Bangkok is home to many pet cafes and Big Dog Cafe stands out with its large-sized dogs. Over here, you can meet rare breeds such as the Afghan Hound, Airedele Terrier and Alaskan Malamute. Most of these dogs are bigger than me – and to my surprise, I learnt that a few are only five months old! Can you imagine how big they would be when they grow to their full size?!
Before Visiting Big Dog Cafe
Directions: Located along Ratchadaphisek Road, Big Dog Cafe can be easily accessed by public transport. It is only a one-minute walk away from Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station.
Reservations: Bookings are mandatory and judging from its overwhelming popularity, there is absolutely no chance for walk-ins. Overseas visitors can make a booking in advance through Big Dog Cafe’s official Facebook page or Line (@bigdogcafe). Just thought I should let you guys know that I previously tried contacting them via Instagram direct messages, but that didn’t work!
Time Slots: There are five bi-hourly sessions (9am – 11.30am; 12pm – 2pm; 2.30pm – 4.30pm; 5pm – 7pm; 7.30pm – 9.30pm) allocated to visitors every day. Follow their Instagram for the latest updates.
Big Dog Cafe’s Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee of ฿199 / S$8.15 per pax which includes a welcome drink.
Unfortunately, my friends and I misinterpreted the staff due to language barrier and ended up buying unnecessary beverages, human food and dog food. We were under the impression that we had to hit a minimum spending of ฿199 each (and weren’t aware of the entrance fee and the fact that we had to purchase dog food). In total, the three of us spent ฿1,335 / S$54.75.
The Experience At Big Dog Cafe
All visitors have to slip on blue shower caps as footwear, before they are allowed to enter the outdoor ‘playground’. There are at least 24 dogs at Big Dog Cafe, but bear in mind that you do not get to see them all at once. Different dogs are released in batches from the café’s upper deck every 30 minutes, and you will only see these big dogs for half an hour at the most.
Perhaps the half hour interval was implemented as a measure to prevent the dogs from heat stroke or exhaustion? No idea. Side note to animal rights activists: I know nothing about these dogs’ living conditions, but they seem happy and healthy. They are also the tamest and loveliest pets I’d ever played with! The dogs are well trained and very capable of performing tricks.
Interestingly, Big Dog Cafe is also home to a handful of toy-sized dogs. Say hello to Barny and Furby the Pomeranians and Boong the Shihtzu!
You are allowed to dine both indoors and outdoors (but do make sure the dogs do not take your food). Numerous staff members – including the owner – would be supervising the dog playtime. It’s worth mentioning that they were incredibly helpful in helping us snap photos with the dogs! We stayed long enough to meet all the dogs and Solo the Alaskan Malamute is my favourite.
I don’t think these photos do justice to how MASSIVE Solo is in real life. But for scaling purposes, please compare the size of our legs and our heads.
Address: 82 Soi Ratchadaphisek 10, Lane 7, Khwaeng Huai Khwang, 10310, Thailand
Directions: A 1-minute walk away from Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station
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