Suwan Kuha Cave Temple (Monkey Cave) near Phuket

Which tours stop at the cave temple?

Both rafting days reach it first thing, at 09:00 — the reclining Buddha, stalactites, bats, and monkeys that come down to meet the minibus. The Khao Lak safari is there at 09:20. The Phang Nga and Samet Nangshe day and its skywalk version stop at 10:30, after the viewpoint. Neither of those two days goes to James Bond island; Samet Nangshe and James Bond island in one day explains how to see both. Both rafting days start here as well, at 09:00, before the river; what each of them includes at the elephants is on elephant bathing on the rafting and ATV tour. The Phang Nga day that includes this temple is set against the James Bond island boat day on Samet Nangshe or James Bond island from Phuket.

On every one of them it is an early stop, before the heat, which is when the cave is pleasantly cool.

What will I see inside?

A cave with stalactites overhead and a long reclining Buddha. Bats live high up in the dark parts. Near the entrance the monkeys wait — they know the minibuses and they know the snacks.

The rafting days follow it with a lakeside park with more caves, monkeys to feed and a playground. On the Phang Nga days you go on to the Black Monk statue and a longtail through the mangroves.

What about the monkeys?

Enjoy them from a step away. Keep bags zipped and sunglasses on your face rather than your head; monkeys grab anything that looks edible or shiny. Do not feed them by hand unless the guide says it is fine at that spot — on the rafting days, the park after the temple is the place for feeding.

Small children are usually thrilled and slightly scared. Hold hands at the entrance.

What comes after the cave on each tour?

On the rafting days: the lakeside park at 10:00, the rafting briefing at 11:20, five kilometres of river, a Thai lunch, the elephant village and a waterfall. On the Khao Lak safari: a local zoo at 11:20, the elephant spa at 12:05, bamboo rafting or a canoe, a turtle farm, a waterfall and a fruit market. Whether the safari as a whole is worth it is weighed on is the Khao Lak safari from Phuket worth it.

On the Phang Nga days: the Black Monk statue at 11:00, a longtail through the mangroves at 11:20, the sea gypsy floating village with a seafood lunch, the elephant spa with a ride, a waterfall at 16:00 and Mai Khao beach, where aircraft come in low over the sand.

Which of these days should I pick?

For water and adrenaline, a rafting day (minimum age six). For the broadest overview at a lower price, the Khao Lak safari. For the view over Phang Nga Bay plus elephants, the Phang Nga and Samet Nangshe day — or its skywalk version, if standing on glass over the bay appeals. The table below has current prices. Which viewpoint is which is explained on Samet Nangshe or Beyond Skywalk.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. For children the monkeys at the entrance are usually the talking point. Rafting later needs them to be six; the Khao Lak safari and the Phang Nga days have no minimum age on their cards. Children aged 4 to 9 pay the child price.

Keep small hands away from the monkeys, and keep snacks out of sight.

Can I visit it on my own?

It is on the mainland in Phang Nga, a drive of well over an hour from most of Phuket. On a tour it is simply the first stop, with the transfer, guide and the rest of the day arranged.

How early do I need to be ready?

Early. The rafting days collect you at 06:50, the Khao Lak safari at 06:50, and the Phang Nga days at 06:30. The cave is the first or second stop, so breakfast at the hotel is usually not possible — ask reception for a packed breakfast the evening before. Coffee can wait for the minibus.

What should I wear?

It is a working temple: shoulders and knees covered. Cover-ups can be hired at the temple for a small fee, but a light shirt and long shorts or a sarong in your bag are easier. The same dress code applies at Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha on our half-day Phuket sightseeing route.

Since the day continues with rafting, mud or elephants, wear quick-dry clothes over swimwear and pack a change for the ride home.

Bring a small torch or use the phone light if you want to look into the darker corners; the guide will show where the path goes. Keep to the marked route inside the cave. And leave time for the photo at the reclining Buddha before the group moves on. Other caves on our routes, by kayak in Phang Nga Bay or up the steps in Krabi, are collected on caves on Phuket tours.

Questions people ask