Buddhist Temples in Krabi, Thailand
Some of the most impressive sights in Krabi, Thailand are the Buddhist temples. The architecture is sometimes elaborate and the statuary extraordinary. Not all temples are open to the public, but here are several that allow visitors. There is no admission to any of the temples but visitors should leave a donation.
Buddhist Temples in Krabi, Thailand
Wat Tum Sua (The Tiger Cave):
One of the nicest temples in Krabi is Wat Tum Sua, about two miles from Krabi Town. It is also called “The Tiger Cave” because of what appears to be tiger prints on the stone floor. There is also a nearby rock formation resembling a tiger’s claw and legend has it that a tiger once made the cave his home. This temple is a famous meditation center. The temple cave is inside a mountain surrounded by a tropical forest. Monkeys often greet visitors and worshipers and are very accepting of bananas. Do take care though, and don’t get too close, as they can bite. Explore the lower level before ascending to the shrine on top of the mountain where you will see a footprint of the Buddha. Then take one of two staircases to the top. There are over 1,200 jagged steps. The climb is a bit strenuous and takes about one hour. Take your time and enjoy the rest areas and scenic beauty as you make your way. The view from the top will leave you breathless. The monks, who practice Vipassana Buddhism, live in the foothills of the temple, and permit visitors to enter.
Wat Kaewkorawararam:
In the middle of Krabi Town is Wat Kaewkorawararam. It is a recently built white temple with very detailed art on the interior walls. The exterior is truly elegant, and enchanting and very worthy of photographs.
Wat Tum Sang Phet (The Diamond Cave):
The Wat Tum Sang Phet is a small temple off the beaten track. The limestone walls sparkle like diamonds. You may need to ask one of the monks how to get to their exact location, as they are not at the entrance. You also may need to ask someone to turn the light on. Outside the temple, there are other small cave openings and beautiful grounds to explore.
Wat Klong Thom:
This temple also houses a museum featuring artifacts that were excavated at the temple site. Among them are 5,000-year-old beads, Roman coins, pottery, and bronze and stone tools.
Wat Thep Rattan Temple and Cave:
Considered one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in southern Thailand, it sits atop a hill with beautiful views. The climb to the top is a bit steep, but visitors say it is well worth the effort. Inside you can shake moon blocks and fortune sticks and view a large display of paintings. Once back outside, you will see the enormous Goddess of Compassion, and in the distance, a large golden Buddha. The temple is about a 1-1/2 hour drive from Ao Nang.
Wat Suwana Kuha:
Also known as the Monkey Cave Temple because of the number of monkeys at the entrance, it consists of several different caverns. The large reclining and happy Buddha is truly impressive, along with other Buddha images and a Chedi containing bones of the Na Takuathung family who governed the area. You can light incense, say a prayer, and also explore the beautiful surroundings outside of the cave. Do take care with the monkeys, as they can be aggressive. Carry any children into the temple shrine to avoid any scratching or biting by the monkeys.
Proper etiquette for entering Buddhist temples
Buddhist temples are places of worship and visitors should exercise proper etiquette to show respect when they visit them. Always remove your shoes before entering and do not wear revealing clothing. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Do not touch any of the monks and nuns, and always ask permission before taking their photograph.
If you need a place to stay during your visit to Krabi, Thailand, consider renting a villa from Krabi Riviera Villas. The villas offer affordable luxury in a private setting either on the beach or in a residential area in a Thai village.
Buddhist Temples in Krabi, Thailand
Wat Tum Sua (The Tiger Cave):
One of the nicest temples in Krabi is Wat Tum Sua, about two miles from Krabi Town. It is also called “The Tiger Cave” because of what appears to be tiger prints on the stone floor. There is also a nearby rock formation resembling a tiger’s claw and legend has it that a tiger once made the cave his home. This temple is a famous meditation center. The temple cave is inside a mountain surrounded by a tropical forest. Monkeys often greet visitors and worshipers and are very accepting of bananas. Do take care though, and don’t get too close, as they can bite. Explore the lower level before ascending to the shrine on top of the mountain where you will see a footprint of the Buddha. Then take one of two staircases to the top. There are over 1,200 jagged steps. The climb is a bit strenuous and takes about one hour. Take your time and enjoy the rest areas and scenic beauty as you make your way. The view from the top will leave you breathless. The monks, who practice Vipassana Buddhism, live in the foothills of the temple, and permit visitors to enter.
Wat Kaewkorawararam:
In the middle of Krabi Town is Wat Kaewkorawararam. It is a recently built white temple with very detailed art on the interior walls. The exterior is truly elegant, and enchanting and very worthy of photographs.
Wat Tum Sang Phet (The Diamond Cave):
The Wat Tum Sang Phet is a small temple off the beaten track. The limestone walls sparkle like diamonds. You may need to ask one of the monks how to get to their exact location, as they are not at the entrance. You also may need to ask someone to turn the light on. Outside the temple, there are other small cave openings and beautiful grounds to explore.
Wat Klong Thom:
This temple also houses a museum featuring artifacts that were excavated at the temple site. Among them are 5,000-year-old beads, Roman coins, pottery, and bronze and stone tools.
Wat Thep Rattan Temple and Cave:
Considered one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in southern Thailand, it sits atop a hill with beautiful views. The climb to the top is a bit steep, but visitors say it is well worth the effort. Inside you can shake moon blocks and fortune sticks and view a large display of paintings. Once back outside, you will see the enormous Goddess of Compassion, and in the distance, a large golden Buddha. The temple is about a 1-1/2 hour drive from Ao Nang.
Wat Suwana Kuha:
Also known as the Monkey Cave Temple because of the number of monkeys at the entrance, it consists of several different caverns. The large reclining and happy Buddha is truly impressive, along with other Buddha images and a Chedi containing bones of the Na Takuathung family who governed the area. You can light incense, say a prayer, and also explore the beautiful surroundings outside of the cave. Do take care with the monkeys, as they can be aggressive. Carry any children into the temple shrine to avoid any scratching or biting by the monkeys.
Proper etiquette for entering Buddhist temples
Buddhist temples are places of worship and visitors should exercise proper etiquette to show respect when they visit them. Always remove your shoes before entering and do not wear revealing clothing. Clothing should cover shoulders and knees. Do not touch any of the monks and nuns, and always ask permission before taking their photograph.
If you need a place to stay during your visit to Krabi, Thailand, consider renting a villa from Krabi Riviera Villas. The villas offer affordable luxury in a private setting either on the beach or in a residential area in a Thai village.
Posted Jan 5, 2015