Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is a Buddhist temple complex in Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, near Krabi Town, Krabi Province, Thailand. Set against limestone karst cliffs and surrounded by forest, it is known for its cave shrine, meditation center, and hilltop pagoda reached by 1,260 steps. The temple is notable for its tiger legend, large Buddha images, and panoramic views over Krabi Town, Andaman coastline and limestone mountains.

Visitors can expect a forest temple complex at the base of limestone cliffs with cave shrines, Buddha images, meditation halls and monk quarters, and a strenuous climb of 1,260 concrete steps to a hilltop pagoda and large golden Buddha statue. The summit offers 360-degree panoramic views over Krabi Town, limestone karsts, and coastline. The lower area includes forested valley paths, caves with tiger paw prints, and active monastic areas. The site is an active place of worship and meditation.

Founded in 1975 by meditation master Luang Por Chamnean Srilasatheto (Ajahn Jumnean) as a forest monastery and Vipassana meditation center. According to local legend, a tiger once inhabited the cave, giving the temple its name Wat Tham Suea. The site developed from a hermitage in the limestone caves into a major monastic complex with the hilltop pagoda added later.

Active Theravada Buddhist temple and important Vipassana meditation center for monks and lay practitioners. Revered for its cave shrine, relics enshrined in the summit chedi, and large Buddha images. The tiger legend and preserved tiger paw prints in the cave are culturally symbolic features of the site.