Siam Ocean World, the 10,000-square-metre world-class aquarium occupying two levels of Siam Paragon, Bangkok's newest upscale shopping destination, is billed as the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With world-standard exhibits and features, the aqaruim comprises a 270-degree acrylic under ocean tunnel, a panoramic oceanarium with a 360-degree view through a 10.5 metre diametre fishbowl, an 8-metre deep reef tank and a rainforest display. More than 400 species or 30,000 marine animals including Penguins, Blue Ring Octopus, Gray Nurse Sharks, Elephant Nose Sharks, Leafy Sea Dragons and Giant Spider Crab can be seen.
The journey through Siam Ocean World will take you through seven different zones:
- Weird and Wonderful
- Open Ocean
- Deep Reef
- Rainforest
- Rocky Shore
- Living Ocean
- Sea Jellies
Weird and wonderful
In addition to the fish, some of the most amazing aquatic animals are showcased in this zone; all are unique and sometimes bizarre.
Deep Reef
Marine scientists often suggest that there is greater biological diversity of plants and animals in coral reefs than in even the tropical rainforests. The Deep Reef Zone displays some of the most beautiful and fascinating reef dwellers in the world.
One of Siam Ocean World's most interesting zones, Deep Reef represents a wide variety of magnificent coral reefs from around the world and offers a "closer experience of the colorful, mysterious, and intelligent of deep sea living."
The reefs are a very important ecological system as they provide habitats for many thousands of marine species. The highlight of this zone is an eight-metre tank that illustrates how different species adapt themselves to various environments, from the sheltered shallows of the sloping reef, to the almost vertical drop-off into Deep Ocean, from where the name "Deep Reef" originates.
Living ocean
In the aquatic world the rules of survival are simple. To survive, animals must find food, protect themselves against predators and the environment, obtain oxygen, and for their species to survive, they must find a mate and reproduce. These principles are observed in the Living Ocean zone.
Rainforest
The Rainforest environment is a complex ecosystem. Here we explore the interrelationships between plants and animals within the forest. Get up close to some of the largest freshwater fish in the world; see the Ancient Lungfish and Blind Cave Fish; or 'meet and greet' some of the reptiles and mammals.
Rocky shore
Life is tough in the Rocky Shore Zone. This is where the land meets the sea in violent struggle. Animals in this habitat require special adaptations and behaviours to survive the pounding waves, intense sunlight, lack of oxygen and keen-eyed predators.
Open ocean
The Open Ocean Zone illustrates the fragile relationship between predators and prey in the open spaces of the ocean. Large predatory Sharks, Rays and Groupers live alongside clever schooling fish and disguised bottom-dwelling animals.
Sea jellies
Sea Jellies are amazing and mysterious creatures with no brain, no skeletal structure and few internal organs. Yet they are one of the most widespread species on earth.
Open : daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: 450 bah for adults and 280 baht for children.