During the Lunar New Year of 2024, we embarked on a family trip to Bangkok with our infants, aged 0 and 2 years old. Among the many attractions we visited, the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World aquarium, located in the basement of the Siam Paragon shopping mall, was a standout favorite for the kids.
Easily accessible from the BTS Siam station and nestled within the shopping mall, the location offered excellent convenience, including diaper-changing facilities and dining options, ensuring a stress-free visit even with small children.
Given our situation with a frequently fussy infant and a toddler in the midst of the "terrible twos," we opted for a Grab ride over public transportation, although the aquarium is easily accessible by train as well.
Aquarium Admission and Ticket Purchase
Admission fees to the aquarium seemed to vary depending on the crowd, but for us, the foreigner rate was 1,000 Baht. Children under 3 years old enjoy free admission.
We had considered purchasing tickets online in advance, which is indeed possible, but opted not to due to the requirement of selecting a specific time slot—predicting our kids' nap times was a bit of a gamble. However, buying tickets online is recommended as it can save time and reduce waiting.
Exhibits and Duration
The aquarium featured a wide array of marine life, including a shark tunnel, a tropical rainforest area, and a penguin exhibit, captivating the entire family. The shark exhibit, in particular, resonated with our kids, likely due to the global popularity of the "Baby Shark" song, which our daughter adores.
Wandering through the aquarium, we spent about 90 minutes exploring at a leisurely pace, though additional experiences like boat rides and animal interactions (available for an extra fee) could extend your visit.
Stroller Accessibility
Bringing a stroller proved invaluable for navigating the spacious interior with little ones. The facility's barrier-free design allowed us to move around easily and comfortably.
Souvenir Shop Caution
Be prepared to exit through the souvenir shop, a strategic placement filled with tempting items for kids. It's a good spot to pick up a memento, but watch your budget to avoid overspending on cute but unnecessary purchases.
Dining Options
While the aquarium itself offers snack stands with ice cream and sweets, we found the prices to be on the higher side and chose to dine at the Siam Paragon mall instead. With a vast selection of meals ranging from Thai to international cuisine, the mall caters to all tastes, including those of young children.
Nursing and Restroom Facilities
Although restrooms are available within the aquarium, space can be limited. For diaper changes or nursing, facilities in the shopping mall post-visit might offer more convenience as there are no dedicated nursing rooms inside the aquarium.
Conclusion
Our visit to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World was not only immensely enjoyable for the children but also for us adults. It was a unique opportunity to see exotic marine life up close in a cool indoor setting, offering both entertainment and educational value. It reminded us of the importance of providing our children with diverse experiences, making this trip an unforgettable chapter in our family's travel diary.
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