Tiger Cave Temple has a giant golden mosaic Buddha

Temples are considered important places in every Thai community, and we believe that most tourists wouldn’t wanna miss visiting these sanctuaries when they come to Thailand. Besides their majestic designs and homage to Thai culture, a major tourist draw is also the Buddha statues that are sited within.

Tiger Cave Temple is one such temple to which tourists flock to see a giant Golden Mosaic Buddha statue and a high-rise pagoda in Kanchanaburi. Interestingly, the statue also overlooks expansive green fields in the middle of the city. If you happen to visit Kanchanaburi, we’d suggest coming by this temple to pay your respects and catch the panoramic views of grassy fields.

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Visit a giant golden mosaic Buddha at Tiger Cave Temple

Image credit: k_az789

Just a short distance before you reach Tiger Cave Temple, you’ll notice the grandeur of the lofty golden establishments that stand prominently on the hilltop. As for us, we’re struggling to resist the urge to rush there to explore the place in its entirety.

Image credit: k_az789

Once you arrive at the temple, a staircase with 158 steps awaits you. Do note that it’s a pretty challenging trek up to the top which kinda reminds us of Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong that lets visitors take 268 steps to pay respect their respects – but we’re sure this one is a tad easier. However, if you’re worried about the climb, feel free to take the tram up directly for ฿10 (~USD0.20).

Upon arriving at the top, choosing what to focus on may be tough as all of the buildings are impressive in size and design. We suggest approaching this giant statue enclosed in an enormous shelter. Do remember to take off your shoes before admiring it up close as it’s decked with mosaics. In front of the Buddha, there is a shaded area where people can grab incense to pay their respects.

Image credit: k_az789

After making paying your respects, look on your left and you’ll see a towering brick-coloured pagoda, which is called Ketkaew Prasat Chedi. The 9-storey pagoda is home to different levels – with one exhibiting murals about Buddhism and King Rama IX. If you get to the top, you can admire a 360° view of the rice fields and mountains around the temple.

Before moving on to the next one, when you get back down to the foothill, there’s a small cave where you can enter to see sacred structures inside.

Drop by a small Chinese temple just next door

Image credit: @onstagame

This might sound like a surprise for you, but besides the Tiger Cave Temple, there’s also a Chinese temple sited side by side. The temple is Wat Tham Khao Noi and boasts a lofty Chinese-style tower where you can go up to catch panoramic views of Kanchanaburi’s hilly landscape.

Image credit: @armypalakorn

A pro-tip for travellers is that on the way up to the tower, you might stumble upon some photogenic spots along the way, for example this stairway, to shoot pics for the ‘gram. Try to ensure that you conduct your photoshoots discreetly, however, as this is a place of worship so decorum should be observed.

Sip coffee in the middle of a green field at Meena Cafe

Image credit: @so3n

In case you’re wondering if there’s anything to do at the rice fields behind the temple, Meena Cafe is a countryside-themed coffee house that allows you to sip coffee in a hut that overlooks the expansive fields. The food items on the menu are very affordable, starting from ฿50 (~USD1), which will get you everything from drinks like Thai Milk Tea to local dishes like Pad Krapao.

From the cafe’s location, you can also clearly see Tiger Cave Temple from a distance, we’d say this would be a perfect spot to have a nice long shot of the rice field and the temple.

Getting to Tiger Cave Temple

Image credit: @asiaandbeyond

All in all, visiting this locale will let you hit up 2 temples in one location – with Thai and Chinese origins – which sounds interesting for temple enthusiasts. We’ve fallen in love with the grand structures in both temples and even planned out your post-visit itinerary, taking a break at a coffee shop in a hut right smack in the middle of a green field.

If you plan to come here when you’re in Kanchanaburi, do bookmark this article for directions. Driving from Bangkok straight to the temple will take you about 2.5 hours. Don’t forget to let us know about your experience after you drop by in the comments.

Tiger Cave Temple
Address: Muang Chum, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi 71110
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM, Daily 
Google Maps

Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): k_az789, @moment0n, @bkkdavidg

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