Thailand Fun and games, Theme parks in Thailand, Siam Park, Safari World, Dream World and Dusit Zoo

Theme parks in Thailand range from zoos to water parks, miniature villages to haunted houses, and side shows to cultural displays. Most are inexpensive and open year round.

The latest addition, Phuket FantaSea, entertains thousands of visitors a week with a varied programme of cultural shows, the largest buffet in Thailand, a handicraft market and spectacular fireworks. The following is a list of some of the most widely visited and internationally famous Thai theme parks.

The park's main attraction is a large artificial seaside area, complete with sea, waves, waterfalls, towering slides, whirlpools and an assortment of waterbased activities. Satellite attractions include a children's playground, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden. Located on Serithai Road, just off Ram Indra Road. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Take bus Nos. 26 or 27 from Victory Monument. A park bus connects the entrance to the Water Park. Tel: 0 2919 7200.

This great 170-acre park comprises a spacious zoo, a safari park and a marine park. The Safari Park offers the spectacle of wild animals ranging free in a natural habitat. The animals can be viewed either from one's own car or aboard one of the regular air-conditioned coaches provided. The Marine Park is noted for its performing seals, dolphins, birds and monkeys. Restaurants and kiosks are scattered at strategic points within the zoo area for refreshments along the way. Located at Km 9 Ram Indra Road. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Bus No. 26 from Victory Monument goes to Km 9 Ram Indra Road and a minibus service connects to Safari World. Tel: 025181000-19

Something for all the family, including a European-style shopping plaza, miniature land depicting world legends and lots of exciting rides. The action is divided into four "land of dreams" concepts: Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, Dream Garden, and Dream World Plaza. Located at Km 7 Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok (Khlong 3) Road. Open 10 am to 5 pm weekdays and until 7 pm on weekends and public holidays. Tel: 0 2533 1946.

Ancient City showcases the kingdom's historical sites in various forms. Some are replicas of real sites, some have been requisitioned from old temples and some are simply products of imagination drawn from Thai literature. Each exhibit has been created with meticulous attention to authentic detail to reflect the precise customs and styles of the age. The city is shaped like a map of Thailand and visitors enter at the southern tip, passing through a traditional city wall gateway. Located at Km 33 Sukhumvit Road in Samut Prakan. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Brochures are available in Thai and English. Tel: 023239253, 022261227, 0 2226 1936-7.

The third largest model village in the world, Mini Siam celebrates the combined heritages of Thailand and Europe with miniature replicas of the respective cultures' most famous monuments and historical sites. Located at Km 143 on Sukhumvit Road, North Pattaya. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. Tel: 0 3842 1628, 0 4342 4232.

The first Ripley's in Southeast Asia, this museum-cum-amusement arcade blends numerous unusual exhibits with state-of-the-art simulator rides, laser quest, bumper cars and laser coaster, all arranged across a large indoor expanse.

Located on the 3rd floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, Pattaya. Open daily from 10 am-11 pm. Tel: 03871 0294-6.

Phuket FantaSea is the resort island of Phuket's largest theme park. Outstanding features include: the Festival Village with carnivals, games and handicraft shops; the 4,000-seat Golden Kinnaree restaurant with its Grand Buffet of favourite Thai and international dishes; and the magnificent 3,000-seat Palace of the Elephant Theatre where Las Vegas-style shows using state-of-the-art technology and special effects are staged nightly. Located on Phuket's Kamala Beach, the theme park opens at 8:30 pm and show time is at 9 pm.
Tel: 0 7638 5000, Fax: 076385333, E-mail: marketing@phuket-fantasea.com. Website: phuket-fantasea.com

Bangkok's only government-run city zoo houses a wide variety of well cared for tropical fauna. A large pond in the middle of the zoo offers paddle boats for hire. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.

Website: www.zoothailand.org

Over 60,000 crocodiles, plus snakes, elephants and more. The farm is particularly famous for its demonstrations by handlers of how to capture and restrain crocodiles. Located 29 kilometres from Bangkok, off Sukhumvit Road in Samut Prakan. Open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.
Tel: 0 2703 4891-5. Website: www.crocodilefarm.com

This state-owned zoo places countless animals and birds in natural settings. Visitors are driven between sections, getting out to observe the hippos, elephants, bears, monkeys and water birds at their leisure. A huge aviary houses over 100 species of birds together with diminutive mouse deer. Night Safari tours are also offered so that visitors can witness the animals' behaviour after dark, when many species are at their most active. Located off Highway 36 on the way to Sri Racha, the zoo is open Wednesday to Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm. Tel: 0 3831 1561 or 0 3833 0634-6 ext 824, 827 (Night Safari tours). Website: www.zoothailand.org

A well-maintained zoo with hoards of crocodiles, Bengal tigers, camel, deer, scorpions and more.

There are four different shows at various times during the day, including a crocodile show, a tiger show and a special feature show. Located off Sukhumvit Road on Route 3241. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Tel: 0 3829 6556-8.

Chiang Mai Zoo offers visitors the only opportunity in northern Thailand to experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat. The zoo is surrounded by a multihued hilly terrace, home to hundreds of species of wild plants and flowers. The zoo itself includes a Freshwater Aquarium, Gibbon Island, Children's Zoo and a camping area. Located on Huay Kaew Road. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. Tel: 0 53221179. Website: www.zoothailand.org

This spacious zoo is home to over 500 animals, including a large selection of wild animals from Africa. A small park offers visitors the opportunity to relax with nature. Visitors can tour the zoo aboard regular mini train connections running between strategic points, hire a bicycle or go on foot, strolling beneath the shady walkways. Recently added attractions include a DayNight Zoo, a Children's Zoo, Dino Park, a Penguin and Seal exhibition and a shopping plaza. Located 13 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasirna city on the Ratchasirna Pakthongchai Road. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Admission 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. Tel: 0 4426 135I. Website: www.zoothailand.org