SIAM OCEAN WORLD

We were then given a choice of a tour of Chatuchak Weekend Market and Siam Ocean World and due to time constraints; we chose to visit Siam Ocean World. It was a decision which we hardly regret as this is the latest tourist attraction in Bangkok in Siam Paragon Shopping Complex.

An aquarium right in the heart of a shopping complex is a brilliant idea for the 10,000-square-metre world-class aquarium occupying two levels of Siam Paragon, Bangkok's newest upscale shopping destination, offers a cool respite from a hard day's shopping.

The aquarium, is thus popular not only with the locals but much so with tourists shopping at this complex. The aquarium is billed as the largest in S.E. Asia and includes a 2.8 million litre Oceanarium, represents a significant investment of US$30 million (approximately 1.26 billion baht) by Oceanis Australia Group, the world's largest aquarium owner and operator (ranked by number of customers and volume of displays) with more than 15 years experience in the aquarium business.

The aquarium has the capacity to hold more than 4 million liters of water (equivalent to 3 Olympic swimming pools) and is described as "Thailand's first and Southeast Asia's biggest aquatic education and entertainment centre”. It showcases more than 30,000 marine animals and as many as 400 aquatic species. These include Seals, Blue Ringed Octopus, Ragged-tooth sharks, Stingrays, Leafy Sea Dragons, Giant Spider Crabs and others.

The journey through Siam Ocean World will take you through seven different zones of Weird and Wonderful, Open Ocean, Deep Reef, Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean, and Sea Jellies. There is also the glass-covered tunnel of Oceanarium where one can take a leisurely stroll and view the many species of marine life.

Other highlights offered by Siam Ocean World includes is the Ragged- tooth shark which is among the 400 aquatic species from all over the world being showcased at the aquarium. There are two species of Ragged-tooth shark – Odontaspis ferox and Carcharias Taurus. On average the sharks grow up to 3.7 metre in length. Carcharias Taurus, the Ragged-tooth Shark from South Africa with a length of approximately 2.5, is on display in the Open Ocean zone at Siam Ocean World; in a natural habitat environment along side other intelligent species of fish as well as schools of deep sea fish. For example Leopard Shark, Black Tipped Reef Shark, Giant Grouper, Golden Travelly and other native species.

According to Siam Ocean World, Ragged-tooth Shark grows very quickly and viewers will be able to notice the change.

Another highlight is the Ride in a Glass-bottom boat that takes you over the 2.8 million litre Oceanarium. Glass Bottom Boats depart from the Glass Bottom Boat loading dock on level B1 every 10 minutes, commencing from 9.30 hrs. Each trip lasts approximately 25 minutes. A maximum of 10 persons per tour. A minimum of two people must be registered for the tour to operate.

If diving with the sharks in the open Ocean is not your cup of tea, then Dive with the Sharks where you can feel a lot safer as they are tame enough for the operators to assure you to take the dive where you'll come face-to-face with a shark, almost touch a giant stingray and encounter and many other creatures of the deep. The underwater guided tour will bring you face-to-face with Ragged-tooth Sharks, Black tipped Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Giant Stingrays and hundreds of exotic fish. All the dive guides are highly qualified to ensure your safety and it's an experience out of this world.