Siam Ocean World (Bangkok, Thailand)

Aquariums are often designed to give the visitor the illusion of being underwater.  This illusion is usually achieved through the use of architectural features such as huge multi-level tanks or transparent plexiglass tunnels built into the tank installation.  Siam Ocean World is one place that you actually go below sea level - the facility is built underground.  Siam Ocean is located in the basement of the very upscale Siam Paragon shopping mall in downtown Bangkok, and unless you are looking for it, you might mistake the escalators going down to the aquarium’s entrance as simply leading to a lower shopping level.

Engaging and Colorful Exhibits

The Siam Paragon shopping mall is part of a giant shopping complex that also includes the Siam Center and the Siam Discovery malls.  These shopping malls are full of modern and upscale stores featuring the most recent trendy fashions.  Siam Ocean World is likewise upscale and fashionable, with displays that are full of bright energetic colors and modernistic lines.

Even the fish are bright and colorful!

An underwater tunnel that is also underground.

Underwater tunnel as seen from another window.

There are many very large sharks.

Mammals and Birds Too

Siam Ocean includes a “Rainforest” exhibit featuring nutria coypu and otters.

There is also a “Rocky Shore” exhibit featuring penguins.

A Whole World Underground

The most amazing thing about Siam Ocean was how they managed to create such huge spaces underground.  Many of the spaces are softly lit, creating the illusion of evening hours even though it is actually mid-afternoon outside.

There were many very large tanks.

The photo below shows visitors waiting in line to ride a glass-bottomed boat that makes a circuit of the large salt-water tanks.  The visitors are wearing orange-colored life jackets.  Floating on the seas, all under street level!

Educational Efforts

There were many bilingual signs in Thai and English explaining the exhibits.  The exhibits were generally bright and colorful, some including 3D replicas, with enough facts to be interesting and educational.

Opportunities for Animal Encounters

There was a “Touch Pool” featuring some invertebrates that visitors could touch.

Food and Souvenirs

I was surprised to see a snack bar.  I didn’t stop for a bite, so I can’t report on what they served.

Just before the exit, visitors have a last chance to part with their money.  This souvenir store had quite a broad selection.

Getting There

As mentioned earlier, Siam Ocean World is located in the basement of the Siam Paragon shopping mall, in the middle of one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping areas. It is only about a 5 minute walk from the “Siam” station of the Bangkok monorail.  Admission for adult foreigners was 720 Thai bahts.

(Note: All photos taken in this post were taken during a visit on September 7, 2013.  The comments in this post are based on observations made on that day.  Conditions may have since changed.  Please check it out for yourself!)