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

Expect a modest, educational aquarium rather than an elaborate tourist attraction – you'll be satisfied. Operated by the Phuket Marine Biology Centre at Cape Panwa, about 10 km south of Phuket Town, the aquarium focuses on the fish and reefs of the Andaman coast. Signage is in English and Thai. The walk-through tunnel is the highlight for most visitors, even though it's only a few meters long. There's also a dodecagonal tank, a whale tank, the "Secrets of the Deep Sea" gallery, and a petting area. Outside, a visit to the turtle rehabilitation pools is worthwhile for an additional 20 minutes.

Foreign adults pay 300 baht and children 150 baht, Thai visitors 80 baht and 40 baht respectively. Children under 108 cm tall enter free. The aquarium is open daily, including holidays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. At 11:00 am, a diver feeds the fish in the large tank. A visit lasts approximately 1 hour to 90 minutes. This price is cheaper than that of the larger and more modern Aquaria Phuket in Central Floresta, which costs 1,390 baht for foreign adults at the ticket counter and features a mermaid show.

The criticisms are valid. Some aquariums are too small, some appear half-empty, and reviewers complain about smudged glass that makes photography difficult. However, it is quite suitable for children or anyone seriously interested in the marine life off Phuket.

It's a 15-20 minute drive from Phuket Town and about 45 minutes from Patong; parking is available right at the entrance. Grab works, but the cape is a dead end, so arrange your return trip before going in. Red songthaews also run from town to Makham Bay and the aquarium.