About The Tiger Kingdom
There are several places in Thailand where you can visit tigers. Some of these places work on the conservation or rehabilitation of tigers to be introduced back into the wild. Others, like the Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, are set up to breed tigers for captive conservation.
There are about 30 tigers at the Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, all bred from captivity. They also have another facility in Phuket. Tourists can visit both to interact, take photos, and even bottle-feed tigers.
Compared to the Tiger Temple near Bangkok, Chiang Mai's Tiger Kingdom has a better reputation. However, wildlife conservationists condone such places as inherently cruel. Common accusations include drugging tigers to make them docile.
You can read my own thoughts on the Tiger Kingdom and Karen Long-necks here. Meanwhile, it will be up to you to decide whether to visit or not.
Did you know?
There are only about 100 wild tigers left in Thailand. Many say that number is an over-estimate.
How to get to the Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai
The Tiger Kingdom is located in the Mae Rim District about 10 km north of Chiang Mai city.
Join a Tour Group
Many day trips out of Chiang Mai include a visit to the Tiger Kingdom along with a trip to Mae Sai, an orchid farm, Long-neck and elephant rides. If you do take one, make sure it's to the Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim, as there are a few other very small tiger "breeding" places around.
Prices start from 600-800 baht for the day trip (this does not include entry into the Tiger Kingdom).
Ride a Motorbike to the Tiger Kingdom
Hiring a motorbike in Chiang Mai for about 300-400 baht and drive out yourself. Drive past Mae Rim to the intersection where Highway 107 joins County Road 1096 (20-30 minutes).
Public Transport
Hire a tuk-tuk or red Songthaew for about 600 baht for a return journey (20 minutes). The driver will wait for you.
Location and Contact Details of the Tiger Kingdom
Address: 51/1 Moo 7, Rim Tai, Mae Rim 50180, Thailand
Tel: +66 53-860-704
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm.
Most people spend about 2 hours at the Tiger Kingdom.
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, wearing a facemask is encouraged when attending any indoor public buildings.
Cost of Visiting the Tiger Kingdom
Prices are split into the four sizes of tiger you will be with.
- Smallest (2-3 Months) 799 Baht
- Small (4-8 Months) 799 Baht
- Medium (9-12 Months) 799 Baht
- Big Cat (13-30 Months) 1,300 Baht
Buy All Four Rooms: 4,000 Baht
Custom Photo CD and photographer: 500 Baht (this is per person per cat, so if you see more than one size, it's 300 baht each).
Visits last about 15 minutes.
Please note prices and "packages" change regularly.
Is the Tiger Kingdom safe to visit?
There have been no reported deaths or injuries at the Tiger Kingdom. The oldest tiger you will interact with is 30 months old, so they are all relatively young.
Common sense prevails. Making sudden movements is not advised. Likewise, light petting might make the tiger flinch, as they will think you are an insect or fly. Loud noises are discouraged.
Finally, it's worth pointing out that while many people do enjoy the Tiger Kingdom, there is zero wildlife conservation here. All money goes to the running of this business.
Activities around Chiang Mai
Prebooking value trips around Chiang Mai can be done online at quite good rates compared to some local tour operators. Do check out this list of activities around Chiang Mai which I've selected.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai
Check out my great hotel search.
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