We have learned, after publishing this article, about the reports of animal abuse in the Tiger Temple. We do not support such activities and participated in this excursion unknowingly. For more info visit Animal Abuse in the Tiger Temple
As we mentioned before, we manage to travel for less than $25 per day. However, there are some must see attractions for travelers where you feel like you want to pay more to either treat yourself or have a great fun (or both). Keeping the balance when spending the money is extremely important when traveling with limited budget, so if you spend a little bit too much one day, make sure to spend less the following day!
There is one place called Wat Pa Luangta Bua (generally known as the Tiger Temple), where you can observe the tigers, touch them and take unforgettable photos with a grown tiger or a small cub if you wish to.
What is more, paying little more allows you to have tigers’ heads on your lap (not all at once though). The staff members are extremely friendly and they take professional pictures of you with the tigers (not one, but as many as you like from different perspectives). The cost of this treat is much more than $25 per person, but we strongly recommend it as it was, for us, a lifetime experience! It is worth it for the magnificent pictures and to face your fear!
To say something more about the place itself, it is a Buddhist sanctuary founded as a forest temple for wild animals. Apart from the tigers, there is a pretty impressive variety of other wild animals such as bears,pigs, deers, antelopes, water buffalos and apes.
Overview
Budget: $55 per person (600 Baht=$20 entrance + Baht 1000 or $35 for special photos with tigers)
Country: Thailand
Location: 38 km from downtown Kanchaburi, Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi Province
Currency: Baht (US$1 = ~30 Baht)
Time required: All day to fully appreciate the place
Minimum number of people: 1
How to get there
There are two options. You can either take a tour going directly to the temple or get there on your own. Kanchanaburi is approximately 3 hours from Bangkok (but you need to add another 2 hours from Pattaya) by train from Huamphong Railway Station or by bus from Morchi Station. You can easily get to Morchi Bus Station using the sky-train.
Activities
– Observing tigers and other wild animals.
– Getting nose to nose and having photographs with tigers.
– Watching or participating in the afternoon show when tigers get active (you can be locked in a cage in the middle).
Things to be aware of
– There were no food shops around, just one closed restaurant and a kiosk with drinks so make sure you pack some food and snacks.
– Do not wear bright colored clothes, especially red. Ladies should dress modestly (it’s still a Buddhist temple.
– Obey staff instructions, do not be aggressive to any animals.
– Do not stay in the temple too long as you might find it hard to find some transport back to Bangkok.
Summary
For some people that would be a waste of time and money. For others, that could be an adventure of a lifetime or at least a great time. Is it worth the money? It is hard to speak for everyone. We had an amazing time with tigers we could only see on TV before, plus… look at the photos… !!
