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Rayong Aquarium

Name: Rayong Aquarium
Address: Phe, Muang Rayong, Rayong, TH
Telephone: 038653672, 038653741
Price range: 0
Rating: 4

Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Wednesday–Friday, Saturday–Sunday and public holidays (closed on Monday–Tuesday)

Opening Hours: Wed–Fri 10:00–16:00, Sat–Sun/Public Holidays 10:00–17:00

Rayong Aquarium is located at Moo 2 on the Ban Phe Bayfront, Pae Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District. It is a marine learning center operated by the Department of Fisheries, showcasing beautiful and rare aquatic species alongside its roles in education, experimentation, and research. The venue passes on knowledge about marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal resource conservation to the public. With its seaside setting, the ambience is open, airy, and breezy—ideal for families and children to safely discover the underwater world.

The exhibition layout is divided into three main sections. The first features live marine animals, curated across ornamental fish, economic species, and rare species, displayed in a variety of tanks and ponds. These range from a simulated coral reef zone with clownfish, butterflyfish, and seahorses to outdoor ponds and a sea turtle pond. There is also a touch pool for learning the characteristics of marine creatures like starfish or sea cucumbers, supervised by staff who guide proper handling.

The highlight of the first section is the underwater tunnel, designed for visitors to walk through while schools of fish swim overhead, creating the sensation of being truly beneath the sea. Inside the tunnel, you can closely observe the behavior of larger species such as giant groupers and rays, as well as shark species commonly featured in aquariums.

The second section is an educational marine and fisheries exhibition presenting the evolution of fishing boats, traditional and modern fishing gear, a mangrove ecosystem model, and marine biology. It covers topics from species adaptations in various habitats and reef formation processes to conservation lessons such as breeding and releasing marine animals, habitat restoration, and responsible fishing.

The third section is a shell museum, gathering specimens from Thai waters and other regions, categorized with clear labels to showcase the ocean’s biodiversity. Some shells have striking patterns, colors, and morphologies, helping visitors understand the evolution and adaptations of mollusks.

All three sections are designed for “learning by seeing,” blending accessible explanations with illustrated panels and infographics. Visitors can progress from foundational ecosystems to the relationship between people and the sea—from the importance of mangroves as nurseries for marine life to the roles of small-scale fisheries, coastal economies, and today’s conservation challenges.

Getting There From downtown Rayong, take Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) toward Ban Phe. Enter Ban Phe Market and head for the coastline, then follow signs for the “Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center.” The entrance to the aquarium area is on the beachfront. There is ample parking. A typical visit takes around 1–2 hours, with late morning or early afternoon being the most comfortable times weather-wise.

Note that there has been a recent announcement of temporary closure for structural repairs in parts of the building. Please call to confirm actual opening days and hours before your trip. When services resume, some zones may reopen in limited capacity or in timed slots. Kindly follow staff guidance and refrain from touching marine animals outside designated areas.

Name	Rayong Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธุ์สัตว์น้ำระยอง)
Location	Moo 2, Ban Phe Bayfront, Pae Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong 21160
Characteristics	Coastal aquarium, underwater tunnel, fisheries & marine ecosystem exhibitions, shell museum, touch pool
Period	Founded in the late 20th century; opened to the public in 2003 (B.E. 2546)
Key Evidence	Live display tanks, glass tunnel, exhibition documents, model fishing gear, shell collection
Name Origin	The official Thai term “สถานแสดงพันธุ์สัตว์น้ำ” (Aquatic Species Exhibition Center) reflects its educational role in sharing knowledge about aquatic life in Rayong Province.
Travel	From downtown Rayong, take Highway 3 to Ban Phe, then follow signs for the “Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center.” The site is on Ban Phe Beachfront with parking available.
Current Status	Temporarily closed for structural repairs (please check before visiting)
Fees	Adults 30 THB, Children 10 THB; children ≤ 120 cm tall and seniors ≥ 60 years enter free (subject to change)
Nearby Attractions (Distance)	Ban Phe Market (~1 km), Koh Samet Pier/Na Nian Pier (~2 km), Mae Ramphueng Beach (~6–7 km), Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park (~7–8 km)
Contact Number	0-3865-3741, 0-3865-1764 (please call to confirm opening days & hours before visiting)

Fish Category	Displayed Species	Natural Habitat
Coral Reef Fish	Clownfish, Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Damselfish, Angelfish, Trevally, Wrasse, Seahorse	Commonly found around coral reefs in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, especially near Koh Samet, Koh Chang, and the Surin Islands. They inhabit rocky crevices, coral reefs, and seaweed beds.
Economic Marine Fish	Barramundi, Grouper, Giant Grouper, Short Mackerel, Sea Barb, Marine Shrimp, Blue Crab, Squid	Found along both eastern and western coasts of Thailand, especially in the lower Gulf of Thailand, mangrove estuaries, and mudflats—prominent in Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Samut Songkhram provinces.
Rare and Endemic Species	Marine Guppy, Longfin Butterflyfish, Lionfish, Blue-spotted Grouper, Saltwater Arowana	Found in deeper coral reef zones in southern Thailand, such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe. Some are imported tropical species from the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia and the Philippines.
Sharks and Large Marine Animals	Blacktip Reef Shark, Brownbanded Bamboo Shark, Blue-spotted Ray, Manta Ray, Large Grouper	Found in tropical coastal waters worldwide, including the lower Gulf of Thailand—around Koh Tao, Koh Samui, and the Andaman Sea, mainly along sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs.
Venomous and Dangerous Fish	Lionfish, Sea Urchin, Stingray, Stonefish, Pufferfish	Found around rocky and sandy seabeds in shallow waters of the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Lionfish and stonefish dwell in reef crevices, while pufferfish are common in coastal shallows.
Other Marine Animals and Invertebrates	Starfish, Sea Cucumber, Hermit Crab, Spiny Lobster, Various Corals, Giant Clam	Inhabit coral reefs and sandy seabeds along the coast—abundant in Rayong, Pattaya, and Trat, particularly around rocky shores and protected marine park zones.
Sea Turtles and Outdoor Pond Species	Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Large Stingray, Black Grouper	Found in coastal waters of eastern Thailand, particularly around Koh Samet, Koh Kood, and Koh Chang—areas known for natural nesting and nursery grounds for sea turtles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which days is Rayong Aquarium open?

A: Normally Wed–Fri 10:00–16:00 and Sat–Sun/Public Holidays 10:00–17:00 (closed Mon–Tue), but there is currently a temporary closure announcement. Please call to confirm before visiting.

Q: How much is the admission fee?

A: Adults 30 THB; children 10 THB; children not taller than 120 cm and seniors 60+ enter free (subject to change).

Q: What are the must-see highlights?

A: The underwater tunnel, coral reef zone, sea turtle pond, touch pool, and the fisheries – marine ecosystem exhibitions.

Q: Is it suitable for young children?

A: Yes, it’s family-friendly with many learning spots. Please supervise children closely and follow signage, especially near wet floors or touch-pool areas.

Q: Is it easy to get there?

A: Yes. By car from downtown Rayong, drive to Ban Phe and follow signs to the research center. There is parking on site. By public transport, take a songthaew/taxi from town to Ban Phe.

Q: Is it open now?

A: There is a temporary closure announcement. Please call 0-3865-3741 or 0-3865-1764 for the latest status before planning your trip.

Website : www.fisheries.go.th