Tiger Temple from Bangkok

[foxeysandy]

I've been reading about tours to the Tiger Temple and also, possibly, Elephant Park. Tours with Tong has a combo tour with VIP morning visit to the Temple. I believe it's 8500 bhat/person, which is around $250. This seems really expensive. Has anyone does this tour and, if so, do you think it was worth it? Maybe we should just do Tiger Temple, as it would make for a really long day. Suggestions or reactions, please?

[glenneagle]

OH . no. We booked this with Tong and thought it was per vehicle not per person.....

Thats an awful lot of money.I will e mail Tong now.Thanks for heads up.

[foxeysandy]

I think you can do the "regular" Tiger Temple tour later in the day with other stops for less, am waiting to hear back from Tong about it.

[glenneagle]

I e mailed Tong as well.When are you cruising?

Which ship?

[foxeysandy]

We're planning to book the Azamara Quest for mid-February. How about you?

[glenneagle]

The Azamara on Feb1,2012. We are the only ones on our roll call.

[foxeysandy]

The Azamara on Feb1,2012. We are the only ones on our roll call.

 

That date was our first choice, but something came up so we had to postpone until the next sailing (opposite direction). Lucky you, it might be a couple degrees cooler when you go.

 

Have you heard back from Tong yet? We haven't. I've heard sometimes it takes awhile; she's probably busy. Please let me know what you find out, and I'll do the same.

[glenneagle]

Nothing from Tong yet.Will let you know as soon as I hear back.

Sorry you arent on our sailing,We are the only one on our roll call.

[greatam]

OH . no. We booked this with Tong and thought it was per vehicle not per person.....

Thats an awful lot of money.I will e mail Tong now.Thanks for heads up.

 

The price is most likely correct. PP NOT PER CAR. Here is approximately the same tour from a hotel in Bangkok with one of the most well known operators going to Tiger Temple. Note that elephant riding or time with the elephants bathing them on the website tour is extra-400-1000B. It is truly a great tour. I have been to Tiger Temple a few times (I do business travel in Asia and the Middle East). I have always enjoyed my time there.

 

http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/

[EmsMom]

We used Tong earlier this month in Bangkok.....although we didn't go to the Tiger Temple, we used her for a 1/2 day city tour and a full day to the floating market and train market. The guide she provided (Nat) was really great and they also picked us up at the airport twice. We were very pleased with her....The reason I'm wriitng is that we did have a lot of trouble getting a response from her. We would write and not hear back from her for a long time...then we would write again and maybe hear back. When it came close to our departure time, she did get back to us. Just thought I'd mention this as we had the same problem but it all worked out for us.

[foxeysandy]

The price is most likely correct. PP NOT PER CAR. Here is approximately the same tour from a hotel in Bangkok with one of the most well known operators going to Tiger Temple. Note that elephant riding or time with the elephants bathing them on the website tour is extra-400-1000B. It is truly a great tour. I have been to Tiger Temple a few times (I do business travel in Asia and the Middle East). I have always enjoyed my time there.

 

http://www.tigertemplethailand.com/

 

Thanks for the feedback. When you have done Tiger Temple, have you been on the VIP tour in the morning? I'm wondering if it's worth the extra expense, or if it's nearly as good to do the afternoon visit (especially since pick-up for the morning tour is 5:00 am).

[dfhnis]

Thanks for the feedback. When you have done Tiger Temple, have you been on the VIP tour in the morning? I'm wondering if it's worth the extra expense, or if it's nearly as good to do the afternoon visit (especially since pick-up for the morning tour is 5:00 am).[/quote

 

If you take the VIP TOUR you spend too much time at the Tiger Temple and miss other good stuff

 

We took the temple with Floating Market, Bridge over the River Kwai and The wild Monkeys fantastic tour The Floating Market is a lot better than it may sound

[greatam]

Thanks for the feedback. When you have done Tiger Temple, have you been on the VIP tour in the morning? I'm wondering if it's worth the extra expense, or if it's nearly as good to do the afternoon visit (especially since pick-up for the morning tour is 5:00 am).

 

Yes, I done both. I have been all over the area, including spending time at the floating raft hotels and other hotels on the river. Done the river rafting, the falls, the walks through the jungle, a lot of stuff. BUT it takes TIME.

 

Depends on how much time you really have. What else do you want to see?? If you only have one day, forget the VIP tour in the morning. Spend it going to the Bridge on the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass, maybe the floating market (they are all about the same all over Asia). Take a ride on the "death train". See the cave that was used as a WWII hospital (have to walk off from Hellfire Pass to see it). There are so many things to do in that area, you really have to narrow down your choices. IF wildlife and being very, very close to tigers and elephant riding/elephant bathing is a priority, spend the time and money. IF not, there are a lot of historic things in the area (WW II).

[foxeysandy]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions! Now I just hope I hear back from Tong some day soon--if not, I may contact some of the companies I've seen suggested here.

[glenneagle]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions! Now I just hope I hear back from Tong some day soon--if not, I may contact some of the companies I've seen suggested here.

 

Thanks for all the info. Now we wait for Tongs reply......

[foxeysandy]

Thanks for all the info. Now we wait for Tongs reply......

 

Glenneagle, did you see the announcement about onboard credit for the Asia cruises in February? It's $500 per cabin for oceanviews and above, only available from April 11-14 (see the Azamara board). Maybe they'll let you cancel and rebook? Or maybe you got an earlier deal. Please do let me know when you hear from Tong.

[glenneagle]

Thanks

Did see the obc and contacted my TA. Hoping to get the credit. will let you know as soon as we hear from Tong.

[westcoastcruiser]

We did the elephant ride/bathing and tiger temple. LOVED the elephant portion; tiger temple was good but not a highlight. There are packages that enable you to get special photos which part of our group did but not sure how the VIP portion you refer to works. We went in December and it was VERY hot at tiger temple. Keep in mind since it is a temple a dress code applies in terms of type of clothing and color. It was probably the hottest place I have ever been in my life and I live in Las Vegas. The floating market was fantastic -- recommend that, too. We used Bangkok Day Tours and they were fantastic. Dennis is timely in his communication and the tour was highly organized.

[foxeysandy]

We did the elephant ride/bathing and tiger temple. LOVED the elephant portion; tiger temple was good but not a highlight. There are packages that enable you to get special photos which part of our group did but not sure how the VIP portion you refer to works. We went in December and it was VERY hot at tiger temple. Keep in mind since it is a temple a dress code applies in terms of type of clothing and color. It was probably the hottest place I have ever been in my life and I live in Las Vegas. The floating market was fantastic -- recommend that, too. We used Bangkok Day Tours and they were fantastic. Dennis is timely in his communication and the tour was highly organized.

Hi Westcoastcruiser, thanks for the suggestion. I found Bangkok Day Tours and they look reasonable; glad to hear they're good about getting back to you. On your Tiger Temple visit, were you able to play with and/or feed the cubs? I've pretty much decided against the VIP tour, as they pick you up at 5:00 a.m. (Yikes, that's no vacation!).

[westcoastcruiser]

There were two lines -- one for special photo package and the regular line which we were in. Each person is escorted to a tiger and posed while the escort stays close by "just in case". None of the poses involved petting or holding the head or feeding. The tigers are tethered but they are tigers! Another person takes your camera and snaps photos at each station. I do not recall seeing cubs or anyone feeding any of the tigers or cubs. It may have occurred and I missed it although all of this is occurring in a large open area.

[greatam]

There were two lines -- one for special photo package and the regular line which we were in. Each person is escorted to a tiger and posed while the escort stays close by "just in case". None of the poses involved petting or holding the head or feeding. The tigers are tethered but they are tigers! Another person takes your camera and snaps photos at each station. I do not recall seeing cubs or anyone feeding any of the tigers or cubs. It may have occurred and I missed it although all of this is occurring in a large open area.

 

Wow, did you miss a lot. Sorry

 

The cubs are off to your right when you come in from the front gate and get close to all the tigers. They have the cubs in an enclosed area and also there are usually a couple of them wandering around on leashes. You need a GOOD guide or else know your way around. Some guides just let their guests see the ones in the front and never point out the "extra" attractions of the cubs. They also offer an extra fee time to go play with the cubs and feed them. Have never done this as it is part of the Monk breakfast trip.

 

All this is on the REGULAR, non Monk breakfast, non extra pay photo ops tour.

 

IF you REALLY want interaction with the tigers and cubs you will have to either take the very early morning Monk breakfast or pay extra to go down into the canyon for more photos. There are no cubs in the canyon.

 

I have pictures with the tigers laying their heads in my lap. That was extra cost in the canyon. I also have pictures of cubs working their way around my feet and legs. This was on the normal tour. When I find them (probably on one of 3 portable hard drives) I will try to post.

 

PS: Dennis from Bangkok Day Tours/Tiger Temple Thailand died last year from pancreatic cancer. His partner is just as good and has taken over the business. Their guides are some of the best in Thailand. My trip to the "Golden Triangle" where I saw a lot of what I KNOW I was not supposed to see was absolutely excellent.

[dfhnis]

I've been reading about tours to the Tiger Temple and also, possibly, Elephant Park. Tours with Tong has a combo tour with VIP morning visit to the Temple. I believe it's 8500 bhat/person, which is around $250. This seems really expensive. Has anyone does this tour and, if so, do you think it was worth it? Maybe we should just do Tiger Temple, as it would make for a really long day. Suggestions or reactions, please?

 

tO REITERATE my previous We traveled with friends who took the VIP Tour In addition to the breakfast with the monks they got to spend a very long time hanging out with the Tigers (too long) They missed the good stuff eg. Floating market wild monkeys , Bridge over river Kwai and the war cemetery also a lot cheaper

[foxeysandy]

tO REITERATE my previous We traveled with friends who took the VIP Tour In addition to the breakfast with the monks they got to spend a very long time hanging out with the Tigers (too long) They missed the good stuff eg. Floating market wild monkeys , Bridge over river Kwai and the war cemetery also a lot cheaper

 

Yes, I appreciate your input on this so much. Besides the expense and inability to see as many other things, I really don't want to be picked up at 5:00 am! Thanks so much! I love all the help I get on these Cruise Critic boards!!

[foxeysandy]

Wow, did you miss a lot. Sorry

 

The cubs are off to your right when you come in from the front gate and get close to all the tigers. They have the cubs in an enclosed area and also there are usually a couple of them wandering around on leashes. You need a GOOD guide or else know your way around. Some guides just let their guests see the ones in the front and never point out the "extra" attractions of the cubs. They also offer an extra fee time to go play with the cubs and feed them. Have never done this as it is part of the Monk breakfast trip.

 

All this is on the REGULAR, non Monk breakfast, non extra pay photo ops tour.

 

IF you REALLY want interaction with the tigers and cubs you will have to either take the very early morning Monk breakfast or pay extra to go down into the canyon for more photos. There are no cubs in the canyon.

 

I have pictures with the tigers laying their heads in my lap. That was extra cost in the canyon. I also have pictures of cubs working their way around my feet and legs. This was on the normal tour. When I find them (probably on one of 3 portable hard drives) I will try to post.

 

PS: Dennis from Bangkok Day Tours/Tiger Temple Thailand died last year from pancreatic cancer. His partner is just as good and has taken over the business. Their guides are some of the best in Thailand. My trip to the "Golden Triangle" where I saw a lot of what I KNOW I was not supposed to see was absolutely excellent.

 

So, Greatam, Bangkok Day Tours and Tiger Temple Thailand are the same people? Same prices, I assume. I did go on the Bangkok Day Tours website yesterday and was impressed that they had offerings specifically designed for pick up at the two different ports and from different cruise lines. As they didn't post offerings for February 2012, I've emailed to find out when that might happen. Just waiting (not too patiently, I guess) for a response. One more question--you said the cubs were not in the canyon. Are they just in the enclosed area off to the right near the entrance? In your pix of them working their way around your feet and legs, were you in the enclosed area? Could you pet them? I can't wait to see your pictures! :)

 

Thanks so much,

Sandy

[foxeysandy]

Greatam, have you found your pictures of Tiger Temple yet? I'd just love to see them. I'm still trying to set up a tour--nothing back from Bangkok Day Tours, and haven't heard from Tong in two weeks. Frustrating! Anyone else having problems setting up a tour?