Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Sua

Buddhist Temple near Kanchanaburi

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Htoo Aung Hlaing

The Tiger Cave Temple, known locally as Wat Tham Suea, is one of the top attractions in Kanchanaburi and a site that blends spiritual devotion with striking natural scenery. Located in Tha Muang District, it is famous for housing the province's largest Buddha statue, Chin Prathanporn, a gleaming figure that can be spotted from miles away. Visitors come to pay respects, admire the temple architecture, and gaze across the stunning landscape of rice paddies and river valleys.

Reaching the hilltop is part of the experience. You can climb a steep staircase of 157 steps or opt for a convenient tram ride. At the summit, the towering Buddha, the sacred relics inside the Ketkaew Prasat Chedi, and panoramic views combine to create a truly memorable visit. This spot is one of the best places to see in Kanchanaburi for travellers seeking both cultural depth and beautiful scenery.

History and Significance of Tiger Cave Temple
Things to See and Do in Tiger Cave Temple
How to Get to Tiger Cave Temple
Practical Tips on Visiting Tiger Cave Temple
Where to Stay close to Tiger Cave Temple
Is Tiger Cave Temple
FAQs for Visiting Tiger Cave Temple
Nearby Attractions to Tiger Cave Temple

History and Significance of Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Wat Tham Suea's history is tied to its hilltop cave complex, where monks once meditated in natural caverns. As the temple grew, its significance expanded with the construction of Chin Prathanporn in 1973, the largest Buddha image in Kanchanaburi. Standing 18 meters high and 10 meters wide, it is a revered landmark for local devotees and visiting pilgrims.

The temple’s Ketkaew Prasat Chedi is another focal point. Built in an ornate Thai-Chinese style with intricate tiles and a soaring structure, it houses sacred relics and serves as a spiritual anchor for the community. Over the years, the temple has become a symbol of regional identity, blending devotion, architectural artistry, and dramatic landscape.

Things to See and Do in Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

The main attraction is Chin Prathanporn, the monumental seated Buddha. Its golden mosaic tiles shimmer in the sunlight, making it a breathtaking sight from both near and far. Visitors can walk around the base platform for close-up views and peaceful moments of reflection.

A short walk leads to the Ketkaew Prasat Chedi, a multi-tiered pagoda filled with sacred relics and beautifully decorated interior spaces. The real pleasure comes from the viewpoints surrounding the complex. From the edges of the terrace, you can take in expansive views over the Mae Klong River, rural farmland, and the neighbouring pagoda of Wat Tham Khao Noi, which rises impressively beside the hill.

How to Get to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

The closest major airport is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, with onward travel to Kanchanaburi by road or rail. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Kanchanaburi on Booking.com.

From Kanchanaburi town, local taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews provide direct access to the temple, which is located in Tha Muang District about 12 kilometres away. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travellers arriving by car can follow Highway 323 toward Tha Muang, then turn according to local signage directing to the temple complex. Parking is available at the base of the hill.

Practical Tips on Visiting Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Suggested tips: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees when visiting temple areas.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and the best light for photos.
Entrance fee: Free entry; tram ride has a small fee.
Opening hours: Typically open daily from morning until early evening.
Official website: Check local tourism pages for details.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
Accessibility: The tram provides easier access for those unable to climb stairs.
Facilities: Shops, food stalls, restrooms, and shaded seating areas at the base.
Photography tip: Capture the Buddha with the rice fields below for a classic composition.
Guided tours: Available via Kanchanaburi tour operators.
Nearby food options: Local stalls around the car park sell drinks, snacks, and simple meals.

Where to Stay close to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Staying near Kanchanaburi town offers easy access to the temple and other landmarks. A popular riverside choice is Good Times Resort, known for its peaceful setting. For more comfort, consider Away Kanchanaburi Dheva Mantra Resort, offering elegant rooms near the river. Travellers seeking budget-friendly convenience might choose Natee The Riverfront Hotel.

Is Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) Worth Visiting?

Yes. Tiger Cave Temple is one of the must-see places in Kanchanaburi, combining spiritual atmosphere, monumental architecture, and spectacular scenery. Whether you climb the steps or take the tram, the hilltop experience is rewarding and unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (16,675)

Wat Tham Suea sits on a hilltop above green rice fields and mountains and is dominated by an 18‑metre golden Buddha; visitors praise the sweeping views and photo opportunities, note a mix of Thai and Chinese architectural details and a peaceful atmosphere, and warn the approach involves a serious, sometimes steep climb (though a cable car is available for a small fee) with toilets partway and at the top; some find the close‑up presentation a little plasticky and touristy, and transport options nearby can be limited so plan logistics accordingly.

Daniel Toal

4 weeks ago

"Stu ing location. Beautiful views. Unfortunately, like many Thai temples it's all a bit plasticky when your up too close to the star attraction.Farang dual pricing, requesting money for tiles to build a roof, plastic flowers to worship the Buddha's, which are placed in a pot and re-used. Touristy tacky and lacking any real spirit. Nice hour spent wandering around but very underwhelming in reality...."

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Laura F

a month ago

"I came unprepared and late at 4pm. When I got down around 5:30 the temple was closed, everyone was gone, my phone was dying and there was no taxis ormotorbikes in the area taking jobs. Inside the cave had lights but they weren’t working so it wasn’t great inside and coukdnt take pics of the statue. Also quite dangerous. The top was lovely, great view. Also there are toilets at the top and halfway point, so if you need to go, hold on til you find them! I was carrying a child up and down and it was pretty hectic.. some of the stairs are very very steep. Make sure you have had enough food earlier in the day, your legs will be trembling afterwards. The cute puppies all around were a delight...."

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Kirandeep Walia

4 months ago

"if you’re up for a serious climb, excited by views and meditation, and respectful of the temple’s spiritual side. It’s a sweaty, tough trek—but thesummit will leave you feeling accomplished, energized, and more than a little inspired...."

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FAQs for Visiting Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

It’s steep but manageable; the tram is available for an easier option.

Yes, temple etiquette requires covered shoulders and knees.

Yes, the temples are adjacent and can be explored together.

Yes, photography is permitted around the outdoor areas and viewpoints.

Nearby Attractions to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Wat Tham Khao Noi - A striking Chinese-style pagoda next door.
River Kwai Bridge - The most famous historical landmark in the region.
Kanchanaburi War Cemetery - Resting place of thousands of POWs.
Thailand-Burma Railway Centre - A powerful museum on the Death Railway.
Giant Rain Tree - A huge, century-old tree popular for photos and picnics.

The Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Tham Sua appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kanchanaburi!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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