Travel Tips

We all know about the famous Night Safari in Singapore, a world class attraction featuring fascinating nocturnal creatures. But it's fairly expensive and you need to get to Singapore, which may not be convenient.

Throughout Thailand it is possible to experience a similar type of thing and what's more, it's totally free.

The best place to find such an attraction is where there is a street market or anywhere that food can be found during the day. Let me take you on a Thailand Night Safari.

Starting off with my personal favourites, the stray cats. They are totally unpredictable - some love you and let you make a fuss of them while others are extremely shy and run away if you approach them. Just like women actually.

Cuteness factor: Oh yes, they'd only need a bath, delousing and a course of worm tablets before I'd let one sleep on the bed.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Stray dogs are a regular feature in Thailand, except in Bangkok during Apec summits when that nice Mr Thaksin rounds them all up and sends them on a doggie holiday. After all, a lot of stray dogs running around the capital doesn't look good when foreign leaders come to visit.

Cuteness factor: Some look quite cute even if they are mangy. Don't get too close though and make sure your rabies jabs are up to date.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

Cuteness factor: They don't look quite so cute when they lick and scratch themselves.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

These giant moths look almost unreal. This picture doesn't show how huge they are because there is no source of reference but the next picture might.

Cuteness factor: They look quite cute when stationary but are a bit scary when they start fluttering around your head.

Chances of seeing one: Low to medium. During many visits to Thailand I haven't seen very many.

The same moth shown up against an average size hand. These things are huge.

Now we're getting on to the good stuff. While walking along the pavement you will notice loads of these things running around. They look like they should be easy to tread on but try doing so and see how fast they move.

Cuteness factor: I don't think so.

Chances of seeing one: Almost impossible not to.

This is the ultimate Thai Night Safari animal. It's like being in Africa on safari and seeing one of the Big Five.

There are rats everywhere - and they're big. In fact, they're huge. Not to be confused with the cats (which are about the same size), the rats are left alone by cats and dogs alike.

They are fairly shy and will disappear down a convenient hole if they see a human. They appear from drains, grab some food, and then disappear.

Cuteness factor: The one in the photo does have a fairly cute face but these animals really make me shudder. A few times when I've been walking along and one has run out in front of me it has really made me jump. For some reason certain animals seem to instill a fear in humans. Snakes, sharks and rats are a few I can think of.

Chances of seeing one: Very high. In the daytime just look down any storm drain. At night they run around freely.

Along with the cats, another one of my favourites. I love it if I see a few of these in the room I am staying in. The one thing I detest is mosquitoes and these little fellows roam round eating mosquitoes and other insects.
Can you believe therefore that I've heard of some people hitting them with shoes? Unbelievable.

They are completely harmless to humans and actually very shy. If you get too close they disappear quickly.

Cuteness factor: Very high.

Chances of seeing one: Pretty high. In the evening they can be found near electric lights which attract insects, their food source.