Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08.30 – 16.30 / Saturday-Sunday and Public Holidays 08.30 – 17.00

 

Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat in Suphan Buri Province is one of the most complete family-friendly nature and learning destinations in Central Thailand. It is a large natural freshwater lake, a nationally important wetland, a wildlife conservation area, an aquarium complex, a zoo zone, a crocodile area, a native vegetable learning park, a local product center, and a relaxing lakeside recreation area in one destination. For foreign travelers, Bueng Chawak offers an accessible introduction to Thailand’s freshwater ecosystems, wetland conservation, aquatic species, wildlife education, and local community life.

 

Bueng Chawak is a large natural lake covering about 2,700 rai. It lies between Doem Bang Nang Buat District in Suphan Buri Province and Hankha District in Chai Nat Province. The section within Doem Bang Nang Buat covers about 1,700 rai and is located around 64 kilometers from Suphan Buri town. The lake has long been important as a natural wetland and freshwater ecosystem before being developed into a major commemorative tourism and learning site.

 

Bueng Chawak was declared a non-hunting area in 1983. In 1998, it was recognized as a nationally important wetland in line with wetland conservation principles associated with the Ramsar Convention. A wetland is not simply a large body of water. It includes marshes, lowlands, waterlogged areas, natural and artificial water bodies, temporary or permanent flooded areas, still and flowing water, and ecosystems that support diverse plants and animals. Bueng Chawak is a natural freshwater lake with an average depth of about 1–3 meters, making it a clear and accessible example of a wetland ecosystem for visitors of all ages.

 

The ecological value of Bueng Chawak can be seen around the lakeside. In the morning, red and pink lotus flowers bloom across sections of the water. During the cool season from November to March, flocks of water birds, especially lesser whistling ducks, can often be seen gathering among lotus plants and wetland vegetation before gradually leaving around April. The combination of lotus blossoms, cool lakeside wind, and water birds gives the site a strong natural character even though it has been developed as a major tourist attraction.

 

The name Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat is connected with the development of the lake area in 1995, during the time when Banharn Silpa-archa served as Prime Minister. The development was carried out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne. Since then, the lake area has been developed with an aquarium, wildlife zones, a crocodile pond, a native vegetable park, a visitor center, and lakeside recreation areas, making it one of the most popular destinations in Suphan Buri Province.

 

The main attraction is the Bueng Chawak Aquarium, operated by the Suphan Buri Provincial Administrative Organization. The aquarium displays freshwater fish, ornamental fish, rare aquatic species, and marine life for public education. Building 1 introduces both freshwater and saltwater species, including Thai fish and international species. Visitors can see giant Mekong catfish, Siamese giant carp, striped snakehead, clown featherback, and other species that are rarely seen up close.

 

Building 2 is famous for its large aquarium tank holding more than 400 cubic meters of water and a freshwater fish tunnel approximately 8.5 meters long. Visitors can walk under the tunnel and observe fish swimming around them. This immersive experience is especially popular with families and school groups because it allows children to learn about freshwater fish in a memorable way. Fish-feeding demonstrations in the large tank are especially popular on weekends and public holidays.

 

Building 3, known as the Underwater World zone, is one of the most impressive parts of Bueng Chawak. It displays many marine species in large tanks and uniquely designed aquariums. The zone includes a fish tunnel and a 75-meter escalator route that helps visitors experience a closer view of marine habitats. Sharks and other sea creatures are also displayed here, making it a strong learning space for visitors who want to understand the marine environment without traveling to the coast.

 

The freshwater crocodile pond is another major highlight. The area is designed to resemble a natural habitat as much as possible and houses Thai freshwater crocodiles of different sizes. Visitors can observe crocodiles safely from designated viewing points. Crocodile shows are usually held on weekends and public holidays in scheduled rounds. Visitors should always follow staff instructions and stay within safe viewing areas.

 

The Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Center, operated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, adds another important educational dimension. It was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s reign and includes a visitor center, exhibitions on wildlife breeding, birdwatching, geography, the history of Bueng Chawak, ecosystem models, and outdoor learning areas. This zone helps visitors understand Bueng Chawak not only as a zoo or aquarium, but also as a conservation and learning site.

 

One of the highlights of the wildlife center is the large bird aviary, covering about 5 rai and rising around 25 meters high. The aviary is designed to resemble a natural environment and contains many species of birds, including painted storks, lesser whistling ducks, pheasants, peafowl, and other water birds. Visitors can walk along designated paths and observe birds moving freely within the large enclosure. This type of experience helps children and adults learn bird behavior more naturally than viewing animals through small cages.

 

The wildlife zone also includes tiger and lion enclosures designed with cave-like structures and rock mounds to imitate natural habitats. Animals displayed include lions, tigers, clouded leopards, leopards, leopard cats, and other rare animals. Additional wildlife such as peafowl, pheasants, zebras, camels, and ostriches may also be seen. Visitors should take time to read the educational signs and observe the animals respectfully.

 

Rabbit Island is a family-friendly area designed like a small island surrounded by water. It houses rabbits such as Jersey Wooly and Angora breeds, along with other animals such as spotted deer and hog deer. Fish are also kept in the surrounding water area, and visitors may enjoy feeding fish such as koi, ornamental fish, and white swai. This relaxed zone is particularly enjoyable for young children and families who want a lighter activity between the aquarium and wildlife zones.

 

The Native Vegetable Park for Self-Sufficiency is another valuable learning zone. Managed by the Department of Agricultural Extension, it was created to raise awareness of native vegetables and plant conservation. The park collects more than 500 types of local vegetables from different regions of Thailand, including herbs, trees, vines, annual plants, and wetland plants. It also includes vegetable-based ornamental gardens, hydroponic demonstrations, evaporative cooling plant houses, exhibitions, a library, and agricultural learning services. For foreign visitors interested in Thai food culture, this zone helps explain the plant diversity behind Thai cooking and traditional self-sufficient living.

 

The OTOP product center and community rice mill reflect the local economic and community side of Bueng Chawak. The OTOP center gathers food products, handicrafts, and local goods from Suphan Buri and nearby provinces. The community rice mill supports farmers growing chemical-free rice and processes their crops into Bueng Chawak chemical-free rice products. These zones show how tourism can support local livelihoods and community products, not only provide recreation.

 

The lakeside area itself is peaceful and suitable for relaxation. Visitors can walk, sit in pavilions, enjoy the breeze, watch lotus flowers, observe birds, and rest between attractions. In some periods, paddle boats or water activities may be available. Visitors who want to camp by the lake should contact the relevant staff in advance to confirm permission, designated areas, and safety conditions.

 

Bueng Chawak is suitable for a half-day or full-day trip. Visitors who only want to see the aquarium and crocodile pond may spend around 2–3 hours. Those who want to visit the aquarium buildings, Underwater World, wildlife center, bird aviary, Rabbit Island, Native Vegetable Park, and lakeside area should plan a full day. Starting in the morning is recommended because some zones have different opening hours and scheduled activities.

 

Accessibility is another important feature, especially around the aquarium area. Several ramps are available, along with signs, accessible toilet facilities, and free wheelchair service. However, some indoor ramps may be steep, so wheelchair users should travel with an assistant for safety and convenience. This makes Bueng Chawak a practical destination for families traveling with elderly visitors or people with mobility needs.

 

Getting There from Bangkok is convenient by private car via the Taling Chan-Suphan Buri route, or Highway 340, for about 160 kilometers. When reaching Doem Bang Nang Buat District, travelers can enter the lake area by two main routes. The first route is around kilometer marker 147 on Highway 340, where signs indicate the entrance to Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat and Wat Doem Bang. Turn left, cross the river, continue to the junction with the irrigation canal road, turn right, then turn left across the canal bridge and continue to the lake.

 

The second route is around kilometer marker 151 on Highway 340, where signs indicate another entrance to Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat. Turn left, cross the Bueng Chawak bridge, continue to the junction with the irrigation canal road, turn right, then turn left across the canal bridge and continue to the destination. Travelers using public transport can take a bus from Mo Chit or the Southern Bus Terminal toward Tha Chang, get off at Doem Bang Nang Buat, and hire local transport to Bueng Chawak.

 

Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phrakiat is valuable on several levels. It is a natural freshwater lake and nationally important wetland. It is an educational attraction with aquariums, wildlife zones, and agricultural learning spaces. It is also a family recreation site where children, adults, elderly visitors, and foreign travelers can enjoy a wide range of activities in one place. For anyone planning a trip to Suphan Buri, Bueng Chawak is one of the most useful and complete destinations for understanding nature, wildlife, aquatic life, and local community learning in Central Thailand.

 

 

A: It is located in Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri Province, connected with Hankha District in Chai Nat Province, about 64 kilometers from Suphan Buri town.

 

A: The main attractions include the aquarium complex, Underwater World, fish tunnel, crocodile pond, wildlife center, bird aviary, Rabbit Island, Native Vegetable Park, and the natural lakeside area.

 

A: It generally opens Monday-Friday from 08.30 to 16.30 and Saturday-Sunday and public holidays from 08.30 to 17.00.

 

A: Aquarium Buildings 1 and 2 including the crocodile pond cost 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. Building 3 Underwater World costs 150 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Visitors aged 60 and above enter free according to posted conditions.

 

A: Yes. It is very suitable for families because it has aquariums, a fish tunnel, wildlife zones, Rabbit Island, a crocodile pond, and nature-learning areas where children can learn through real experiences.

 

A: The aquarium area has ramps, accessible toilets, signs, and free wheelchair service. Some indoor ramps may be steep, so wheelchair users should travel with an assistant.

 

A: Travelers can take a bus from Mo Chit or the Southern Bus Terminal toward Tha Chang, get off at Doem Bang Nang Buat, and hire local transport to Bueng Chawak.

 

A: Plan 2–3 hours for the aquarium and crocodile pond, or a full day to visit the aquarium, wildlife center, Rabbit Island, Native Vegetable Park, and lakeside areas.