Tiger Cave Temple

Tiger Cave Temple is located in Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province, about 4 kilometers from Vajiralongkorn Dam. The highlight of the temple that attracts many tourists is the largest standing Buddha image in Kanchanaburi Province, named Luang Por Chin Prathan Porn, built in 1973. The entire Buddha statue is adorned with shining gold mosaics, majestically situated on the hilltop. To ascend to the Buddha image, one must climb the Naga staircase. At the base of the stairs, there are several beautifully colored mythical Himmapan animals. This staircase has 157 steps. If climbing the stairs is inconvenient, the temple offers a tram service for 10 baht per person. While walking or riding the tram up the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding Vajiralongkorn Dam. Adjacent to the Buddha image is the Ketkaew Maha Prasad Chedi. The chedi is large, 69 meters high and 29 meters wide, entirely in brick color, divided into nine floors. Each floor has a bronze Buddha image enshrined. Inside, there are beautiful murals. A spiral staircase leads up to pay homage to the relics enshrined on the ninth floor, the highest floor of the chedi. The relics inside were brought from India in 1990. The other side window of the chedi also offers a view of the Chinese temple of Wat Tham Khao Noi, located nearby and of similar height. To the side of the Buddha image is a Chatramuk-style ubosot (ordination hall) with 8 surrounding Sema pavilions, featuring exquisite Thai architecture with beautiful patterns. From the back, you can look down and see the scenery of the mountain range and green rice fields. At the foot of the mountain is the Tiger Cave, a small cave. Inside, the body of Phra Kru Sithiwimon (Luang Pu Chuen Pasathiko) is preserved in a glass coffin. There are enshrined Buddha images for each day of the week, and amulets are sold. How to get there: If coming from Bangkok, take Phet Kasem Road (Highway No. 4) towards Nakhon Pathom Province. Then, drive towards Kanchanaburi Province. Look for the sign to turn left to Tha Muang District, to turn left onto the old Sang Chuto Road. Then, proceed to the clock tower roundabout at Tha Muang Hospital. Drive along the Vajiralongkorn Dam road until the end. You will find a three-way intersection; turn right. Continue for another 1 kilometer, and you will find a turn to the left for Muang Chum Temple. Turn left and follow the road; you will see signs directing you to the temple. Tiger Cave Temple is located next to Wat Tham Khao Noi.