Thailand forum

Wat Pa Luangta Yannasampanno (Tiger Temple)

Laura_B

tourist
Posts: 54

Hi,

I've been doing some research on this temple. I would love to visit this place, but not sure if I should, even though people have told me tigers are not drugged and are well kept, I'm still not sure. If it is genuine, then it would be a fabulous experience, but on the other hand if it's not, I don't want to support somewhere, where tigers are ill treated just for the benefit of tourists.

Is there more then one tiger temple?

Has anyone been to the temple I'm referring to? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

#1 Posted: 20/12/2006 - 18:01
somtam2000

admin
mahout
Posts: 5862
Located in:

Private message

Hi Laura,

There's just the one tiger temple -- I've been there and you can read my thoughts on it here (you'll need to scroll down a little): Tiger temple Kanchanaburi.

#2 Posted: 20/12/2006 - 23:03

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OxBoy

newbie
Posts: 3

Was there about a month ago. The tigers seemed dopey though people said it was just b'cause of the heat. I don't know. It was great to be so close to them and it certainly isn't something I could do at home, as you can actually touch them.

as another person who was there when i went said, "If they're drugging them, it's not like they're going to stop drugging them because you didn't go, so you may as well check it out"

Selfish I know, but the pics are great!

#3 Posted: 20/12/2006 - 23:31
maurislaird

newbie
Posts: 2

Hello Laura
I have been to the tiger temple every year since 2003 and although it is becoming a bit of a tourist trap the animals are well cared for and many of the foreign and local volunteers have assured me not drugged.I plan to volunteer there myself on my return in February.
The other place for a tiger experience is Sri Racha Tiger Zoo about halfway between Bangkok and Pattaya and although they have about 200 tigers they only let you hold the baby cubs and feed them bottles of milk.
I have also heard rumors of a guest house in Loie province that has a tame tiger as a family pet wandering around the house?
Enjoy your trip

#4 Posted: 21/12/2006 - 08:15
deemaa

newbie
Posts: 2

I was there with my wife in October. She loves all animals (this excursion was a surprise for her) and for both of us this was a genuine positive life experience. The only dopiness I noticed, was the drinking too early in the day, fat sex tourist we had to ride out with to the temple site. Amazing how quick he shut up when encountering the big cats. My wife has a sensitive nose and carries around aromatherapy oils with her. They came in handy to deal with the heavy animal urine and spray scents. We stayed an extra couple hours to enjoy all the animals (there is much more than just the tigers) and of course converse with the staff and monks. The head monk is a cool guy and deals quickly with those people afraid or nervous around the tigers (can't have them nipping off pieces of paying customers). I sincerely hopes he can fulfill his dream of seeing a permanent home for his four legged friends....same blood, different species. Peace Jim

#5 Posted: 22/12/2006 - 02:18
Laura_B

tourist
Posts: 54

Thanks guys for your comments, I'm leaning towards going at the moment.

#6 Posted: 27/12/2006 - 17:19
mick110971

backpacker
Posts: 15

Hi laura,
there are two tiger temples as far as i no. The one with tigers and one just named the tiger temple. I was there in september and hired a driver to take me to the temples with the tigers but ended up at another of the same name which was the best looking temple i have seen and it was well worth the detour (highly recomended), it was about 30 to 60 min off the beaten track before the temple with tigers.I have some pics of it if you are interested.both were well worth visiting.
cheers mick

#7 Posted: 28/12/2006 - 09:29
jhoebergen

longtail driver
Posts: 6

hi laura,

we've been there one month ago... disappointed we left the temple. animals seem not to be kept well. tigers seem to be dopey...
if i knew this before, i didn't visit this place. when people keep coming we keep this alive... this is not natural.

best regards,

Jeroen Hoebergen

#8 Posted: 28/12/2006 - 20:49
alisonmilli-
ken

tout
Posts: 61

Hi,
I have been to the tiger temple many times (about 10 - I used to live in BKK and always took my friends to Kanchanaburi). I have touched the tigers, everyone has. It is well organised and the monks take good care of the tigers. It was always intersting and exciting to be so close to such huge wild creatures. If you are a but scared, you can just look at them (and all the other animals too) instead of touching them...
ALISON

#9 Posted: 3/1/2007 - 17:16