Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TIGER SANCTUARY OR TOURIST TRAP?
Perhaps the most controversial tourist attraction in Thailand, the Tiger Temple continues to divide opinion. True,
it's one of the few places in the world where you can get so close to these magnificent creatures. On the other
hand, numerous allegations about animal welfare continue to dog the temple. In return for the 600B entrance fee
(it's the same for adults and children), visitors get to walk the big cats to a canyon, where tourists are then briskly
herded around a group of chained-up tigers to have their photos taken. A morning program of events costs a hefty
5000B.
This former sanctuary for abandoned cubs denies allegations that the tigers are ill-treated, drugged or traded
and has been planning major developments for years, but progress seems slow. Some tour operators now decline
to take visitors to the Tiger Temple, and Lonely Planet no longer recommends visiting.
Reports emerged in August 2013 of a UK student being badly mauled at the Tiger Temple;
www.careforthewild.org
has a detailed report about alleged abuses.
Khao Yai
Explore
Khao Yai is only about 200km from Bangkok, but the area is best approached as an
overnight trip. There are two strategies to doing this, depending on your interests. If
you've come for the nature, the logical option is to sleep at the park (or at a guesthouse
that provides tours to the park), which can be reached via public transport. If you're look-
ing for a more leisurely weekend getaway to take in the restaurants, resorts, wineries and
other attractions that surround the actual park, you'll need to hire a car.
The Best…
»
Sight
Khao Yai National Park (
Click here
)
»
Place to Eat
Khrua Khao Yai (
Click here
)
»
Place to Stay
Hotel des Artists (
Click here
)
Top Tip
