SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

An immense aquarium under Siam Paragon Mall

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SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is a surprisingly large attraction located beneath the Siam Paragon shopping mall, two floors underground. It’s not the kind of place you expect to find under a luxury shopping centre, but it’s well organised and easy to explore. We arrived around mid-afternoon, and even then, there were a few families and tourists queuing at the ticket counter. Getting there was simple—BTS Siam Station connects directly to the mall—and being indoors made it a convenient break from the heat and traffic outside.

Once inside, the lights dimmed, and we began a slow descent into a blue-lit underwater world. The zones were laid out in a clear path, with sound effects and lighting to match each theme. It felt like a smooth walk through different aquatic worlds, and the kids were immediately hooked.

Rainforest Adventure

This section had a very different feel from the rest. It was dim, with the sounds of trickling water and birds in the background. The tanks showed freshwater life from rivers around the world—piranhas, catfish, frogs, and even snakes. Kids liked the otters the most; they were playful and fast, moving nonstop in their glass enclosure. With jungle-like plants and twisted tree roots around the tanks, it really looked and felt like a small rainforest stream.

Shark Walk

The Shark Walk was short but exciting—a glass floor stretched over a tank filled with blacktip reef sharks and leopard sharks. A couple of staff were nearby, answering questions and pointing out which shark was which. Kids were a bit hesitant to walk across at first, but once they did, they kept running back and forth. Most families stopped here for a quick photo before moving on.

Coral Reefs

This area was bright and full of colour. The coral tanks were alive with movement—clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish weaving through coral branches. It was easy to get kids involved here because they recognised some fish from cartoons. Parents took their time reading the signs about coral reef protection, but for most visitors, it was just fun to point out the colours and patterns as the fish darted past.

Ocean Tunnels

This was the highlight of the visit for us. The curved tunnel passed through a massive tank, with sharks, rays, and giant groupers swimming overhead. It felt like being inside the ocean without getting wet. It was surprisingly quiet inside, with just the sound of bubbles and low music in the background. Most families slowed down here or stopped completely, letting the kids stand still and watch the animals glide above them. We stayed longer here than in any other zone.

Jellyfish

The jellyfish room was small but worth a stop. Lit with soft, changing colours, the jellyfish moved slowly and gracefully in circular tanks. Kids didn’t say much—they just stood still and watched, like most people in the room. It was quiet and calming, and even though it wasn’t a big area, it left a lasting impression.

Penguin Ice Playground

The final major stop was the Penguin Ice Playground. A chilled enclosure housed gentoo penguins, who slid across the ice and dived into the water below. We checked the screen for feeding times and joined the crowd as staff in winter coats came in to feed them. The penguins were fast and noisy during feeding, splashing around while kids laughed and pointed. The air felt much colder in this part of the aquarium, and we didn’t stay too long, but it really felt like stepping into a different climate.

We spent about 90 minutes inside, walking through at a relaxed pace. On the way out, we passed through the souvenir shop, filled with stuffed penguins, shark toys, and ocean-themed gifts that caught the kids’ attention immediately. SEA LIFE Bangkok may not be the biggest aquarium we’ve seen, but it was well-run and more impressive than expected for a place hidden under a shopping mall. For families, especially those travelling with younger children, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to spend part of the day indoors in the heat and the heart of Bangkok.