Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi: A Day Trip from Phuket

How do I get there from Phuket?

By minibus, around the bay. On Secrets of Krabi the pickup is between 05:00 and 06:00, and the temple comes at 13:20 after the morning in the forest and the lakes. You are back at the hotel around 17:40. Is Cheow Lan worth five hours on the road? Is the Cheow Lan lake day trip worth it answers that honestly. For the case for and against the whole day, see Secrets of Krabi: is it worth it.

Ferries do cross Phang Nga Bay to Krabi, but for a day visit to the temple the road trip is simpler: no pier, no timetable, and the other stops are on the same side.

Should I climb the 1,260 steps?

If your knees and the heat allow it, yes — the panorama over the jungle from the top is the reward. The steps are steep, and the climb takes serious effort in the afternoon warmth. Bring water.

Nobody makes you climb. The cave monastery at the foot of the hill, with Buddha images in the rock, is the alternative on the programme and worth the visit on its own.

What else is on the day?

Plenty of water, mostly warm. Bang Khram forest park at nine, a swim in the Emerald lake (warm mineral water) at 09:30, the turquoise Blue lake for photos, a hot waterfall and thermal baths, a traditional Thai lunch. After the temple: an elephant to feed at 16:00 (100 ฿ on the spot) and the Klong singing cave, where the stalactites hold a note. The rafting, elephant and ATV day is weighed up on rafting, elephants and ATV in one day: is it worth it.

It is the inland counterweight to the boat days — and the one to book when the sea is rough. If the hot springs at Natai are tempting, is the Avatar world tour worth it says who the long day suits and who it doesn't.

How does the rest of the Krabi day run?

Pickup between 05:00 and 06:00 and the drive to mainland Krabi. 09:00: Bang Khram forest park, a walk in old rainforest. 09:30: a swim in the Emerald lake. 10:10: photos at the Blue lake. 10:50: the hot waterfall and thermal springs. 11:40: a traditional Thai lunch at a local café. 13:20: the Tiger Cave temple. 16:00: an elephant to feed. 17:00: the Klong singing cave. 17:40: back at the hotel. For the elephant beach day that ends in Mantra Spa's pools, see is the elephant beach and spa day worth it.

Included: hotel transfer both ways, a guide, insurance, national park fees, Bang Khram tickets, the thermal springs, cave tickets, lunch, drinking water and towels for swimming. Not included: feeding the elephant (100 ฿), the temple offering (50 ฿), temple clothing hire, personal spending.

Can I see Krabi's islands instead?

Yes — that is a different day. Krabi tropical paradise goes by boat to Naka Yai, Pakbia, Hong island and Lao Lading, with a sunset on a sandbar. Our Krabi tours page compares the two, and Phuket to Krabi covers getting there on your own. Its stops are on Krabi four islands tour from Phuket. How that boat day leaves from Phuket is explained on Krabi islands by speedboat from Phuket. Its first island, Naka Yai, is on Naka Island from Phuket.

Who is this day for?

People tired of the sea who want a different picture: jungle, mountains and warm water in the forest. Families with older children — the swimming is warm and there is no swell. Anyone who gets seasick, since there is no boat at all.

Less suited to people who dislike early starts or long days: pickup is between five and six, and you are back around 17:40. If the early start puts you off, the Phang Nga skywalk day also has a cave temple, Suwan Kuha, with a 06:30 pickup. Both cave temples, plus the sea caves and the singing cave, are on caves on Phuket tours.

How hot is the climb?

Hot. The temple stop begins at 13:20, in the warmest part of the day, and the stairs are exposed in places. Start slowly, rest on the way, drink before you are thirsty. Coming down is harder on the knees than going up, so take it at your own pace. Rest halfway if you need to.

What should I wear?

Shoulders and knees covered at the temple; cover-ups can be hired for a small fee. Swimwear underneath for the lakes, a towel is provided. Good shoes for the steps, sandals for the water. Closer to your hotel, Wat Chalong asks the same; it is on Phuket's half-day sightseeing loop. Choosing between the two long jungle days? Khao Lak safari or Avatar world compares the elephants, the rafting and how each day ends.

A temple offering is 50 ฿ on the spot, if you wish to make one.

Tell us in the chat if you plan to climb, and we will remind you what to bring. Water, a hat and good shoes make the difference on those steps. If you are travelling with someone who will not climb, the monastery and the shade below are a comfortable place to wait. For the sea side of Krabi instead, Krabi four islands or Hong island explains which island day goes where.

Questions people ask