I arrived in Chiang Mai yesterday (Saturday) around mid day. After a short ride from the airport, I arrived at the lovely Kantry Hills hotel.
I decided to walk along the main strip to grab some lunch. Beef in oyster with vegetables and a drink came to about £2.20. I forgot how cheap things are here!
I saw a car driving past advertising Tiger Kingdom so I did want any solo tourist does... I hoped in the car with the strange man. Daddy always said never get in a car when a man offers sweeties, he didn't offer sweeties, so I figured I was ok.
The driver was actually really lovely and we have a very interest conversation in broken English. He was really surprised that I was travelling alone, he said he wouldn't even go to Bangkok alone and that I was very brave.
When I arrived at Tiger Kingdom, I got to choose which size Tigers I wanted to see. I decided I wanted to spend time with the baby ones and the big tigers.
The baby ones were first up. After reading the safety instructions (and signing a waiver printed in Thai) I was allowed in the area. It was in two sections, the first section had three cubs about four months old.
They were sleeping a lot at first, I did wonder whether they had been 'drugged' but after speaking with the keeper, he explained that they play for a while then they sleep.
It was nice stroking and getting so close to them. They don't like their heads to be touched but they lied their bellies rubbed. I was told I was being to 'soft' with them so I petted them more firmly.
The next section had two even smaller cubs. These again were pretty sleepy but then woke up a bit. These were around two and half months old, and they were so adorable.
They all clearly trust the keeper as they allowed them to be pulled on their backs to the water bowl.
The keepers were really friendly and knew a lot about the cubs. They were also very nice and took lots of pictures for me so I could concentrate on spending time with the cubs (No selfie stick required).
Next up were the big tigers. When I say big, I mean absolutely massive!! There was no cute play pen for them. There was double chain gates and electric fences.
Straight away I sat with a big female. She was happily laying down and panting away. Next I was told to stand next to the pool, people were laugh but I assume they were happy... No they knew what was coming.
As I stood by the water, a tiger jumped off a ledge straight into the water completely soaking me. But looking at the picture, it was incredible. This massive tiger jumping high in the air behind me.
After that we went to see another large female, I stood behind her then all of a sudden she turned around and stared straight at me. I have never been so scared in my life (I was even more scared than I usually am with Mums driving!).
Somehow I managed to pretend to be calm and slowly back away to stand behind the keeper, yep I was hoping if anyone got eaten it would be the local dish first.
After my heart stopped beating so rapidly and I got my breathe back, I was able to stand behind the tiger and 'cuddle' her. I did ask the keeper if he was serious after how scared I was before but I guess it won't be often I get to cuddle a tiger.
I used to have quite strong opinions of these types of commercial places with the tigers or wild animals just being used as a tourist attraction but you could see how well kept they were and it appears the keepers really care.
The price to get in was crazy cheap, I think around £15. There were quite a few people there but I don't think it was unsafe with the numbers.
My only concern was one tiger that was locked in a relatively small cage. It was pacing back and forth and clearly wasn't very happy. I meant to ask someone about it but I forgot. Hopefully he isn't always in there.
I truly had such an amazing experience. I was supposed to be cuddling the tigers in Miami for my birthday this year (before being dumped lol) but I still managed to do it, just a few months later.
I find it absolutely incredible the experiences I have had. To think how sad I was three years ago, makes me really appreciate all I've got in life. And that's not the ability to travel, but actually my incredible friends and family. I love you all very much!!
