Tigers, Tides, and Thai Evenings: Anjali’s Journey to Thailand with Thrillophilia

It had been a year of long hours, back-to-back meetings, and too many coffee-fueled deadlines. By mid-December, I felt like I was just moving through my days on autopilot. That is when my sister messaged me: “Let’s go on a trip this December. How about our bucket list destination, Thailand? We can book everything from Thrillophilia.”

I did not ask questions or even check the full itinerary she sent me. I just said yes!

It was one of the best decisions I made all year.

The Day the Tigers Surprised Me

Our flight landed in Bangkok early in the morning, and I could see the hustle and bustle of the city that never seemed to sleep. But we did not stay long in Bangkok. A smooth transfer took us straight to Pattaya, and before I even had time to unpack, we were at Tiger Park.

I had my reservations. Wild animals in captivity? Would it feel staged? But Tiger Park surprised me.

We were taken to an enclosure where a massive tiger was dozing in the sun, and his fur was glowing. I sat a few feet away as my heart was racing due to both surprise and fear. The trainer nearby was calm and reassuring. “He is full from lunch,” he joked.

There was a deep calm in that space. The tiger blinked lazily, stretched like a house cat, and then settled back down. I was scared not because of the danger or dominance, but of the mere presence. There was something grounding about being near such raw power and stillness.

Back at our hotel that night, I kept thinking about that moment. It was the first time in months I had been fully present.

Coral Island and the Sound of Laughter

The next day was a complete contrast to what we had experienced the previous day.

We took a speedboat to Coral Island, which was in the middle of the turquoise and white sea. If Tiger Park was calm and grounding, this was alive and loud. My sister and I screamed like kids during the parasailing adventure as our feet skimmed the waves.

We also snorkelled near the rocks, where the underwater world was filled with colourful life. Schools of tiny fish moved past, and coral formations looked like sculptures. It was so beautiful that I forgot what time it was or how much time this activity took. 

We stopped for a beachside lunch, and the grilled prawns and sticky rice tasted delicious. Lying on the beach afterwards, we soaked in the warm sun.

The hours passed. We played paddleball with strangers, bought anklets from local vendors, and watched a little girl chase a kite. I laughed so hard that day that I thought my ribs would crack. 

We returned to the hotel exhausted, salty, and sun-kissed.

Bangkok Nights and River Lights

After two days by the sea, we were back in Bangkok. Our evening began with a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River.

The boat glittered with soft golden lamps, and the aroma of lemongrass and grilled seafood filled the air. As we pulled away from the dock, we could see the skyline of the city, the temples and the bridges pass by. The Grand Palace looked surreal even from such a distance.

There was live music, delicious Thai food, and a breeze that carried away every bit of stress I had walked in with. The singer’s voice was melodious and set the tone for the spectacular night.

My sister and I clinked glasses of fresh mango juice and watched the city move. We soaked in the warm breeze and the rhythm of the river.

I remember sitting on the deck, watching the city shine, and feeling complete joy. It was indeed a beautiful feeling.

A Wild and Unexpected Safari

I did not expect to love Safari World as much as I did.

Honestly, I thought it might be a little too touristy. But the minute we drove through the open zoo area, I was hooked. Giraffes peered into our van, lions lounged under trees, and zebras followed us.

But the animal shows were the highlight of the trip. During the dolphin show, I cheered like a child, and the orangutan boxing match was hilarious. We clapped during the sea lion performance. It was fun, lighthearted, and surprisingly touching.

There was something magical about being surrounded by animals and watching them engage so playfully. It reminded me of the natural joy we all carry inside us.

We had lunch under the shade of a large tree. After lunch, I leaned back, sipped on coconut water, and just breathed. 

The Stillness

We returned to the hotel with a full heart. That tiger had given me a perspective.

The next morning, our flight awaited. But I was going back home lighter.

Thrillophilia had made every part of the journey effortless. Every pickup was smooth, and every detail was sorted. It felt like we had been gently guided.

As I watched the city blur beneath us from the aeroplane window, I held onto one simple promise:

To return. To adventure. To stillness. To the wild and the wonder.

Because sometimes, the fiercest thing you can do is choose joy and the stillness that follows.

Read More: Thrillophilia Thailand Reviews