Ever wanted to explore the underwater world but hated getting wet? Same here! That’s what aquariums are for! You can admire beautiful fish and marine creatures in their natural habitat, interact with them, and watch their feeding sessions while standing on solid, dry ground. With some of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world located in Thailand, what’s stopping you from planning a visit?
Our story highlights some of the best aquariums in Thailand, offering a chance to learn about the breathtakingly beautiful underwater world. Read on to discover which one sounds perfect for you, or plan a trip to explore all of them!
Love wildlife interactions? Check out our story on some of the best national parks in Thailand.
Best time to visit aquariums in Thailand
The best time to visit aquariums in Thailand is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and dry. There is nearly no chance of rain so visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. For those looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit these aquariums is on weekdays, preferably as soon as they open.
Top aquariums in Thailand
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is a place of wonder. The aquarium covers 10,000 square metres, with hundreds of species on display in giant tanks. There are plenty of feeding activities here, along with behind-the-scenes tours and talks that you can attend to learn more about the marine world.
You can ride a glass-bottom boat, enjoy a shark dive, and see penguins, coral reefs, rainforest marine creatures, eagle rays, rock pool marine creatures, otters, seahorses, and many other adorable creatures. The main highlight is the Ocean Tunnel, which makes you feel like walking into the ocean surrounded by a vibrant array of marine life.
For more marine life spots, check out our story on things to do in Koh Lipe.
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm on all days.
Tickets: Start from THB 801
Address: Floor B1-B2 Siam Paragon 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Aquaria Phuket
Aquaria Phuket elevates the aquarium experience and allows visitors to explore the underwater worlds of seas and rivers. Home to over 25,000 fish and other marine creatures, the aquarium offers multiple thrilling zones that bring visitors face-to-face with otters, stingrays, penguins, sharks, a wide variety of reptiles, and more.
Other engaging experiences here include feeding shows, mermaid shows, and underwater ballet recitals! You could also dine in the underwater restaurant here, a 16-seater “submarine”-shaped VIP room that doubles as an exclusive viewing area for the breathtaking underwater world surrounding you. Aquaria Phuket also houses the AR Trick Eye Museum, an interactive 3D museum that offers guests a variety of optical illusions and more. Overall, it is a great place that offers something for everyone, regardless of their background.
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Opening hours: 10:30 am to 7 pm on all days.
Tickets: Start from THB 621
Address: B1 floor, Central Phuket Shopping Center, 199 Vichitsongkram Rd, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand.
Underwater World Pattaya
When touring Pattaya, include Underwater World Pattaya in your itinerary. This aquarium offers immersive experiences, from massive transparent acrylic tunnels that provide an up-close view of coral reefs to Touch Pool Zones, where you can interact with marine creatures. It’s the perfect spot to visit, especially when travelling with children.
Marine creatures include starfish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, fat giant groupers, koi fish, manta rays, sea urchins, tropical fish, and coral reefs. A special reptile zone, an open ocean zone housed around a tunnel visitors can walk through, and an artificial shipwreck to get that adrenaline flowing make it an equally stunning prospect for adults and kids. If you time your visit right, you can also enjoy many feeding shows.
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm on all days.
Tickets: THB 320 for children (over 141 cm tall), and THB 550 for adults.
Address: 22 22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Rd, Nongprue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Phuket Aquarium
At Phuket Aquarium, ornamental fish abound, as do interesting and educational exhibits about marine life, such as whales. Established in 1983, it is the first public aquarium in Thailand. The aquarium offers live specimens and a learning centre where visitors can learn about aquatic animals, including saltwater and freshwater creatures. It is a must-visit if you want your aquarium visit to be educationally enriching.
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on all days.
Tickets: Start from THB 40
Address: 51 Village No. 8 Sakdidet Road, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Nong Khai Aquarium
The Nong Khai Aquarium is a great place to learn about local fish species and other marine beings found in the Mekong River Basin. Also known as the Sirindhorn Aquarium, it is the largest aquarium in Northeast Thailand. With a 34-metre-long underwater tunnel and a riveting feeding show, it is one of the must-visit places in Nong Khai. The aquarium is home to displays of hundreds of species of venomous fish, local fish, imported marine beings, and more.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
Tickets: THB 30 for children, and THB 50 for adults.
Address: RP5W+PC9, Nong Kom Ko, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai 43000, Thailand
Rayong Aquarium
Rayong Aquarium is a place to look at adorable marine creatures and where aquatic research and experimentation are carried out to improve marine life. Owned and operated jointly by the Department of Fisheries of Thailand and the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centre, the aquarium is one of the largest in Thailand. Some popular exhibits include an outdoor shark and ray tank, an underwater glass tunnel, and a shell museum. With 43 tanks to explore, there will be something here to attract people with varied interests.
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Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm from Wednesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Tickets: THB 10 for children and THB 30 for adults.
Address: Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong, Thailand
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Sisaket Aquarium
Although smaller than others on this list, Sisaket Aquarium is best known for its stunning underwater tunnels that intersect. It is located in Suan Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, a small island in the middle of Huai Nam Kham reservoir, ensuring a beautiful environment for watching the fish in their giant tanks and ponds. A viewing screen of the aquarium is set up in a back room for those looking to take a break from walking. Suan Chaloem Phra Kiat Park and the aquarium were built in 2007 to commemorate the 80th birthday of King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej).
Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm from Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays
Tickets: Start from THB 30
Address: Huai Nam Kham Island, Nong Khrok Bypass Road, Mueang Si Sa Ket District, Si Sa Ket 33000, Thailand
Tips for visiting Thailand aquariums
- Check feeding times beforehand if you want to catch a feeding show.
- Aquarium interiors might be colder than outside, so bring a warm layer.
- Interactive experiences, such as feeding and mermaid shows, might cost you extra. Check your ticket carefully to see what’s included.
- Try to keep your voice low to avoid disturbing the other visitors.
- Exploring an aquarium in Thailand might take between 1.5 to 2 hours, so carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.
- Do not try to touch or feed any marine creatures in open tanks.
- Wear comfy shoes because you might have to walk a lot to cover the aquarium.
- Some aquariums require visitors to provide a photo ID to enter.
(Feature image credit: underwaterworldpattaya)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, feeding shows, mermaid shows, and similar events are held regularly at most aquariums.
You will need at least 1.5 to 2 hours to cover the above aquariums in Thailand.
Yes, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is known for its marine conservation initiatives and exhibits.
You can catch a feeding show, or enjoy a swim with dolphins and take photographs as a way to interact with marine life at Thai aquariums.
Yes, a few aquariums in Thailand, such as the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, are accessible to people with disabilities.
Yes, Thai aquariums such as Aquaria Phuket and Underwater World Pattaya do offer special discounts available for children or seniors.
Yes, SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World does offer a behind-the-scenes tour.
Yes, most aquariums in Thailand have onsite restaurants and eateries.
Yes, at some aquariums, such as SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, you can swim and snorkel in the aquarium tanks.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
