Date Visited: 14th February 2013
When I went Bangkok for second time with my family, I booked a day tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bridge on the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple. Unfortunately we didn't manage to visit Bridge on the River Kwai because our driver was overslept while waiting for us in our hotel early morning. Time was so limited that we even didn't have more extra time to explore the floating market itself.
From the floating market, the journey took more than three hours to reach Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple and seriously, our butt were really in pain for sitting in such long hours. In between, we had a short break for lunch which included in our private tour. Before enter into the temple, we were required to sign an undertaking absolving the temple management of responsibility in case of accidents. It's compulsory for every visitor as one is going to encounter the naturally wild animals.
#2: Colourful flower pots decorated as welcome signboard
#3: Daily encounters
#4: Map of Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple
Located in Thailand's Kanchanaburi province, which not far away from Myanmar border, this tiger temple is a Buddhist temple operated for over ten years. Locally known as Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, this temple sanctuary which not just keep and care tigers, but as well as numerous animals such as several herds of deer, bears, peacocks, water buffalo, cows, goats, and boars. Except for tigers and bears, the rest of the animals were roaming freely around the temple.
#5: A cattle of water buffalo were enjoying themselves soaking in the water
#6: We even got to up close and personal with the deer as well
As this is a temple, visitors are required to dress appropriately whereby sleeveless and shorts are not allowed to enter. Even bright colours attire are not allowed as this will be easily attract the animals to attack the visitors.
#7: The main character of this temple
#8: Visitors were allowed to play with the tigers where they were not being chained. You dare?
#9: The bears were kept in bad condition. See how dirty was the water!
Frankly speaking, I would not recommend anyone to visit this so-called tourist spot cause it was so cruel to see how the tigers and the rest of the animals were mistreated and in pitiable situation mainly for commercial purposes. Initially, my intention is to get up close and personal with the tigers cause I was born on the tiger year (now you can guess how old am I) and I really love to get up close with them but I was absolutely regret after this visit.
Booking Information for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bridge on the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple
I booked this private tour from Mama Travel & Tour, a local travel agent located in Khaosan Road that charge 600 baht for a pax (approximately RM63). This tour fee including pick-up from your lodging, the shuttle service, lunch and and the paddle boat ride, excluded the entrance ticket for Kanchanaburi Tiger Temple which cost 600 baht per person. Just that by the end of the tour, the bus driver dropped us at Khao San Road and we had to make our own way back to our hotel.
