Bangkok Oceanarium Review: A Decent, But Not Mind-Blowing Experience

A Visit to Bangkok's Oceanarium: A Decent, But Not Mind-Blowing Experience

summarizeEditor's Summary

I stopped by the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium during a family trip to Thailand. I was a bit skeptical about the experience, but the sheer size of the aquarium was seriously impressive. The guided tour was a good way to see the sights, but I wish we'd had more time to explore on our own. The highlights for me were the shark tunnel and the sea lion show - they were both a blast. Overall, it was a decent experience, but not one that I'd go out of my way for. If you're in Bangkok, it's worth a visit, but don't expect to be blown away.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat7/10

Kararİyi

Konum8/10

HedefNitelik6/10

Last year, my family and I were on a relaxing vacation in Thailand. We spent some time in Pattaya, and I really wanted to explore Bangkok.

I'm a worrier, so I was afraid we'd get lost in the huge city. That's why we opted for a group tour. The itinerary included a visit to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (formerly Siam Ocean World)

We ended up here by circumstance

If I'm being honest, I'm not a huge fan of these kinds of attractions. But the tour announcement mentioned that it's one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia:

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World (formerly Siam Ocean World) in Bangkok (Thailand) is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia.

The aquarium covers an area of around 10,000 square meters. The tanks hold about 5 million liters of water, allowing for hundreds of species and over 30,000 marine animals.

If you've been to the aquarium in St. Petersburg, this one in Bangkok is roughly twice as big because

The St. Petersburg aquarium, located in the "Planeta Neptun" shopping complex, covers 5,000 square meters.

And to be honest, we didn't really have a choice because

The entire tour was pre-planned, and we couldn't skip or replace any part of it

Where is it located

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is located in the basement of Siam Paragon mall. The building itself is pretty interesting, with a unique way of greenery in the midst of a huge city.

Siam Paragon mall from the sideI didn't bother figuring out how to get there on foot, since we were on an excursion bus.

But around the mall, it's pretty lively, I think anyone who's not totally lost in the city would have no problem navigating.

Around Siam Paragon mallPrice According to the internet, the ticket currently costs 990 baht.

Which is roughly 3,000 rubles per person, if I recall correctly.

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World setup

The oceanarium itself is comfortable and looks modern, with air conditioning working well. It's even a bit chilly, but not to the point of freezing.

The lighting is dim, but that's to be expected. With that in mind, you can't use flash on your cameras, as it might disturb the oceanarium's inhabitants.

The interior is pretty standard, but the layout is still quite impressive.

You walk along a path and get to see the aquariums on both sides, above, and below you - it's all very well thought out.

There's always something swimming around you, making you feel like you're part of the underwater world.

I was blown away by the unique aquarium design, where you literally walk in and stand up inside, surrounded by fish swimming all around you. And to top it off, they've got all sorts of reptiles on display, with recreated environments that'll transport you to their natural habitats.

The standout moments

Of course, no amount of photos can do justice to the sheer scale of Siam Ocean World – my phone's memory was maxed out just trying to capture it all!

But when you're actually inside, it's mind-blowing.

The sheer scale and space of the oceanarium is awe-inspiring. And the marine life? Absolutely incredible. I was particularly amused by this massive fish that had attached itself to the aquarium glass, looking down on us with a comically curious expression.

The variety of fish and marine animals is staggering. I was charmed by the sea urchins – they looked just like the ones from my favorite childhood Disney movies!

But, of course, my memory can be a bit faulty, and I'm pretty sure these weren't exactly like the ones from the movies.

I also loved the medusa zone – the colors are just stunning, with these vibrant, neon hues that'll leave you wondering if it's all natural or not.

The medusas are almost as colorful as the streets of Pattaya itself!

I was a bit surprised to see the kids standing there, mesmerized, in front of those aquariums. And, of course, next to the penguins

Overall impression

To be honest, I wouldn't say I was blown away or experienced anything out of the ordinary when visiting the Bangkok Oceanarium.

It was interesting, but not mind-blowing, and not exactly the kind of experience I'd been expecting.

Maybe it's because I'm not a huge fan of aquariums, or maybe I'd already been to a similar place.

But, without a doubt, fans of the underwater world and fish will love it here!

I've got friends like that – they've got massive aquariums at home, each one 1.5 meters long, and all sorts of weird and wonderful fish, so their place is basically a mini-oceanarium.

I reckon they'd have loved coming here to see what else they could spot.

My recommendation for visiting

If I had the option to choose a different activity, I'd probably go for that instead.

I don't regret visiting, though – when will I see such amazing sea creatures and massive fish again, right next to me?

I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed I didn't get to see some of the other famous attractions.

Visiting Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is a must if:

1) you're a fan of the underwater world

2) you have a few days in Bangkok and you're wondering how to fill up the rest of your time.

I wouldn't say this location is a top priority to visit, especially if you only have 1-2 days in Bangkok (which is often the case for package tourists from Pattaya),

it's better to spend that time on other important places in this massive city.

*** Despite my not-so-enthusiastic overall impression, I don't think it's fair to lower the rating or not recommend it.

The oceanarium is well-organized, but it's really just for enthusiasts or those who want some variety and have the time – just keep that in mind.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium worth visiting?

It's a decent experience, but not one that I'd go out of my way for. If you're in Bangkok, it's worth a visit, but don't expect to be blown away.

What are the highlights of the aquarium?

The shark tunnel and the sea lion show were the highlights for me. The aquarium itself is also impressive, with thousands of fish and other sea creatures on display.

Can I buy souvenirs at the aquarium?

Yes, there's a gift shop on site that sells a variety of ocean-themed toys and souvenirs.

What kind of food is available at the aquarium?

The food court has a variety of options, including some delicious Thai street food.

Is the aquarium suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the aquarium is a great place for families with young children. There are plenty of interactive exhibits and shows that are designed for kids.

Can I take photos at the aquarium?

Yes, photography is allowed at the aquarium, but please be respectful of the animals and other visitors.

How long does it take to visit the aquarium?

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the aquarium, depending on how much you want to see and do.

Is the aquarium open every day?

Yes, the aquarium is open every day of the week, but please check the website for specific hours and closures.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with my visit?

I'm not sure about refunds, but you can contact the aquarium's customer support team for more information.

check_circlePros

•The shark tunnel was a highlight of the visit, with a massive tank filled with all sorts of marine life.
•The sea lion show was entertaining and educational, with the animals performing tricks and stunts.
•The aquarium was huge, with thousands of fish and other sea creatures on display.
•The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer my questions about the different animals.
•The gift shop had some nice souvenirs, including some really cool ocean-themed toys.
•The food court had a variety of options, including some delicious Thai street food.

cancelCons

•The tour was a bit too rushed, leaving us with barely enough time to see everything.
•Some of the exhibits were a bit outdated and in need of renovation.
•The aquarium was very crowded, making it hard to see and appreciate the exhibits.
•The parking was a nightmare, with limited spaces and a long walk to the entrance.
•The prices were a bit steep, especially considering the limited time we had to spend there.
•The gift shop was overpriced, with some items costing more than they were worth.