Yo! For some of you, this could be pretty excited but some who come to visit Thailand before, you probably don’t. We have a dime a dozen of these temples built on top of the hill or even on the high mountains. Wait, Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ) or Tiger cave temple in Kanchanaburi, Thailand is a bit different from that. You ask how? Let me bring you to and walk you around the temple! May I?

We stayed in a raft house. Sounds cool, huh? This province is well-known for that! and went to visit the Giant Monkey Pod Tree. Now another awesome place to visit. My friend really wanted to go pay respect so there we went.

From Kanchanaburi City, around 25 mins drive to get to Tha Muang District where Wat Tham Sua is located. We rode a scooter there so it’s quite a ride in the Thailand’s heat!

Wat Tham Khao Noi (วัดถ้ำเขาน้อย)

Kevin and I got lost so we’re a bit after our friends. Good thing about this lost, we discover one of the most beautiful unique cafe I have ever been to! After got to a temple and walked around a bit.. I realised, ‘Hey, our friends are not here’. Of course not! We’re actually at Wat Tham Khao Noi (วัดถ้ำเขาน้อย), a beautiful Vietnamese temple (Chinese style) located just right around the corner of the one we actually went for so Bingo! We got to visit 2 places which was super!

This temple has been built for already over 130 years. Right by the parking lot, there’s with a few cows where you can donate some money and have them freed once the certain amount reached. (They have this all over Thailand and seriously I have this in mind, ‘Why so?‘)

Then after walking around a bit, we found it’s such a colourful temple with all the Chinese decorations. Almost feeling it’s Tibetan somehow.

Wat Tham Khao Noi (วัดถ้ำเขาน้อย)
Address: 99/9 หนองสะแก ซอย 2 Tambon Wang Sala, Amphoe Tha Muang, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71110
Tel: 034 655 233

Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ)

Now, after checking out the other temple for a bit, we rode a scooter literally less than a minute. It’s just right there next to each other. That’s why we didn’t realise there were 2 temples stand besides each other.

We got to Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ) and can really feel the difference. All the vibes and how much busier it got. It’s like, millions of people! (A bit exaggerating, you know). This is totally one of the most famous temples in Kanchanaburi or even in the Central Thailand. Whoa!

Why so?

• There’s this impressive Buddha statue seated in the posture of giving blessings, like, really big one that you can see it from far away. It’s covered with gold mosaic and protected by an unusual shell-like structure
• A huge Buddhist chedi / stupa on the top of a hill – 69 meters high and 29 meters wide! Geez!
• Choices between climbing up 157 steep steps staircase or take a round trip tram ticket to the hill top. Not every temple has a tram you know.

We walked up and no, not even that hard so.. If we can do it, you could do it too!

The view from Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ) hill top is sure hard to beat. It’s surrounded by nature and fields. Far away, you would see the city of Kanchanaburi. The breeze was refreshing after the long hike. All the architecture and art was outstanding.

Hear it? Then, your wish shall be granted

One fun thing to do here that you might find it a bit funny. There’s this belief in Thailand / Buddhist culture. Some of the temples provide you gongs. Usually you would hit it using a stick or something but hey, that’s out of a trend. For this, you would need to use your hands and rub around any way you like. The thing is, while doing that, you think of something you wish for. If it finally makes sounds, then sure, your wishes will be granted. If not, sorry you!

Again, it’s just a belief. No one knows it’s right or wrong. I have actually tried for like 10 minutes and nothing happened. Kevin also did and nah.. silence that is. We saw some people make sound though! So yes, it’s possible!

It’s that famous so it has to be something real good about it. Why not go check Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ) out yourself if you ever visit Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Also, don’t forget to stop by Wat Tham Khao Noi (วัดถ้ำเขาน้อย) as well. It’s pretty and it’s just right around the corner!

Oh! One more MUST-DO is this super cool cafe in a rice field just 5 mins drive from there. Check out Meena Cafe for more info!

Wat Tham Sua (วัดถ้ำเสือ)
Address: วัดถ้ำเสือ Tambon Muang Chum, Amphoe Tha Muang, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71110