If you’re wondering whether the Tiger Kingdom, Phuket has REAL tigers – it does.
One 100 percent real.
And if you are wondering what it’s like to be there, imagine this:
You’re sitting next to an actual tiger, feeling its fur, hearing it breathe, and praying the tiger doesn’t prey on you because, well… it isn’t a screen or a safari jeep moment.
It is real life at Tiger Kingdom Thailand Phuket.
And it’s one 100 percent real fun. So yayy!
What is Tiger Kingdom Thailand Phuket?
Tiger Kingdom, also known as the Tiger Park Phuket, is located at the foot of Patong Hill, near Kathu Waterfall.
It lets you get close to Indo-Chinese tigers of all sizes varying from baby cubs to full-grown adults that make your heart skip a beat (or two).
With hand-raised tigers, strict hygiene and safety rules, and thoughtful conservation messaging, it’s much more than a zoo.
Because you touch, learn, and connect, not just observe.
Personal Experience
My heart nearly jumped out of my chest the moment I touched the tiger.
Especially when the trainer, in his best broken Hindi, casually asked, “Puuch utaaooo.” (Poonch Uthao – Lift the tiger’s tail)
And I just stood there, smiling for the photo, but internally screaming, “Nai uthaani poonch. Nai dekhne ganne ke khet.”
And this guy in the picture, my husband, who was all pumped to meet the tigers, suddenly was like, “Ho gya mera. Khatam. Bye bye. Tata. Goodbye.”
Phuket Tiger Kingdom Details
| Timings | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Open Daily |
| Entry Fee | Starts from 900 Thai Baht (INR 2385), depending on the tiger size. |
| Tips | Follow trainer instructions for a safe experience. |
| Required Time | Approximately 2-3 hours. |
| Restricted Items | Flash photography is not allowed, as it can startle the tigers. |
Best Time to Visit Tiger Kingdom
The best time to visit is early morning, around 9 AM, when the tigers are most active.
By late afternoon, they tend to get lazy or cranky.
My phone tells me that we reached here by 2 PM, and I had my first picture taken at 2:25 PM. The tigers were calm, so calm that…
The moment we WhatsApped the pictures home, my father-in-law dropped the ultimate review, “Ye toh machine wala sher hai!” Apparently, the tiger looked so calm, he thought it was battery-operated. Oh, no! Hahaha.
Conclusion
Clearly, 2 PM isn’t when the tigers decide to be playful.
But were they sedated? The boards everywhere said, “We don’t sedate the tigers as it’s not safe for the tigers or the trainers.“
But honestly… who knows? And that’s where the whole ethical thing comes in. But we’ll get to that in a bit.
How to Reach Tiger Kingdom
The Tiger Kingdom is located about 10 km from Phuket city centre. Visitors can take a taxi or tuk-tuk for a convenient journey. However, remember there’s a small surcharge for pickups from certain areas
Pick-Up Surcharge
- THB 200 per person one way from Rawai, Naiharn, Panwa, Bangtao, Laguna, Surin, Cherng Talay
- THB 250 per person one way from Airport zone, Maikhao, Naiyang, Naitorn, Yamu, Paklok, Ao Por (Paid directly to the driver)
Our road trip was sponsored by a friend so we went in a 8-seater van all by ourselves. Yay!
Precisely why I can’t share the road trip cost/budget.
What To Expect Once You Enter The Tiger Park in Phuket?
- Arrival: Your cab or tuk-tuk will drop you off at the Tiger Kingdom parking area, which, btw, feels grand (almost like a trailer to what you are going to see inside).
- Entry: You’ll walk up a beautiful staircase that leads you to the main reception area. This is where you purchase your tickets, unless, of course, you’ve pre-booked them.
- Ticket Counter: This takes time. Even with pre-booking. We had our tickets sorted through a friend, yet it still took us about 30 minutes. If you’re buying on the spot, budget at least an hour, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours or weekends.
- Queue: Once your tickets are sorted, you will head to the left where you’ll see a line of people queuing up for the entrance.
- Restaurant & Waiting Area: Beside the queue, you’ll see a restaurant which serves a variety of Thai and Western dishes. This is also the waiting area where you can munch.
- Dos & Don’ts Session: Trainers will guide you through safety instructions (the same rules are also printed in a little booklet you’ll get at the entrance). Shared below.
- Time Estimation: When the trainer told us that our turn will come after 2 hours, I had a mini panic moment. But you don’t have to worry because it doesn’t take that long. For us, once we walked in, the entire experience from the briefing to meeting the tiger took about 1 hour. So yay!
- Entry: A trainer will accompany you into the enclosure when your turn comes. They’ll repeat the safety briefing once again (because when you’re next to a tiger, it’s better safe than sorry).
- Meet & Greet: And well, then you will meet the tiger of your choice – baby, small, medium, big, giant, or a cheetah. (Tiger Park Phuket is not just about tigers anymore!) The trainers will also help you get the best photo angles.
Tiger Kingdom Phuket Tickets Price 2025 (And What’s Included)
Ticket prices vary depending on the size of the tiger you choose to meet.
| Tiger Size / Package | Price (THB) | Price (INR) |
| Smallest Cubs | ฿900 | ₹2,385 |
| Small Tigers | ฿900 | ₹2,385 |
| Medium Tigers | ฿1,000 | ₹2,650 |
| Large / Giant Tigers | ฿1,200 | ₹3,180 |
| Cheetah Encounter | ฿1,200–1,300 | ₹3,180–₹3,445 |
| Two-Animal Combo | ฿1,700 | ₹4,505 |
| Three-Animal Combo | ฿2,500 | ₹6,625 |
| Four-Animal Combo | ฿3,500 | ₹9,275 |
| “Play All” + Photo Package | ฿7,500 | ₹19,875 |
This table will give a rough idea about the Tiger Kingdom Phuket tickets price.
While I went there in Feb 2025, the price even in 2026 and beyond won’t change much.
Also, if you’re planning your Phuket adventure, you can also check out my Phuket Day 1 itinerary — where I talk about where we stayed, how we got around, and all the beachy chai moments in between.
Tiger Park Phuket Safety Guidelines
You will find these guidelines everywhere in Tiger Park. Like literally. Trainers will often repeat these as well.
Guess they are scared of tigers scaring the humans.
Or the other way around. We’ll ponder over this a little more in sometime.
Tiger Kingdom Thailand Phuket Safety Guidelines
- No flash photography. Don’t use flash while taking pictures, as this may disturb the tigers. Tigers don’t like sudden light (and honestly, who does?).
- Wear comfy clothes. This isn’t the place for stilettos (what if the tiger attacks and you have to run) or neon dresses (remember flash – it’s a no no).
- Approach the tigers from behind, and avoid touching their heads.
Before You Meet the Tigers in Phuket’s Tiger Kingdom — A Few More Things to Know
Safety First
Before stepping into the tiger enclosure, you’ll need to wash and sanitise your hands and read the safety guidelines carefully. This is not the time to act brave or silly—you’re dealing with real tigers, and any reckless behaviour can lead to injuries.
Who Should Avoid This?
- People with limited mobility or wheelchairs
- Those with medical conditions (like high blood pressure or epilepsy)
- Pregnant women
- Seniors
Tiger Time
Each encounter includes 10 minutes of up-close time with either a tiger or a cheetah.
Is It Ethical to Visit Tiger Kingdom Phuket?
Now, let’s get on to the question we slightly touched on before.
The Tiger Park team says they focus on conservation and that the tigers are never sedated. “Hand-raised by trainers, they’re used to human interaction, and that’s why they don’t roar or behave aggressively.”
Still, I’d say, it’s good to do your own research and make sure you’re comfortable before booking. For me, it was a mix of nerves, fascination, and learning.
Nearby Places to Explore
If you’re visiting this park, here are some other fun stops near Tiger Kingdom Phuket:
- Aquaria Phuket – For a deep dive into the marine world
- Trick Eye Museum Phuket – For mind-bending photos
- Orchid & Butterfly Farm – A soft, floral break after all the adrenaline
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden: A beautiful botanical garden featuring diverse flora and scenic views
Final Thoughts on Tiger Kingdom Thailand Phuket
Whether you call it Tiger Kingdom Thailand, Thailand Tiger Kingdom, or Tiger Park Phuket, one thing is for sure—it’s not your usual wildlife experience.
You’ll walk out with your heart racing, your camera full, and a story that’ll make your next dinner conversation way more interesting.
If you’re in Phuket and you’ve always dreamed of seeing tigers up close (in a controlled, safe setting), Tiger Kingdom Phuket is the place to do it.
Just remember—go with respect, stay curious, and listen to the trainers. And maybe, leave a little space in your phone gallery. You’re gonna need it. 100%.
Comes from a person whose phone memory is always full (because capturing moments is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE HOBBY). And proudly so!
More From The Wonderland
If you enjoy reading real, raw travel stories, here are a few more from my heart to yours:
- Bali Itinerary 7 Days: A Family Trip of 11 People – For when you want chaos, coconut water, and cultural beauty all at once.
- 6 Days Nepal Itinerary: With a 76-Year-Old – For those moments when travel feels like healing.
