Our History

Established in 2013, Wild Encounter Thailand is the very first commercial whale watching and wildlife eco-tourism company based in Bangkok, Thailand.

We specialized in running Eden’s whale watching in the Gulf of Thailand and wildlife watching tour for endangered wildlife species across South-East Asia Region.

Our company is responsible in Eden’s whale photographic identification, cataloguing and developing regional watching guidelines for the community. We also work with specialists such as researchers and mammal watchers around the world for studying cryptic and endangered mammals species both on land and in the sea in Thailand.

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Meet the team

Jirayu

Jirayu “Tour” Ekkul

Experienced in Whale & Mammal Watching

Chief Executive / Director of Field Operations

Nuttawut

Nuttawut “Nut” Thongyom

Experienced in Whale Watching & Mammal Watching in Thailand


Boat Manager / Tour Leader


Fluke

Fluke Somjeen


Experienced in Whale & Bird Watching in Thailand


Tour Leader


Ouan

Danunai “Ouan” La Teb


Experienced in Whale Watching  in Thailand


Boat Crew and Camp Crew


Fit

Muhammatphitri “Fit” Muso

Experienced in Bird Watching & Herping


Natualist


Ghan

Ghan Saridnirun

Experienced in Bird and Mammal Watching


Tour Leader & Naturalist

Why choosing us ?

We are the original and first whale watching operator in Thailand with over a decade of whale watching experience

Come back again free of charge if you do not see whale on our tour as many times as you want until you see one! 100% Guarantee!

Working together on citizen science and sharing all sighting data with the Thai Government’s Department of Marine & Coastal Resources’ Marine Endangered Species Unit.

We have wide range of our naturalist specialized in different categories such as Cetaceans and Mammal experts, Snake experts and Bird !

We are part of Marine Endangered Species Unit and Stranding Network And we have our own mammal research department.

Friendly and highly qualified naturalists who speak both Thai and English.

 

Every tour you join us, you are a part of our team and support our citizen science program.

Eco-friendly and focus on sustainable – responsible whale watching and wildlife watching “Animal Safety Comes First !

Our Videos

Our Whale Watch Trailer 2024

HOME Mikurajima

A Night in the Forest

Our Videos

Our Whale Watch Trailer 2024

Our Whale Watch Trailer 2024

HOME Mikurajima

HOME Mikurajima

A Night in the Forest

A Night in the Forest

Travel memories with Us

Christian Rust

October 15, 2024

Fantastic experience!

Wild Encounter was quick and helpful with all of our questions, happy to respond, and we had zero issues with communication. On the tour, we loved that the guides seemed very knowledgeable about the whales!

We learned about Bryde’s whales in general, and the guides were able to tell us the names of the whales we saw. They were able to spot whales quickly, and we had so much time to be able to watch them in their natural habitat. Well worth the cost, as they also provided breakfast, snacks, coffee, and a full lunch.

They were very welcoming and friendly with our children, and we loved our time. We plan to go with them again, but on the photographer boat, to see the whales again in the future! Highly recommend Wild Encounter Thailand.

Nicky Chanannat

August 16, 2024

It was such an amazing trip!

The whole family had an incredible time. We got to see real whales up close—so exciting! 🤩❤️ The kids were absolutely thrilled. T

he team took great care of us, very friendly and professional, providing helpful guidance and answering all our questions.

We had so much fun and learned a lot as well. Definitely coming back if we get the chance! Highly recommend Wild Encounter Thailand—absolutely worth it! ❤️

K L Voo Catherine

September 12, 2024 

Been to BKK many times, but is all about shopping n food. this time wanted diff experience, so lucky saw on FB about Wild Encounter Thailand. fast reply n fast confirmation from them.

All their service crew are polite , helpful yet fun. and the boat very clean. the food they prepare is also simple goof full meal. definitely recommend to do it if u are in Bangkok!!!!

The experience of Bryde’s Whale watching really amazing!!!

Awaiyawanon Nadsuda

August 4, 2024 

It was very good experiences.

We travel for about 4 hours but finally we found them! 3 adults of Bryde’s

They are so amazing. It was very worth it!

The staffs are full of service mind, very nice and cozy. I had seasick. They always check that I’m still okey.

I got special souvenir since they know that is my birthday, impressive.

Siriwan Ausavanop

Demcember 19, 2023 

This solo trip was absolutely worth it!

I got to experience seeing whales in their natural habitat, and it’s so close to Bangkok. The admin team was very friendly and responded to questions quickly and thoroughly. The boat took us to see the whales, and there were great facilities on board. The boat is large, so you don’t have to worry about seasickness. If it gets hot, you can cool off in the air-conditioned room, and drinks are provided throughout the trip. Plus, the bathrooms on the boat were clean.

The team did an excellent job spotting the whales, and at the end of the trip, you can even ask for the photos they took. If you’re looking for a unique activity, I highly recommend this! Whether you’re going solo, with friends, or with family, it’s a perfect experience!

Yuching Chen

October 31, 2023 

This solo trip was absolutely worth it!

Good whale watching experience with Wild Encounter Thailand.

I didn’t know that there’s whale watching activitiy so close to Bangkok before even though I’ve been to Bangkok for many times. I’m happy that wild encounter Thailand offer the opportunity to see Bryde ‘s whale.

Since it’s nature , though we met 4 whales that day(including mother and calf pair) , and follow them for long time, but they didn’t feed on the surface of water. So I think I’ll join again next time.

Joni Fambrene

October 28, 2023 

I really enjoyed my time with Wild Encounter Thailand. It was a bit difficult to get there but from the time that I was there until I left they took really good care of us.

The crew was very knowledgable and nice and on top of that we were Lucky enough to spot a whale. It was also a nice time to escape busy Bangkok ..

Definitely would recommend Wild Encounter Thailand to others!

Lieselotte De Vuyst

October 10, 2023 

We booked our trip with Wild Encounter Thailand after a tip from a friend. We found the contact details here on Facebook and making the booking went really smooth on WhatsApp.

When we arrived at the pier, we were very warm welcomed and received breakfast. On board the guides gave some basic background information and answered all our questions. Lunch was included.

We could choose from different meals when we made the booking. Only downside was getting a taxi from the pier back to Bangkok. We would definitely recommend this organisation.

Gabriela Lapinska

September 22, 2023 

It was a really great and relaxed experience that is definitely worth trying as it’s not so far away from Bangkok. Highly recommended! We arrived in the place and we were served breakfast, then boarded a boat where we talked about what we can expect to see in the waters and how the observations might look like. They all follow rules not to disturb the animals so it’s really good.

We had a close encounter with Bryde’s whales and dolphins at the end. Everything was very well organised and the boat was well equipped with a toilet, air-con interior, and observation deck. Lunch and cold water/soda on board were great too.

Ussell Boyman

September 11, 2023 

Very enjoyable trip with these guys on Sep 10: 3 new species for me and prolonged views of mother and calf feeding.

Most impressed with the ethical approach to ensure the whales are not harassed: the on board briefing, and the feedback from the guides.

Really easy to book on FB messanger, with great English.

Recommended !

Sonja Bruning

January 9, 2024 

I was enjoying the first trip in 2024 and it was just breathtaking. I did not expect so many whales but it was simply awesome. See the pictures and enjoy!

The whole trip was very professionally managed and the team was very kind and everything was explained in detail to us. We got some great Thai food on board and while we were eating, we enjoyed the beautiful Bryde whales coming to the boat. Stunning!

Thanks to Wild Encounter Thailand for this once-in-your-lifetime experience.

Martine

Jul 2023

Stunning trip
Whale watching was an absolute bucket list item of me and its unknown by many that there’s an opportunity nearby Bangkok.

When you love wildlife there’s always a change to end up with some commercial business, but that wasn’t the case.

The organization uses 2 boats on a trip, and they depart once a day, every 2 days, from a small town by the Golf of Thailand, southern Bangkok.

After a very warm welcome you enter the boat for a shot briefing and off you go… we’ve been very luck to see dolphins from the start and after a short time on the water we’ve seen one whale after an other, STUNNING!

The price (2000 bht per person for the small boat, but I would recommend to take the other one) is including a small breakfast and lunch

After a few hours we returned to the harbor, because of risks weather.

This was absolutely a lifetime experience and would love to do this again!

Snitsood

Dec 2019

Enjoyable experience. 

Amazing day out, nice, friendly and knowledgeable staff. We were told that some trips, no whales had been seen at all but we were fortunate to see 5 different whales on 10/12/2019, Twice we saw the whales open their mouths for feedings.

On our way back, we also saw a dolphin. Lovely day and experience.

KirstyEkua

Jan 2019

Amazing

We had an incredible day whale watching with Wild Encounter. Everything was very easy – from the pick up point to the transfer to the boat and back again.

The staff were wonderful; they had so much knowledge about the whales and were brilliant at spotting them. It’s a long day on the boat (around 8 hours) but definitely worth it.

It was incredible to see the whales and also just to relax out at sea! A decent lunch was provided as well as water, soft drinks and snacks.

A must do for nature lovers!!

Alex F

Nov 2018

One of the best ‘hidden secrets’ in Thailand.

Spent an amazing day Bryde’s Whale Watching.

This is well worth visiting and only 40 kilometers of Bangkok.

Wild Encounters is a professional company with knowledgeable personnel.

suebkk

Oct 2018

An amazing day

A group of 20 friends went whale watching with Wild Encounter on 29th October. The unanimous verdict from everyone who attended was what an amazing day. The staff, facilities, their knowledge and every aspect of Wild Encounter was thoroughly professional. As a group of expats living in Bangkok, most of us did not even know there was such a large pod of whales so close by.

Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.

Thank you Wild Encounter

Roman J

Nov 2018

Nice day trip from Bangkok

Living for quite some time in Thailand we never heard about whale watching and were eager to make this experience. It’s a short car ride to the Golf of Thailand and the Wild Encounter Team did the best, to give lot of information and making the day a great experience. From the whales we mainly spotted the back fins so come with realistic expectations.

In case you like to take pictures be prepared with a long range lens as you might come close to the whales in a range to 100 meter. And most important, don’t expect that the whales are jumping out the water like you might see on the internet. Overall a nice trip with lot of fresh air and don’t forget to bring sun cream.

Shaun Robson

Thank you for a great trip.

We were just wondering if there is anywhere that we can see any of the photos that your team took of both the Whales and us the guests.

Tony Lynam

Thanks for the great day out.

We enjoyed following the whale and seeing birds, meeting the crew and other guests, and enjoying the cruise

Dinnhe

Thanks for a fun day. The crew was great!

Nick C

Jun 2019

Surprising trip

Very educational trip, went twice, because I didn’t see any whales the first time, so I went for free the second time. The first time I asked the tour guide what the chances of seeing whales were, he said about 80%, but unfortunately I didn’t see any the first time, fortunately the second time I not only saw them, but also saw many Bryde’s whales of different sizes, the whales not only swam very close, but also the pink chins were very cute.

Alexander Coke Smith

January 10

This week’s column. Lead pic of panther is Jirayu Ekkul’s awesome shot! The rest were taken over a short afternoon last weekend. Monday, I am taking 32 kids and several adults to explore this wonderful place. Can’t wait.

Jon Hall

November 11, 2024

Last weekend in Kaeng Krachan National Park: mammalwatching in mainland SE Asia does not get much better. Huge thanks to Jirayu Ekkul from Wild Encounter Thailand and Alexander Coke Smith for showing us a good time. Exciting to meet so many other mammalwatchers there too.