One of Kanchanaburi’s more bizarre tourist destinations is Wat Pa Luangta Bua Yannasampanno , known colloquially as the Tiger Temple. After gaining a reputation as a refuge for wounded animals, the temple received its first tiger cub in 1999 and has accumulated 17 more since. During visiting hours, the cats are led around a quarry by the monks, and for a fee, will pose for photos with tourists. Although the efforts are undeniably the result of goodwill, there’s something disconcerting (not to mention surreal) about seeing monks leading full-grown tigers around on leashes and tourists posing for pictures (for extra money) with said huge cats lying in their laps. The tigers do look sedated, though the monks deny this. Either way, it’s an oft-debated issue in the guesthouses of Kanchanaburi. The temple is located 45km outside town, and is part of many local tour itineraries. Detailed directions are on the website.
