🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're driving from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, Wat Tham Suwan Kuha is where a lot of people stop, about 10 kilometres before Phang Nga town. It's a standalone limestone hill with several connected cave chambers inside. Most people come for two reasons: to pay respects to the reclining Buddha in the big cave, and to see the monkey troop out front. Walking around and actually taking it in takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
The reclining Buddha in the big cave
The heart of the temple is the big cave (Tham Phra), the lowest and easiest one to reach. The ceiling soars open at around 20 metres and the cave runs about 40 metres deep. Walk in and you'll find the reclining Buddha, a golden figure roughly 15 metres long stretched out along the cave floor, with several other standing and seated stucco Buddha images around it. At times you'll see monks actually sitting in meditation here, so the mood stays fairly calm — not the crowded feel of a famous temple.
Past the reclining Buddha there are steps up to a smaller upper chamber with a golden chedi, and an inner exit that opens out to forest and a few minor caves. Anyone who likes to keep exploring can carry on, but if you're just making a quick stop, the big cave alone covers all the highlights.
- Reclining Buddha — the large reclining figure in the middle of the cave, the main spot for photos and for paying respects
- Stalactites and stalagmites — scattered across the limestone walls and ceiling, with curtain-like flowstone in places
- Golden chedi upstairs — a short flight of steps up from the big cave
On what to wear
It's a temple, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and take off your shoes where signs ask you to. The cave floor can be damp and slippery in spots, so comfortable walking shoes are a better bet.
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The monkey troop out front
Foreigners also know this place as Monkey Cave, because the courtyard is full of long-tailed macaques. Locals sell bags of bananas, corn and peanuts for visitors to buy and feed the monkeys — kids love it, but you do need to be careful. The monkeys here are used to people and very quick with their hands.
- Don't hold up a plastic bag or a bag of food in plain sight — the monkeys will leap up and grab it. Keep snacks in a closed, zipped bag
- Watch your glasses, hat, phone and earrings — the monkeys snatch fast
- Park a bit away from the troop — monkeys like to tug at wipers, antennas, or anything they can pry loose
- If you're with small children, hold their hands and don't let them walk up to the troop alone holding food
Straight talk
If you'd rather not deal with the monkeys, you don't have to buy food to feed them. You can just walk in and pay respects to the Buddha in the cave — most of the monkeys hang around the courtyard out front rather than inside the cave.
Entry fee and opening hours
- Opening hours: roughly 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
- Entry fee: free for Thais, about 20 THB for foreigners (there's a donation box for temple upkeep — give what you wish)
- Time to set aside: walking the big cave plus feeding the monkeys, around 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Best time: early morning, when it's quieter, the sun isn't strong yet, and the monkeys are calmer
The entry fee may change depending on the season, so it's worth bringing small cash for the fee, a bag of monkey food, and a donation, since the temple doesn't take scan payments at every point.
Getting there
The temple is in Krasom subdistrict, Takua Thung district, Phang Nga, right on Phetkasem Road (Highway 4), about 10 kilometres before Phang Nga town. There's a large temple gateway by the road that's easy to spot. On Google Maps, search "Wat Suwan Kuha" and it takes you straight there.
From Phuket
Drive across the Sarasin Bridge toward Phang Nga, about 1 to 1.5 hours. The temple is before you reach Phang Nga town, ideal for a stop on the way to Phang Nga Bay.
From Khao Lak
Head south toward Phang Nga town, about 1.5 hours. You can combine it with a Phang Nga Bay trip in a single day.
From Phang Nga town
The closest option — drive out toward Takua Thung, about 15 minutes. It works well as the first stop of the day before heading to the pier.
Make the trip count
Wat Tham Suwan Kuha is on the same route as the pier for Phang Nga Bay and Koh Panyee, and the Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Stop at the temple in the morning first, then catch a boat or head up to the viewpoint later the same day with no trouble.
Plan your whole Phang Nga trip, from where to stay to what to see
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