Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple in Thailand
The Wat Pa Luangta Bua Forest Monastery and Tiger Foundation
Better known for its bridge over the River Kwai and its many World War II war cemeteries, there is another must-see for visitors to Kanchanaburi — the tiger temple at Wat Pa Luangta Bua.
The temple itself is still not widely known about, and so is not typically featured in tourist guides. However, local tour agencies in the center of Kanchanaburi offer a half-day tour, or you can go it alone.
The Tiger Temple’s Beginnings
The temple’s abbot, Pra Acharn Phusit, has been caring for abandoned tigers and other animals since 1999, when some orphaned tiger cubs were found in the neighboring forest and brought to the temple to be cared for. The abbot (head monk) is a gentle, inspirational man, willing to pose for photographs with the tigers and warmly welcoming visitors.
During the first few years, the tiger temple was a low-key affair, where the occasional visitors roamed around the grounds amongst other wildlife, and whether you ended up on the local menu was very much at your own risk. The monks themselves were the tigers only handlers but today, however, visits are more structured and highly supervised, with the help of animal conservation volunteers.
Touch the Tigers
Tourists on organized tours are taken at around 3pm in the afternoon, when the fully-grown tigers are let out into a big rock canyon, their play area. Visitors can walk amongst them and have their photographs taken. As the tigers are nocturnal animals, they are a tad sleepy and languish about in the sun. Any questions raised by visitors as to whether the animals are drugged does not go down well. In response to such a question on the foundation’s website, “No, they are not drugged. Tigers are nocturnal animals, so they sleep during the heat of the day. The tiger’s eyes are better adapted to lower light levels than their prey species, so they can surprise their prey with greater ability in darkness. This means they are more active and hunt at night.” The site argues that a wild animal which has been sedated is likely to be more dangerous, having become disorientated with their surroundings, feeling threatened. This can bring out their wild instincts making them more likely to attack.
Visitor Safety at the Thailand Tiger Temple
Visitors wellbeing is controlled by only letting one or two people into the tiger’s play area at a time, with handlers keeping a close watch and monitoring the tigers’ every move. These amazing beasts are like pussy cats, ready to roll over for a tummy rub or a pat on the head. However, bear in mind that these are wild animals (with teeth and claws intact) and so caution is advised. On arrival at the temple visitors sign a disclaimer, should a particular tiger take a fancy to an arm and a leg. There is also a warning not to wear red when visiting this temple, as this can aggravate the tigers. Also, avoid wearing strong perfume or scent.
Organized Tiger Tours
The majority of tiger tours offered for half a day, and can be purchased at any of the local Kanchanaburi tour operators, for around $15.00US. If you are a die-hard animal lover/naturalist, consider joining an all inclusive tour to Thailand, which takes in both tigers and elephants. International operator, Keith Jones of Petatiger.com offers the opportunity to have breakfast with the monks, and the chance to walk with the unleashed tigers, as part of its tour. Prices for this 9-day Thailand organized tour which takes in all the sites of Kanchanaburi (and Chiang Mai) is $1995, which included domestic flights and accommodation.
Thailand Tiger Temple Location
If making your own way there, then take the Sai yoke Road (highway number 323) going out of Kanchanaburi towards the Saiyoke waterfall. The tiger temple, known as the Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno Forest Monastery is approximately 38 kilometers from Kanchanaburi city center. Once you see the Bangchak gas station on your left, the temple is around 6 kilometers further, on the right-hand side. The temple entrance is not that noticeable from the main road, so keep your eyes peeled!
Visit the tiger temple’s own website for more information and location map.
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