The Best Aquariums to Visit in Thailand if You Love Marine Life

Life under the sea is mysterious yet fascinating. Corals come in different shapes and colours as if they’re flowers living underwater, except they form reefs and create a biodiversity hotspot for marine life. The fish species, too, come in different kinds that it’s relaxing enough to just watch them swim freely. Sadly, not all of us have the time and resources to visit seawaters. But that’s not a problem now actually! If you love to observe marine life, here are some of the best aquariums you can visit in Thailand.

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

Formerly known as Siam Ocean World, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is “the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia” and one of the largest in the world. Visit their Aquarium Zones, such as Coral Reefs, Rainforest Adventure, Rocky Hideout, Seahorse Kingdom, Shark Walk, and Tropical Ocean, to see as many marine life species as possible. They also have a huge Ocean Tunnel so you can experience what it’s like to walk on a seabed. If feeding activities are your thing, they have Feeding Times for penguins, otters, eagle rays, and more!

Operating hours: Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM (Last entry: 7 PM)

Admission: While tickets are available at the main entrance, it’s highly advised to buy your tickets online and choose the Mobile ticket/Print at Home option to avoid the long queue.

Location: B1-B2 floor, Siam Paragon Shopping Centre, 991 Rama 1 Road Pathumwan, Bangkok (Visit their website for directions and transportation options.)

Underwater World Pattaya

Underwater World is the only aquarium in Pattaya. What makes it worth the visit is they have zones where you can touch marine life and rock pool creations from Thailand’s coastal areas. They also have a “sunken ship,” which is an artificial shipwreck made to become home to different fish species. If you want a spectacular view, feeding schedules are available in the morning and afternoon — Coral Reef Zone (10:30 AM and 3 PM), Open Ocean Zone (11 AM and 4 PM), and Giant of Siam Zone (11:30 AM and 3:30 PM) — so you can prepare ahead of time.

Operating hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM (Last entry: 5:30 PM)

Admission: Tickets for adults are priced at THB500 while tickets for children 130cm and below are at THB300 (Ticket prices are subject to change.)

Location: 22/22 11 Sukhumvit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi

Aquaria Phuket

An ocean of myth and legend, Aquaria Phuket dubs itself as “the biggest aquarium in Thailand.” There are nine zones to visit: Mystic Forest (freshwater fish), Canopy Walk, Jewels of the Jungle (reptiles), The River Caves (otters), Coastal Haven (penguins), Stingray Bay, Largato (the sunken ship U.S.S. Largato), South China Sea (about 500 different marine species), and Station Aquarius (interactive touch pool and jellyfish area). Feeding and presentations are also available from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

If you want a VIP-like dining experience, this aquarium has its own 148-seat marine restaurant called Andasi. Not only does it serve delicious tasting menus, but it also boasts a mermaid show and a marine lounge bar, which is a first in Asia.

Operating hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 7 PM (Last entry: 6 PM)

Admission: Tickets for adults are priced at THB890 while tickets for children 140cm and below are at THB490. Children below 90cm can enter for free, but adult fees apply to children above 140cm. Visit their website to get discounts and promo bundles.

Location: B1 Floor, Central Phuket Floresta, 199 Moo 4, Wichit, Muang Phuket, Phuket