Sawadee Ka Bangkok! : Siam Ocean World

I was in Bangkok for a week so after I was done with the compulsory attractions, I didn't know what else to do. So I decided to spend my time window shopping in Siam Paragon and went to Siam Ocean World.

Regarded as the largest in South East Asia, visit to this gigantic aquarium is pretty expensive. I paid 1100 Baht for a package that includes the admission fee, glass bottom boat ride, back of the house tour, 4D Theatre, fish spa, and Pepsi and popcorn. Pretty expensive if you compare it to Aquaria in KLCC but I was so bored so I just closed my eyes and paid for it.

The exhibit is divided into seven zones, each with individually designed theme. My journey started at the 'Weird and Wonderful' zone, which houses an impressive collection of rare and bizarre-looking marine creatures.

Next was the 'Deep Reef' zone, where there is an eight metre deep glass-walled tank displaying the coral reef and the colorful sea life that surrounds it. It was beautiful! 

The glass-bottomed boat rides and the back of the house tour was quite fun and educational. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium's workings. The staff showed us what goes into taking care of the fish, the tanks and their breeding programme. I had it bundled in my package, but you can also pay for it separately for 150 Baht.  

the backstage

view from the glass bottom boat

Continuing the journey, the 'Living Ocean' let us learn how sea animals survive. It was interesting to watch how predator and prey live together in this fish tank. 

The walk then brought me to the 'Rain Forest', where ancient African lungfish, blind cave fish, giant water rats and otters are on display.

awww.. they are so cute! 

Zone 5 is the 'Rocky Shore', where you can see the penguins!  

The star of the aquarium must be this 'Open Ocean', the underwater tunnel where you can watch sharks and stingrays swimming over your head. I was amazed! But I wasn't that jakun la cos Aquaria also have this underwater tunnel. 

lovers

shark attack!

I still remember after seeing those sharks and stingrays, I really couldn't wait for my dive trip to Sipadan Island, hoping to swim with them! 

The final zone is the 'Sea Jellies'. It was fun watching the translucent jellyfish changed colors in the LED-lit tanks. 

 

Before I left, I went for the fish spa at the Happy Fish, Happy Feet Pool. 

 

Perfect ending for my visit. 

 

If you expect more from your visit, there's actually a lot of activities to keep you involved. There's the exciting around-the-clock shows; including Shark Feeding, Rocky Shore Talk, Penguin Feeding, Diver Underwater Talk, Rainforest Zone Feeding, Animal Contact and Otter Feeding. 

 

Not only will you get to be up close and personal with these sea creatures, you'll also get to learn many interesting facts about various animals.

 

Siam Ocean World is open daily.

Visiting hours are from 10 am to 9 pm.

Entrance fee is 900 Baht for adults, 700 Baht for children.

Direction: Take the BTS Skytrain and stop at Siam station. It is located on level B1-B2 of Siam Paragon 

 

It is very difficult for me to compare this to Aquaria KLCC. I was last there quite a few years ago. Couldn't remember much but one thing for sure, I love them both cos I love the underwater world.