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In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an independent, intrepid adventure to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi 2025. If you’re planning to visit this stunning attraction, it will probably be one of the best things you do in Thailand. So make sure you prepare well and read carefully.
Tiger Cave Temple is not for everyone. Furthermore, planning a trip to Tiger Cave Temple is not necessarily simple. There are some important things that you need to be aware of before you attempt this intrepid attraction. In this article, we will give you all the information and knowledge that you need to help you plan your trip and decide whether this one is for you.
We have made this article super helpful with specific details and answers to your questions. We have included travel info, prices, climbing route and what to expect. If you are planning this adventure with kids we strongly recommend that you read the section on Tiger Cave Temple with kids. This trek is not suitable for some families (don’t miss our guide to Krabi with kids to find out some amazing things that you can do with kids in the area)
LOOKING FOR MORE INSPO? – Don’t miss these amazing things to do in Krabi
How much does it cost to climb Tiger Cave Temple Krabi?
All the best things in life are free, and this includes a visit to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi. If you choose to visit this stunning attraction independently, there are no entry fees or permits required, and you do not need to buy a ticket. However, there is a donation box at the entrance and also at the summit of Tiger Cave Temple Mountain. You can explore all of these areas for free:
- Temple complex at the base of the mountain
- Cave Temple at the base of the mountain
- Buddha statue and Pagodas at the top of the mountain
Where is Tiger Cave Temple located?
Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi is situated around 20km north east of Ao Nang. We have also marked a LOVELY local dessert place on the map.
Is it worth visiting Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi?
With a short answer: “yes”! Tiger Cave Temple is definitely worth a visit. This is particularly true if you love adventure, scenery, unique attractions, photography, and nature.
Visiting Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi was genuinely one of my personal highlights in Krabi. Climbing this steep, challenging mountain to the impressive temple is both exhilarating and exhausting. I was absolutely astounded by the landscape and scenery from the peak. If you have ever dreamed of visiting XinPing in South China, this area has very similar vibes and scenery.
So, in our opinion, a visit to Tiger Cave Temple is definitely worth it, especially if you love a good adventure. However, it is important to be aware that this is a very challenging and potentially time-consuming activity, not for the faint of heart. We only recommend visiting Tiger Cave Temple if you are reasonably fit and very determined. Keep reading for more details about the route.
TOP TIP: Remember to dress respectfully in the temple complex. Cover knees and shoulders. When you are climbing the hill vest tops and shorts are fine.
A little background on the temple
Tiger Cave Temple is a significant temple for Thai Buddhists. In 1975 a Buddhist monk named Ajahn Jumnean went to meditate in the cave and saw a large tiger roaming in the area. Rather than finding a new spot to meditate, this brave monk established a temple in the area which has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the Krabi district.
The main hall of the temple houses a large golden Buddha statue, a focal point for worship and contemplation. Beyond its religious significance, the Tiger Cave Temple has become a symbol of unity and community in Krabi. Local festivals and events often take place here, fostering a sense of shared cultural identity. The temple serves as a gathering place for celebrations, ceremonies, and cultural activities, reinforcing its role as a central hub for the community.
How hard is it to climb Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi?
If you’re into statistics, then the numbers speak for themselves. This is a pretty challenging trek:
- Height to ascend: 309m
- Length of path: 600m
- Number of steps: 1260
For an average person with a reasonable level of fitness, the trek up to Tiger Cave Temple Mountain is very hard but achievable. The route itself is easy to follow, and the steps are pretty solid and safe with a strong metal handrail on both sides almost all of the way up. The thing that makes this track challenging is the consistent steep gradient.
There are a couple of sections where the steps are extremely steep and several sections where they are just very steep. It is also important to be aware that the climate can make this track even more challenging, especially if you are not used to the intense tropical heat and humidity. It is important to bring plenty of water and keep drinking as you climb this mountain. There are no shops, cafes or water fountains on the route, so you need to bring your own water.
Anyone with knee problems or mobility problems may find this walk particularly challenging. The route back down the mountain is the same route that you walk up the mountain, and it is very steep. If you normally rely on walking poles to help you get down mountains, you may find these steps a little bit too steep to use your poles safely. The metal handrails on each side of the path are very strong and can help take some of the strain off your knees as you descend the mountain.
How long does it take to climb Tiger Cave Temple?
If you are fit and you walk at a high pace, it is possible to climb Tiger Cave Temple Mountain in around 20 minutes. This relies on a consistently fast pace with minimal stopping, and you are very likely to have a heavy sweat on if you speed up the mountain. A more realistic average time is around 40 minutes at a steady pace for a reasonably fit person. If you are taking your time and stopping along the way to rest, the climb may take around 60 – 90 minutes.
Tiger Cave Temple Krabi – route guide
The route to climb Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi is pretty straightforward. Starting from the car park, you walk towards the main temple complex (at the base of the mountain), and you will see an office. You need to register here by giving your name and phone number. Once you have registered at the ticket office, you can walk through the temple complex following signs to the mountain pathway.
As you walk through the temple complex, you will also notice a sign pointing to the left which leads to Tiger Temple cave. Visitors are allowed to enter the cave and have a look around; just remember to take your shoes off before you enter this area. As you keep walking through the temple complex, you will notice public toilets to your right. Walk a little further, and you will see the steps leading up to the top of Tiger Cave Temple Mountain; this route is well signed.
The steps start extremely steep and continue this way; be aware of Macaque monkeys playing around in this area. These monkeys can be aggressive and may try to steal food or bags. Keep a distance and don’t try to feed them.
Once you start walking up the steps, there is only one trail that leads up this mountain, so you don’t need to worry about navigation. There are public toilets partway up. Once you reach the temple at the top of the mountain, we recommend taking some time to explore the area, get some photos, and cool down. To return to the base of the mountain, you need to return down the same path.
What is the best time to visit Tiger Cave Temple?
We recommend visiting Tiger Cave Temple nice and early in the morning. The sun generally rises around 6 am – 6:30 am in Thailand. So, if you arrive at 6 am (when the temple opens), there will be sufficient light to walk. This is a lovely calm and cool time of the day. You can also enjoy the gorgeous sunrise from the top (if you’re fast!). Alternatively, late afternoon is also a nice and cool time of day to visit. This is a great attraction to visit throughout the year. Even in the rainy season, this can be a gorgeous attraction. Just be aware of storms. The top of this mountain is very exposed. Find out more about the best time of year to visit the Krabi area.
Tiger Cave Temple Opening Hours: 6 am – 6 pm.
What facilities do they have at Tiger Cave Temple?
There are some public toilets at the bottom of Tiger Cave Temple before you start walking up the mountain, and there are also some public toilets halfway up the mountain. There are no shops, cafes, or restaurants situated at the temple either at the base of the mountain or at the top of the mountain; therefore, you will need to bring any drinks and snacks that you need.
How do you get to Tiger Cave Temple?
Don’t miss our full and in depth guide – The Best Ways to Get Around in Krabi
There are several different ways to get to Tiger Temple Mountain Krabi. The best method of transport depends on your budget and your personal preferences.
1 Motorbike rental
The cheapest way to get to Tiger Cave Temple is to rent a motorbike in Krabi and drive. The motorbike ride is likely to take around 30 minutes; take care on the roads, especially as you exit town; some of the roads are pretty fast and intense and can be quite busy. Motorbike rental in Krabi is likely to cost around 200 – 300 baht per day (£4 – £6 or $5 – $8). Find out more about bike rental in Krabi.
2 Car rental
Car rental in the area is relatively cheap, and this is a convenient and comfortable way to get around. If you make a deal directly with a local car rental company, expect to pay around 1000 baht per day (around £20 or $25).
3 Taxi
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Tiger Cave Temple if you use one of the shared taxi buses. It generally costs around 1,000 – 1,200 baht for a two-way trip (around £20 – £24 or $25 – $30). We strongly recommend bartering to get the best price. You can also use the Grab taxi app in this area; a taxi from Ao Nang to Tiger Cave Temple. The journey is likely to cost around 200 – 300 baht each way (around £4 – £6 or $5 – $8).
4 Book a tour
Another way to visit Tiger Cave Temple is to book onto a local tour. This is a great way to meet people. A tour including Tiger Cave Temple, The Emerald Pool, and the Hot Spring is likely to cost around 2,000 baht per person (around £40 or $50) and 1,800 baht for kids (around £36 or $40). You can normally get a lower price if you barter. There are plenty of small tour offices around Ao Nang (especially along the seafront), and they can hook you up with tours.
If you like to get yourself organised in advance you actually get very competitive prices by booking Tiger Cave Temple Tour on KLOOK
Is Tiger Cave Temple Suitable for Kids?
Tiger Cave Temple Mountain is a very challenging trek even for reasonably fit adults. The suitability of this walk for families depends very strongly on your ability and the strength of your kids. We also recommend considering your options for carrying your child, and if you are attempting this walk with kids, remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks.
1 With a baby (pre-walking)
If you’re attempting to trek up Tiger Cave Temple Mountain with a baby, we recommend considering how you will carry them. This route is certainly not suitable for a pram. If you are using a sling, we do not recommend wearing the sling on the front as this will obscure your vision of the steps and could be very risky. Therefore, we only recommend this if you can use a sling on the back and you are happy that your child is very safe and comfortable in the sling. We would not personally attempt this trek using a baby-carrying backpack because there are some big drops, and it is essential that your child is absolutely safe and secure throughout the route.
2 Not suitable for toddlers and young children
In our opinion, this trek is not suitable for families with young children (5 years or younger). Firstly, the steps are very steep, and young children are likely to struggle with the physical height of the steps. Even if your child is able to ascend the steps, the walk is likely to be very tiring, and you will probably find that your child does not enjoy the experience. Furthermore, there are some sections of the walk where there are some steep drops, and you need to supervise young children carefully. The top of Tiger Cave Temple Mountain also has some big drops, and we recommend supervising young children very carefully at the top of the mountain. If you are visiting Tiger Cave Temple with young children and you are considering carrying them, we recommend
A strong child (6 years or older)
If you have a strong and healthy child six years and older, this trek may be suitable for your family. It is important to prepare your child well; let them know that the trek is challenging, and remember to bring plenty of drinks and snacks. We also recommend careful supervision throughout the route due to the sheer drops and the steepness of the steps. In our opinion, Tiger Temple Mountain is best suited to families with strong, healthy, and active teenagers who are likely to enjoy the unique challenge of hiking up this steep mountain, and they will really be able to connect with the stunning views and scenery at the summit.
Suggested one day itinerary including the Tiger Cave Temple
Here is an action packed one day itinerary for Tiger Cave Temple. This is best if you have your own transport:
- 6am Arrive at the temple and trek to the summit
- 7am Walk back down to the temple complex at the bottom
- 7.30am Explore Tiger Cave Temple and visit the cave / observe local life at the temple
- 8am try some local breakfast / Try the coconut pancakes (see map at the start of this article)
- 9am Visit the Thai’d Up Adventure Park / Ziplines & aerial obstacle course
- 12am Drive Emerald Pool and Blue Pool
- 1am Grab some lunch & explore the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool – take a swim (make sure you walk to the Blue pool before 3pm when it closes)
- 4pm Head to the Hot Springs Nearby (they close at 6pm)
- 6pm Return to Krabi for food
ALTERNATIVELY, check out this Amazing One Day Itinerary in Krabi
What are the best places to stay near Tiger Cave Temple
Loma Place – simple stylish accommodation for backpackers on a budget
Find them on Agoda or on Booking.com
Aonang Glory Resort – surprisingly luxurious accommodation for the price
Find them on Agoda or on Booking.com
Groovy Bungalows – trendy property for mid-range backpackers – nice rooms & pool, great price
Find them on Agoda or on Booking.com
Baannai Lake View Resort – stunning lakeside resort with bungalows and villas, very beautiful!
Find them on Agoda or on Booking.com
Baan Pinya Balinese Style Pool Villa – Pictured above. Very impressive 3 bedroom villa with private pool
Find them on Agoda or on Booking.com
