There are places that simply spark a child’s imagination, and then there is Monster Aquarium in Pattaya, Thailand, a venue that sent our eight-year-old son Leonardo into a whirlwind of pure, unfiltered excitement. As part of our ongoing “Travel Asia with Kids” series, our family was invited to experience this unique attraction, and we left with a camera full of photos (Leonardo’s camera), a heart full of happy memories, and a son who has not stopped talking about the animals he met.
Monster Aquarium e is not your typical, polished aquarium. As one reviewer aptly put it, “Looks like nothing but if you go inside it is another world of animals”. And they were right. Behind its unassuming exterior, Monster Aquarium unfolds into a fascinating labyrinth of exotic creatures and interactive experiences spanning 16 distinct animal zones.
Leonardo’s Lens: A World of Wonder
For Leonardo, our seasoned little traveler, this was a paradise. His eyes went wide as we entered the fish tunnel—a 10-meter walkway surrounded by fish tanks that felt like walking on the bottom of a river. “Dad, look at that one! It’s huge!” he shouted, already pulling out his camera to capture the moment. He was mesmerized, snapping photo after photo of the strange and unusual fish, never wanting to miss a beat.
The aquarium is home to an astonishing variety of creatures, from giant fish you wouldn’t expect to see in Thailand to exotic land animals. We saw everything from giant snakes, iguanas, and white crocodiles to two-headed tortoises, albino snakes, and even a clouded leopard. The variety was truly mind-boggling. “Look at this, Mom! This one has six legs!” Leonardo exclaimed, completely captivated by the two-headed six-legged turtle we encountered. The sheer novelty of the animals on display kept him in a state of constant awe and discovery.
The Monster Aquarium is home to over 1,000 species of exotic animals, and we felt like we were on a global safari. We saw flamingos, whose vibrant color amazed Leonardo, and watched him try to count all the different types of snakes in the reptile zone—from pythons to albino species, each one more fascinating than the last. The reptile house featured massive lizards and iguanas that seemed to pose for Leonardo’s camera, while the crocodile enclosure drew gasps from all of us.
Hands-On Animal Encounters
What truly sets Monster Aquarium apart is the level of interaction. While we marvelled at the marine life, the terrestrial animal section provided some of our most memorable moments. Leonardo, an animal lover at heart, was thrilled to discover he could get up close and personal with many of the animals.
For a small fee, he was able to feed a variety of animals, including goats, deer, and even fish from a fishing rod. Watching him carefully hold out food to a gentle goat, his face a mixture of concentration and joy, was a precious moment. He couldn’t believe he could feed the fish with a bottle, a simple activity that brought him immense happiness. The “Petting Zone” was another huge hit, allowing him to interact with rabbits and other friendly creatures. He even had the chance to hold a parrot on his hand and get a photo with a snake—though I politely declined that one! “This is the best day ever,” he declared, trying to decide which animal was his favourite.
The entire experience took about two hours, which was the perfect amount of time to see everything without the kids getting tired
. The interior layout was convenient, and all the animals were housed indoors, which was a welcome relief from the Pattaya heat. There was even a small café at the entrance for a quick drink and snacks to refuel the young explorer.
An Unforgettable Day for the Whole Family
While the venue may not have the sleek polish of a mega-aquarium, it offers something perhaps more valuable for families: a sense of discovery and hands-on fun. Many online reviews highlight how much children love it, calling it “very suitable for children to learn”. It’s a place where children’s natural curiosity is ignited.
The staff were friendly and facilitated the feeding and photo opportunities, like getting a photo with a snake, which we politely declined! It was Leonardo’s first time seeing so many exotic and rare animals up close, and he could not stop taking photos. He was the family photographer for the day, documenting every creature we saw.
Our verdict for families: If you are looking for an immersive, educational, and wildly entertaining family activity in Pattaya, Monster Aquarium is a must-visit. As one TripAdvisor review perfectly summarised, it’s a “Lovely attraction” and “I can recommend this attraction for visitors of all ages”. It was certainly a day that our son will not soon forget.
Most photos by Leonardo Gennaro
Monster Aquarium Pattaya
Address: 125/1 Moo 8, Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi 20150, Thailand
Phone: 085-152-3715
Entrance: 240 thb for adults and 150 thb for children. Children under 90-100 cm can enter for free. These fees are for general admission; activities like feeding the animals may have an extra charge.
Email: monstersaquarium@gmail.com
Facebook Page: Monster Aquarium Pattaya
_________________________________________________
Modus Pattaya Beachfront Resort
During our press trip to Pattaya, we were hosted by the wonderful Modus Pattaya Beachfront Resort. Tucked along the tranquil shores of Wong Amat Beach in North Pattaya, this stylish resort combines a striking industrial-chic aesthetic with genuine seaside warmth. Featuring three swimming pools, complimentary ocean kayaking, spacious ocean-view rooms, and exceptional hospitality, it provided our family with the perfect serene sanctuary after our action-packed days around Pattaya.
- Tel: +66 (0) 33 007 888
- Email: resv@pattayamodus.com
- Website: https://www.pattayamodus.com
