Zoos & aquariums
Bangkok Aquarium
The Bangkok Aquarium, founded in 1940, is the oldest aquarium in Thailand. Located at the Kasetsart University main campus in Bangkok, the aquarium is home to about 560 species of freshwater fish native to Thailand as well as about 100 species of aquarium plants. The showcase species include Chao Phraya giant catfish, Siamese giant carp, and Siamese tigerfish. The aquarium is owned and operated by the Thailand Department of Fisheries.
What it is
The Bangkok Aquarium is a freshwater fish collection on the main campus of Kasetsart University, run by the Thailand Department of Fisheries. Opened in 1940, it is the oldest aquarium in the country and focuses specifically on species native to Thailand rather than a broad international collection. It holds roughly 560 fish species and around 100 aquatic plant species, with notable tanks for the Chao Phraya giant catfish, Siamese giant carp, and Siamese tigerfish. It suits travellers curious about Southeast Asian river ecosystems rather than those looking for a large, modern marine-park experience.
Getting there
The aquarium sits inside the Kasetsart University campus in northern Bangkok. From the city centre, expect around 30-45 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app depending on traffic, or you can combine BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station with a short taxi or walk into the campus.
Time to allow
An hour to an hour and a half is generally enough to walk through the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
When to go
As part of a university campus, the aquarium can be busier on weekdays during term time when students are around, and quieter on weekends. Visiting earlier in the day tends to be more comfortable, especially since much of the campus area involves walking outdoors between buildings.
Combine it with
The Elephant Building is the closest sight at 2.1km and can be paired easily in the same outing. Chatuchak Park (4.4km) and Queen Sirikit Park (4.9km) are further green spaces worth a stop if you want to extend the day, while Chatuchak Weekend Market (5.3km) makes sense if your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, when the market is running.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
