This was by FAR the highlight of my trip to Thailand! The temple started with people bringing injured animals to local monks for rehabilitation; this eventually led to abandoned and injured tiger cubs as well. The monks hand-raised the tigers, some of whom have died now, happy, of old age. Many have reproduced and there are often cubs on the premise. While it is interesting to see the variety of animals at the sanctuary, getting up close and petting a tiger is an experience not to be missed. Make sure to come in the mid to late afternoon when the sanctuary has feeding time for all the animals!

Despite the controversy surrounding the Tiger Temple, I decided to pay it a visit. The entrance fee was not cheap. Around 650 baht. When I entered the compound, I was greeted with free-roaming animals such as buffalos, deers, horses, wild boars which I come into close contact with (I have never touched one of these animals prior to that). The highlight of course was to have my picture taken with a full grown tiger. A terrifying experience when you can actually feel the strength of the big cat by its mere tail wagging. Amazing experience I must say.

It's by far one of the best things I did - a photo with a real tiger especially when you love cats. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even though it's a kind of rip off money wise. Also after all these years and several times TV-docus the tigers still have no proper appropriate to the species living conditions. They live in to tiny cages and it's said they are so tame cause they only get cooked chicken not their real diet... But I admit I loved it! It's up to you to make the right decision.

This place really gets the heart pumping. Being in such close proximity to tigers is a unique feeling. If your an animal lover don't miss, Its a once in a life time experience. We were a group of 8 and hired a mini van (taxi) and went from Bangkok for the day, cheaper than organised tours.

This place is AMAZING!!!!  I have never been anywhere else like it in the world.  To actually touch a live tiger, or to even have one sleep right on your lap, with no cages.  To be face to face with these incredible creatures is an experience of a lifetime. :~)