Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Plan to spend a few hours, not just an afternoon, and you'll leave satisfied. Aquaria Phuket bills itself as Thailand's largest aquarium and is located on the lower level (B1) of the Central Phuket Floresta on the outskirts of Phuket Town. The aquarium recommends a visit of about one hour and 45 minutes. Some visitors complete the tour in 30 minutes, while others spend over two hours studying the information panels about the different species – it all depends on how much time you like to spend at the aquariums.

What it does really well is create atmosphere. The lighting and background music contribute significantly to this, the terrariums are well-populated, and the upper area with the arachnids and reptiles is what adults will particularly remember. Reviews rightly criticize the conditions of the other animals: small enclosures and lots of plastic plants. If that bothers you, it will bother you here too.

Feedings take place throughout the day: The giant Amazonian fish are fed at 11:15 a.m., followed every 15 minutes by otters, penguins, sharks, and stingrays. The feedings are repeated from 2:00 p.m. onwards. The mermaid show, held in a 3.5 million-liter saltwater pool, takes place Tuesdays through Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and on weekends at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It is primarily aimed at children, so couples without children don't necessarily need to plan their visit around it.

Foreign adults pay 1,390 baht at the ticket office or 1,251 baht online; children between 91 and 140 cm tall pay 750 baht or 675 baht online; younger children enter free. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs 3,580 baht. Online tickets must be purchased at least three hours in advance, and prices are the same daily. Thai citizens and expats with work permits pay significantly less. Alternatively, the older Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa is available for 300 baht.

It's open daily from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, with last entry at 6:00 pm. As it's an indoor restaurant in a shopping mall, it's the obvious choice on a rainy afternoon, especially since food and parking are right there.