Wat Tham Suea Kanchanaburi (Tiger Cave Temple)
Giant Buddha & paranomic views of rice fields!
A trip to Kanchanaburi isn’t complete without a visit to Wat Tham Suea Kanchanaburi, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple Kanchanaburi.
Not to be confused with the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, this temple stands out for its massive golden Buddha statue overlooking a sea of lush green rice fields.
About Wat Tham Suea Kanchanaburi
The Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most captivating and beautiful temples in Thailand.
The temple derives its name from a legend about a tiger family that once called the cave home. Today, you’ll find a tiger shrine in their honor.
There are several tiger temples across Thailand, many of which emerged from Buddhist meditation practices in a tiger's den. Wat Tham Suea stands out not only for its beauty but also for its unique history. The temple complex earned its name due to a cave that was, legend has it, once home to a family of tigers. Today, the tigers are gone, replaced by an inviting Thai-style tiger shrine that gives the area its character.
How to get there
Wat Tham Suea Kanchanaburi is located about 16 km from the town center.
- By Car or Motorbike: A 20-25 minute drive from Kanchanaburi town.
- Hired Transport: Grab is a convenient option, or you can ask your hotel to arrange transport. Songthaews (shared taxis) are available, but not always easy to find.
- Public Transport: Unfortunately, there’s no direct public transport to the temple.
Parking:
There’s ample parking for cars and motorbikes. Tour buses often bring groups, so arriving early can help you avoid crowds.
Temple Highlights
Multi-Colored Steps
The climb to the temple involves 157 vibrant steps flanked by naga sculptures. If you're not up for the climb, there’s a funicular to whisk you up the hill—though it wasn’t operational when we visited.
The Giant Buddha
At the top of the hill, the centerpiece of the temple came into view: Chin Prathanporn, the enormous Buddha statue built in 1973. The statue stood 18 meters tall and 10 meters wide, with an intricately decorated golden cover that makes it look more grand. While we were there, many locals came to pay their respects, strolling around the halls and visiting the various stalls selling offerings like joss sticks and flowers for prayer.
Paranomic Views
The views from the temple are truly breathtaking. From the hilltop, you can see the Mae Klong River and the lush greens of expansive rice fields. We spent a while here just soaking in the scenery—it’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque spots in Kanchanaburi.
Opening Hours
The temple is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee
- Admission: Free.
- Funicular: 10 Baht (if operational) - if you are lazy to climb the steps or have difficulty with climbing.
- Offerings: Prices range from 20 to 50 Baht, or more for elaborate flower arrangements.
- Donations: Optional, but appreciated to support the temple and its monks.
Dress Code
As with many Buddhist temples in Thailand, it’s important to dress respectfully.
- Women should cover their shoulders and knees.
- Clothes are available to rent for 20 Baht if needed.
Overall Thoughts
Having visited many temples with giant Buddha statues in Thailand, I can confidently say that Wat Tham Suea Kanchanaburi stands out. The intricately designed golden cover around the Buddha adds a level of grandeur that’s hard to find elsewhere. And the views of the rice fields are unforgettable. If you’re in Kanchanaburi, this is a must-visit.
Other Attractions in Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi offers plenty of other attractions to explore after visiting Wat Tham Suea:
- Safari Park: A family-friendly wildlife experience.
- Bridge Over the River Kwai: A historic and cultural landmark.
- Erawan National Park: Famous for its seven-tiered waterfalls.
- Sangkhlaburi: A charming village near the Myanmar border with underwater temples and the iconic Mon Bridge.
