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The Tiger Cave Temple near Krabi is one of those places that makes you curious the moment you hear about it. A golden Buddha perched high above the jungle, panoramic views of limestone cliffs, and a staircase with 1,237 steps to get there. We were drawn to it for the mix of nature, culture, and a bit of challenge – the kind that rewards you with something truly spectacular at the top.
If you’re planning to climb it and wonder how tough it really is (and if it’s worth the effort), here’s what to expect based on our experience.
Climbing the 1,237 steps of Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple
Our experience going up
We started the climb at the end of the afternoon. The sun was low enough that we weren’t in direct light, and while it was still hot and humid, the temperature was bearable. At first, we didn’t realise how tough 1,237 stairs would feel – the number sounds abstract until you’re halfway up. It’s roughly the equivalent of walking up a 60-storey building, but outdoors, in Thailand’s heat and humidity.
We’re both active, used to hiking and playing sports in humid heat, so for us, climbing to the Tiger Cave Temple wasn’t too hard. We took short breaks to drink water and reached the top in less than 30 minutes. The stairs were steep in places and uneven, but generally well-maintained, with a handrail all the way up. We only met a couple of groups on the way down and one other couple climbing up, which made it easy to go at our own pace.
That said, it’s not an easy climb for everyone.
If you’re not used to steep hikes or exercising in the heat, it can be a real challenge. We saw younger visitors who clearly weren’t expecting it to be that demanding and struggled with the humid conditions, especially without enough water. Doing this in the middle of the day would make it much harder – the sun and humidity can quickly drain your energy.
Going down was actually the hardest part for us.
It took much less time to go down than to go up, and many say it’s a lot easier, but we really did not enjoy it. Our legs were already tired, and the repeated shocks on our knees made some of the steeper steps feel endless. By the time we reached the bottom, our legs were shaking, and they stayed sore for three days. Even gentle massages were too painful. If you plan to visit, don’t schedule anything too physical for the following days – you’ll need some recovery time.
Is it worth it? What to expect at the top of Tiger Cave Temple
Reaching the top felt incredible. The panoramic view of the limestone cliffs and green countryside made the effort completely worth it. The golden Buddha statues add to the magic of the place – it’s not just a viewpoint, it’s a temple, and that spiritual atmosphere makes the experience even more special.
Unfortunately, our special time at the top was cut short by a few noisy groups who didn’t follow basic etiquette. They were talking loudly, wearing very revealing clothes, and posing for selfies while touching the statues. It was disappointing to see people show so little respect for a sacred place. During our entire trip in Thailand, we often saw visitors ignoring the dress code and behaviour signs, which are displayed very clearly here too.
If you go, please dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), speak quietly, and avoid eating or leaving rubbish around. Monkeys are everywhere and will grab any food or loose items they see – keep your belongings zipped inside your bag, and even be careful with your phone.
Tips to make your Tiger Cave Temple visit easier
- Best time: Avoid the worst of the heat by planning your climb early in the morning (it’s beautiful for sunrise) or late afternoon.
- Bring plenty of water: Take more than you think you’ll need. There’s a refill filtered water station at the top, but I didn’t like the idea of relying on it.
- Use the handrail: It’s there for a reason, especially if your legs start to shake on the way down.
- Avoid rainy days: The steps can get slippery, and the views are limited when clouds roll in.
- Bring a light: If you go for sunrise or sunset, the stairs won’t be lit. A head torch is best so you can keep your hands free.
- Toilets: Go before the climb. There are toilets along the climb, but they’re basic and don’t always have paper.
- Entrance fee: Many websites say it’s free, but it’s not (50 baht when we visited).
- Shops: When we arrived in the late afternoon, most of the small stalls and shops around the entrance were already closed – but earlier in the day, you’ll find drinks and snacks for sale.
- After the climb: If you still have energy, there’s a short forest walk nearby. It’s peaceful and interesting to see caves and where the monks live. We even spotted a few small land turtles tortoises.
Getting to Tiger Cave Temple
We stayed in a villa just outside Ao Nang and had our own car, which made it easy to reach the temple in about 30 minutes. It’s actually closer to Krabi Town. If you don’t have a vehicle, a taxi or an organised tour might be the simplest option. You can also rent a scooter, but make sure you’re confident driving in the dark if you plan to do the climb early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Parking was free and easy.
