Near Krabi, coming from Ao Nang, Tiger Cave Temple, the misterious Buddhist Temple in a secret valley, with a fantastic view on a 1272 steeps peak.

■ Wat Thum Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)

Built in the shade of a limestone cliff, the sun never shines on this eerie abode of the monks who teach a unique form of mediation called Vipassana.
Throngs of women dressed in white robes loiter around the grounds, together with monkeys that screech and beg for food.
My guides tell me that the women have lived here in the monastery for a time because they have troubled hearts (read: they got dumped) and will stay here until they heal.

■ The Footprint of Buddha
After a gruelling 1,272 steps up a limestone tower, my lungs are close to bursting and my guides are flopping on the ground.
The goal to inspect "The Footprint of Buddha" seems unimpressive compared to the view from the top.
Readers: I advise you not to try this unless you have been training for the vertical marathon (I'm kidding. But you should at least be fully insured!).
Before leaving, I stop at the main cave temple which houses real-life cadavers in glass cages.
The sight of a monk serenely contemplating eternity (or dinner...?) whilst gazing upon an ex-colleague is so surreal, I'm surprised David Lynch hasn't turned it into a movie yet!
(by a guest diary)