Shortly after arrival in Krabi, I took a songtao (shared pickup truck taxi) to Wat Tham Sua, the Tiger Cave Temple. This large working temple complex is at the base of a mountain.
Detail, one of the larger shrines.
I spent some time checking out the temple cave, where legend has it a tiger once lived. It is also an important archeological site as many Thanu ancient artifacts have been found in the caves and surrounding forest. The grounds have many beautiful statues, shrines and gardens. What surprised me was the number of nuns there. They must have outnumbered the monks 5:1 at least.
The artistic detail going into this is amazing.
The entire area is considered highly sacred and many Buddhists travel great distances to meditate and pray.
The newest addition, a huge 90 meter tall pagoda is under construction. The concrete structure and stairs are complete and it is currently being beautifully detailed. I hope to return in a year or two to see it finished.
And then it was time to climb the 1,272 steps to the temple summit an elevation gain of 600 meters (1,968 feet)!
I was ‘sweating bullets’ about halfway up in the high humidity and heat. A brief downpour was quite refreshing. I was glad I keep a bandana in my daypack. Tying it around my forehead helped stem the tide of salty electrolyte-filled perspiration drenching my eyes, face and neck. Monkeys roam around the stairs and temple. They have been known to steal cameras as well as momentarily unattended food and drink…beware!
Krabi, Ao Nang and a drizzly Andaman Sea
At the top of the mountain there is a golden Buddha statue standing an immense 278 meters tall. The summit has incredible panoramic views. One can see Krabi Town with its river flowing out to the Andaman sea in the distance. Ao Nang and many limestone formations are also visible. I spent quite awhile taking it all in before finally returning to the base temple complex.
Winded, wet, worth it!
Lotus, Guardian and Five-Headed CobraDetail: Base of Lord Buddha Statue
Another Magical View of Limestone Mountains from the Summit
Once I returned to the lower Temple complex, I took some time to savor the beauty, love and devotion that goes into creating this place. An “accidental” walk down an unmarked side path brought me past a pavilion where fabric was being prepared for an upcoming festival.
Incense Permeated the Air
Another set of steep stairs rises from the rear end of the grounds. It is signed Forest Complex with a diagram of paths and many caves marked. I decided to return in a few days and climb the forest trail to the other caves. My legs had enough climbing for one day! Some local street food outside the temple grounds hit the spot before returning to Krabi Town 20 minutes away.
This southern Thai style curry with okra and pork was so flavorful and yummy.
A few mornings later, I returned to Wat Tham Sua to check out the forest park. The stairs rise quickly but surprisingly do not go very far and you are quickly in the forest. There was absolutely no one there and the frequency was incredibly peaceful.
Monk’s Residence
There are several limestone caves and many monks live in the forest. Some of their rooms are built right into the limestone cliff walls and are reached by ladders. Others are newer looking one room wooden structures.
Of particular note are the “Big Cave” and a very old and large holy banyan tree. There is also a raised faux marble large platform containing an alter with many Buddhas and religious artifacts.
In hindsight, one could do both walks in one day trip; however, I was more than happy to return a second time as I really enjoy hanging out there. As I am staying in Krabi for awhile, I will undoubtedly return again, if for no other reason than it’s a fabulous aerobic workout!
Looks like a great trip! What is the purpose of the wooden bracing around the pagoda, as it doesn’t look like it could be used as scaffolding?
It is scaffolding indeed for the artists to work on the detailing.
I guess you never say”well ya seen one you’ve seen them all!!
awesome
Right. Just when I think I have seen enough temples for a year, one of them (like this) takes my breath away.
This place is pretty, but that curry is the reason I would go 🙂
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..The difference a small nonprofit can make
I hear ya! The curry, steamed rice and a small sample of a chick pea veggie curry set me back about US $1.80.
Been there twice myself; always see something different! Try going there just before sunset for a treat 🙂
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Thanks for the great tip Jessi, I will do that after I get back to Krabi an Monday. I’ll check out your blog too, but I expect the electricity to go out any minute here on Koh Lanta. Major storm. My dives got cancelled for today of course. Cheers!
So beautiful! The temple, Buddha, and view after your climb look amazing! The caves and monks homes so interesting and fun to see. Thanks my dear for sharing the photos and your story
Thanks Judie. I think I am about ready for a third trip there.