Tiger Cave Temple

11th February 

Wat Tham Suea

The Tiger Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple north-northeast of Krabi, Thailand. A sacred site, it is known for the tiger paw prints in the cave, tall Buddha statues and the strenuous flight of stairs to reach the summit. 

The Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) in Krabi derives its story and name from a legend where a monk meditating in the cave in the 1970s witnessed tigers living there, with tiger paw prints later found on the stone walls.

The temple at the base:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Cave_Temple

You can see the golden Buddah from the town, high up on the limestone Mountain top

The Temple inside was nice - you had to cover up - they lent out sarongs. The only issue I take with this is why are a woman's knees disrespectful, but not a man's?

Men are free to wear shorts but not the ladies. I understand its backwards thinking and you have to embrace this in cultures different to our own. Bu when 'culture' often means discrimination.....that's when I find it hard to take.

There were people worshipping inside and people painting the walls. I really love the paintings inside the temples which look like they tell a story. 

To reach the Buddha at the top you have to climb 1260 steps to a height of 309m. In the heat & humidity this was not an easy walk but the views are always worth it. 

There were a few naughty monkeys at the beginning - one was getting a bit aggressive and spat at a little girl. I said to them not to look them in the eye as this is a sign of aggression to a monkey. If you ignore them they tend to leave you alone. 

Views from the top

It was certainly easier coming down. 

I had a walk to the caves. There were temples and buddist monks - well one - and what I presume are little huts for meditation and/or prayer.

I got a Grab bike back. Not sure I'll do that again. The guy was looking at the directions on his phone more than the road and going quite fast! I was glad to arrive at the hostel.

Went for dinner with Caroline & Chris again. There are no shortage of places to eat along the river with tables & chairs where you can sit outside. The best are the smaller stalls. The food is so good & so cheap! I had Thai green curry & rice for 60 baht at one place. That's £1.42!