19th January 2014

Wow what a day we have had!  Within 45 minutes of climbing aboard a communal taxi outside our hotel we were inside the big cat compound at The Tiger Kingdom.  Once we had signed their "don't blame us if they eat you form" we had just a few minutes wait before it was our turn to go in face to face with 3 big ones protected by just one trainer and some instructions not to touch their heads, paws or make any sudden movements while at the same time being told they liked their tummies and tails to be stroked hard. In turn we lay down with the beasts stroking them and lifting their tails etc while the other took an array of amazing photos a couple of which are shown here. Near the end of our 15 minute slot a couple of the beasts started to have a playful tussle right in front of us temporarily blocking off our exit. The cats seemed in beautiful condition and if you believe the blurb were not in any way drugged but reasonably docile as they were bread in captivity and well cared for.  The whole event which way exceeded our expectations cost just £4 for the taxi ride there and back and £8 each to get in!  After being dropped back near Chaing Mai City Centre we booked trips for our last 2 days here in Chiang Mai before moving on.  We finished up strolling around the Market known as the Sunday Walking Street.