An immense aquarium in Phuket Town
Aquaria Phuket is an attraction in Phuket town, on the lower floor of the immense Central Floresta (part of Central Phuket). The place covers a large surface and is advertised as the largest aquarium in Thailand, with 25,000 animals and 300 species, which we didn’t take the time to count.
What does Aquaria look like?
Aquaria consists of four distinct areas: Mystic Forest, Coastal Heaven, South China Sea and Station Aquarius.
We walked back and forth between each area, some were outdoors, and most were indoors. We saw giant freshwater fish, stingrays, otters, penguins, leopard sharks and other sharks. If we feel like it, every hour, we can assist with animal feeding or presentations. The schedule is as follows (it may change, so double-check with the program inside Aquaria.)
As we went around, we noticed a lot of food, snacks and drinks on sale everywhere. There is even a restaurant if you choose to dine among the fish. And, of course, there is a souvenir shop on the way out, just before reaching the TrickEye Museum, that can be purchased with the aquarium ticket.
Mystic Forest
Mystic Forest is a freshwater area where we enjoyed watching lizards, chameleons, snakes and other lizards.
Coastal Heaven
As we moved to the saltwater area, we entered a vast space dedicated to penguins.
South China Sea
Station Aquarius
An open space where adults and kids get a chance to touch starfish and horseshoe crabs.
Dining at Suvana Restaurant
We felt like having dinner in an unusual atmosphere, so we tried Suvana Restaurant & Lounge, a 120-seat restaurant next to the largest tank. Here, we enjoyed a modern, contemporary dinner with fine wines and schools of fish swimming in the background. The restaurant is open from 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm.
We could choose between a three-course (2,688 baht) or a 5-course dinner (3,888 baht). The dinner was excellent, the dishes were beautifully presented, and the surreal atmosphere made the experience unique. As we dined inside the half tunnel, leopard sharks and sting rays slowly glide in front and above us, followed by schools of glittering fish. Dinner starts at 7.30 pm, and reservations are strongly recommended at 061 172 6144. Read more
What’s good
On the plus side, it’s immense, and kids will enjoy taking photos with enormous fish swimming around their heads. It’s much easier to reach than the original Phuket Aquarium in Panwa, so we didn’t have to drive far to see the marine life. If you decide to spend the day in Phuket Town, you can easily add it, especially on a rainy day.
On the downside
At 981 baht per person (531 baht per child 3-11 years old), it is a rather expensive experience (locals pay half this price). The Aquaria is more of an entertainment display, so you will not learn as much as in the Cape Panwa Aquarium (a biological centre with all kinds of educational information and professionals trying to save marine life.)
The layout is complex, and the curved tank glass distorts the view in some areas, making visibility difficult. Even taking photos of marine life was challenging for us. Like in other aquariums in Bangkok and Phuket, there is a short tunnel, but it soon appears it is only half a curved glass reflecting in a curved mirror!
Overall, it kept us busy for an hour or so, probably not much longer.
Aquaria Phuket Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: B1 floor, Central Floresta, 199, Vichitsongkram Rd, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000
Open: 1.30 am – 7 pm, daily
Phone: 076 629 800
Price: Adults 981 baht, children 531 baht (3-11 years old)
Bookings: Book here
Aquaria Phuket Map
Get the directions on your phone: https://g.page/aquariaphuket?share
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