should remember to cover their shoulders and legs) and respect the religious practices observed by monks and local devotees.