Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yanasampanno, a Theravada Buddhist temple, is known as Tiger Temple.
Located in the Sai Yok District of Thailand’s Kanchanaburi Province in the country’s west, the temple is probably the most controversial in Southeast Asia.
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Where is Tiger Temple located?
You don’t have to go on a safari to come up to whiskers with a tiger.
The big cats bring a roaring trade (pun intended) at Thailand’s controversial Tiger Temple.
The tiger sanctuary is en route to Sai Yok National Park and is approximately an hour from Erawan National Park.
Full-Grown Tigers and Cubs
These animals are cared for by the temple monks and many international volunteers who love the Tigers dearly to rescue tigers and cubs.
These tigers are not tamed or trained but are humanized and capable of non-aggressive interaction with human beings.
Visitors can take photos and interact with a live tiger in the Tiger Canyon.
Susan Wong Shares Her Experience at Tiger Temple
Susan was happy at this once-in-a-lifetime experience of petting a live tiger.
“The tiger felt heavy on my lap, he was gentle, and when I petted him, it felt like a huge dog,” she said with a grin.
“I’m planning my next trip to return for the tiger cub feeding next,” said a very enthusiastic Susan.
This unique experience of getting up close to the majestic big cats and an incredible photo opportunity is bound to excite visitors.
Instagram Moment with a Tiger
No matter how attractive people look, posing next to a majestic tiger.
They could be seen grinning broadly, gingerly holding up a tiger’s tail. Or even bottle-feeding a tiger cub for that “great shot” on social media.
A cautionary note: tigers are wild animals.
Disclaimer
However, visitors to the sanctuary are made to sign a disclaimer before they are allowed to enter to ensure the temple is not sued if a tiger attacks someone.
Many signs at the gate explain why the Tigers are so used to human contact.
Tourists are advised to avoid wearing brightly-colored clothes to avoid getting the Tigers excited.
Tigers are Nocturnal Animals
Don’t worry or be alarmed. The well-cared-for tigers are NOT drugged.
As tigers are NOCTURNAL cats.
Tigers can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day to conserve energy for hunting at night.
During the day, when it’s incredibly hot from 12 noon to 3 pm, it is safe for a tourist to get close to them.
So if you ever own a cat, you will know what it means to catnap.
How to Get There to Tiger Temple
Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yanasampanno | Lum Sum, Saiyok District Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Opened: 1994 | Telephone: +66 34 531 557
