Thailand

Surprisingly hidden beneath a cave, the Wat Tham, or "Monkey Temple," is an unmissable site in Phang Nga Bay, in southern Thailand. Here's a detailed review of the attraction!

A trip to Wat Tham Suwan Kuha is both a pilgrimage and a nature tourism experience. About 10 kilometers before reaching downtown Phang Nga, one stops at the entrance of an ancient cave transformed into a sanctuary. The tourist will be amazed by the 5-meter reclining Buddha adorned with gold, for which the temple has earned its nobility. Apart from its role as a place of prayer, the Monkey Temple, as the locals call it, also offers something for nature enthusiasts. The visit allows for incredible views of cliffs and the study of cave fauna, including birds and bats, but most notably monkey colonies. All of this within a breathtaking limestone environment!

History

The Wat Tham Suwan Kuha, often referred to by its abbreviated form "Wat Tham," is erected in homage to Buddha. Its foundation dates back to the 15th century. Islanders affectionately call it the Cave Temple due to its location or the Monkey Temple because of the primates who have always made it their home. In the past, the place was frequented by members of the Thai royal family. Inscriptions carved on the rock walls bear witness to their presence.

Description of the temple

If you're planning a drive around Phuket, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the other side of Phang Nga. The beautiful bay is renowned for its strange granite formations that drop straight into the sea, but there's more to it than that. After capturing photos of these rugged cliffs, stop by the cave of Wat Suwan Kuwa.

At first glance, Wat Tham is nothing more than an opening in a rocky outcrop. Passing through the main entrance adorned with Buddha reliefs—the Tam Yai—notice the old sanctuary that looks like a makeshift shelter. This is where the area's first monk, named Pho Than Chao Tham, conducted his services.

Next, you'll come to a slightly weathered second gate. The temple presents itself as a vast park surrounded by caves: Tam Jaeng, Tam Meud, and Tam Kaew. It stretches for 40 meters long and 30 meters wide.

The monumental gold-plated Buddha

Proudly enthroned inside, the imposing, reclining Buddha attracts tourist crowds. To enjoy a higher view of the 5-meter-long idol, take the stairs located behind the statue. They will lead you to two tiny chapels from where you can see the golden Buddha in a more human-scale size. Take a look at the Buddhist rituals taking place there: devotees recite prayers, place flower garlands as offerings, or burn incense on the Buddha's altar.

Meditation experience

Besides the reclining Buddha, other smaller but equally charming Buddha statues inhabit the temple grounds. Standing or sitting in the lotus position, they vividly depict Buddha's enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

Near the reclining Buddha, a monk is often seen in meditation, lost in deep contemplation. Cats surround him, lounging lazily at his feet. Have these felines also been touched by the spirituality of the place as they come here to nap? If you wish, you can ask one of the local priests to initiate you into the art of meditation. Despite the cave's conversion for cultic use, the site's interior has retained its authentic limestone beauty. Fine stalactites and stalagmites decorate the ceiling. These limestone formations are formed by precipitation. As you traverse through, bats and cave-dwelling birds will fly overhead.

Attractions outside

The Ubosot

Exiting the cave, visit the Ubosot, or ordination hall, which houses a sumptuous collection of ceramics.

The chedi

A stone's throw from the Ubosot, the chedi is also worth a visit. Apparently, the architect drew inspiration from the chedi of Bangkok's Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) to design it. For your information, the remains of the Na Takuathung family are kept there. Historians argue that this powerful family may have financed the construction of Wat Tham Suwan Kuha Temple, which would explain the striking resemblance between the two chedis.

Practical information

Opening hours and prices

Access to the site is paid. The entrance fee is 20 baht per person, equivalent to approximately 0.54 euros. Wat Tham Temple is open every day of the week at any time.

When to visit?

The Phang Nga region is swept by heavy monsoon rains. To avoid them, avoid traveling between May and October. Families wishing to visit Wat Tham can go during the year-end holidays. Indeed, the most favorable season for outdoor activities is between December and April.

How to get to Wat Tham Suwan Kuha?

The Monkey Temple is accessible by taking Route 4 (Pet Kasem Road). To get there, you have as many transportation options as taxis, buses, tuk-tuks, songthaews, or private cars.

The cave is marked by a solemn gate, as seen in front of Buddhist temples everywhere. There is a parking in front of the entrance, but be sure to park further away, at least a hundred meters, as the monkeys have the unpleasant habit of removing antennas, windshield wipers, and any other external components of the car. A wise tourist is worth two!

Nearby…

Several interesting sites are worth a look in Phang Nga and beyond:

• Koh Tapu, known for being the setting of James Bond's film,
• the mangrove forest of Koh Panyi;
• the cliff caves of Koh Panak;
• Wat Bang Rieng in Krabi.