Tiger Cave Hike in Krabi and Railay Beach
Part of the Krabi and Railay Beach travel guide — see every topic in All Krabi and Railay Beach Guides.
Near Krabi Town, a long, steep staircase climbs a limestone peak to a viewpoint high above the countryside. It is part of Tiger Cave Temple, but most visitors come for the climb and the view. There are about 1,260 steps to the top. The climb is short in distance but hard work in the heat. This guide treats it as a hike and explains how to do it safely.
The climb
The staircase starts near the car park and climbs straight up the side of the hill. The steps are uneven, and some are very high, up to about 30 cm. There are handrails in many places and a few shaded spots to rest. Most people take about 30 to 60 minutes to reach the top, depending on fitness and breaks. Coming down also takes time and is hard on the knees. Go at your own pace. Stop often, drink water, and turn back if you feel dizzy or unwell.
The view from the top
At the top there is a small platform with wide views in every direction. You see green limestone peaks, rice fields, palm plantations, the river and, on clear days, the Andaman Sea and its islands. Early morning light is soft, and mist sometimes lies in the valleys. Sunset is also beautiful, but you then walk down in the dusk, so bring a torch. The summit area is a religious site, so speak quietly and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Heat and monkeys
The climb is hardest in the heat of the day. Start early, around sunrise, or in the late afternoon. Bring at least one to two litres of water per person, and drink often. Wear good shoes with grip. Monkeys live on the hill and along the stairs. They grab food, bags and water bottles. Keep food out of sight, close your bag, and do not feed them. Do not look them in the eye or try to touch them. If a monkey grabs something, let it go.
Getting there
Tiger Cave is a few kilometres north of Krabi Town. It takes about 15 minutes by car from the town and about 30 to 40 minutes from Ao Nang. You can go by Grab, taxi, scooter or as part of a day tour with the Emerald Pool. There is no fixed entry fee for the stairs, but you can leave a donation. There are toilets and simple drink stalls at the bottom. Signs ask visitors to come down before dark, because the stairs are not lit.
Tiger Cave Hike at a glance
| Getting there | A few km north of Krabi Town; about 30 to 40 minutes from Ao Nang by car |
|---|---|
| Hours | Climb in daylight; come down before dark |
| Cost | No fixed fee for the stairs; donations welcome |
| Best time | Sunrise or late afternoon; dry season for clear views |
| Bring | 1 to 2 litres of water, grippy shoes, clothes that cover shoulders and knees |