Wat Tham Suea Tiger Cave Temple Kanchanaburi: Entrance Fee, Opening Hours & Guide
An 18-metre golden Buddha above Kanchanaburi's rice fields
Wat Tham Suea is Kanchanaburi's most striking hilltop temple, crowned by an 18-metre golden Buddha that looks out over green rice fields. Entry is free. The climb is also short enough for most visitors. Here's a real, complete guide.
Quick facts
Wat Tham Suea, Kanchanaburi: about 157 steps to the top
| Thai name | Wat Tham Suea (วัดถ้ำเสือ), the Tiger Cave Temple |
| Location | Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi |
| Distance from town | About 15km, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car |
| Entrance fee | Free, donations welcome |
| Opening hours | Sources differ, most say 8:00am to 5:00pm |
| Steps to the top | About 157 |
| Funicular | 10 to 20 THB per person, check it's running |
| Main highlight | An 18-metre-high, 10-metre-wide seated golden Buddha |
| Built | Temple from 1971, Buddha from 1973 |
| Time needed | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered |
An honest note on the name and the funicular
Wat Tham Suea funicular: check it's running before you count on it
The legend behind the name
Wat Tham Suea: the cave at the base remains a shrine
Local legend says a giant tiger once lived on the hill and terrorised the village. One day a monk wandered into the tiger's den by mistake, but the tiger didn't harm him. Other monks then chose the den as a place to meditate. A temple was eventually built above it. The cave at the base remains a shrine, though one source says it's now closed to the public.
What to see
Wat Tham Suea: the 18-metre Buddha is covered in golden mosaics
- The golden Buddha: the 18-metre seated Buddha, covered in golden mosaics, is visible from far across the countryside.
- The seven-storey chedi: climb it for the best view back toward the Buddha.
- The rice field views: the summit gives 360-degree views over rural Kanchanaburi.
- Wat Tham Khao Noi: a Chinese-style temple right next door, sharing a wall with Wat Tham Suea.
Wat Tham Suea: climb the chedi for views over the rice fields
How to get there
Wat Tham Khao Noi, Kanchanaburi: the Chinese-style temple next door
There's no public transport to the temple. Most visitors drive, hire a scooter or take a songthaew from Kanchanaburi town. Agree the price before you get on. A longer songthaew trip that adds Wat Ban Tham and the Crystal Cave costs around 1,000 THB. If you drive, you can park at the base and climb, or drive further up and park near the top.
Sourced from trip.com's Wat Tham Suea travel recommendations, trip.com's Tha Muang attraction guide 2026, trip.com's Wat Tham Suea hilltop landmark guide, nashaplaneta.net's best tourist spots in Kanchanaburi, thaiholidayguide.com's Wat Tham Suea Krabi, rexby.com's Wat Tham Suea guide, thailandawaits.com's 5 iconic temples in Kanchanaburi, kanchanaburicarrental.com's Wat Tham Suea guide and thailandee.com's Wat Tham Sua Kanchanaburi guide.
Practical tips
Visit early morning or late afternoon. The stairs are exposed. Late light also makes the golden Buddha glow.
Dress modestly. Bring a scarf or light layer to cover your shoulders.
Pair it with Wat Tham Khao Noi next door. Both temples can be seen in one stop.
Bring water. There's little shade on the climb.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing it with Krabi's Tiger Cave Temple. Kanchanaburi's climb is about 157 steps, not 1,260.
- Counting on the funicular. It may not be running, so be ready to walk.
- Arriving without transport. There's no bus, so arrange a car, scooter or songthaew.
- Wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. Temple dress codes apply.