Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo (Commercial - Flagged)

The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo on the south-east coast near Hua Thanon/Lamai is the island's long-running commercial animal attraction: tanks of tropical fish, sharks and turtles plus big-cat and bird shows. It is fully or mostly under cover, which is why it appears in many rainy-day lists. It is included here only as factual information, flagged as commercial, for three reasons. First, it is a paid private business. Second, there are serious animal-welfare concerns: the zoo keeps tigers and leopards for entertainment, which animal-welfare organisations advise against supporting; as of September 2026 one local source reported the animal shows listed as 'temporarily unavailable' by the operator - the situation may change, so ask directly if this matters to you. Third, opening information conflicts between sources (one aggregator lists 10:00-16:00, another 09:30-15:30), so confirm hours before a special trip. Families looking for indoor animal experiences should weigh this record against the free and welfare-friendly options elsewhere in this database.

Where: Lamai (south-east, near Hua Thanon)

Access

Paid entry, south-east coast near Hua Thanon; taxi or scooter.

Best time

Published hours conflict (roughly 09:30/10:00 to 15:30/16:00) - confirm before going.

Highlights

• Indoor/covered aquarium tanks - works in rain
• Commercial paid attraction - flagged, not recommended
• Animal-welfare concerns: big cats kept for shows
• Show availability reported 'temporarily unavailable' Sept 2026 - confirm

Local tips

• Confirm current hours and show status before travelling there
• Consider the welfare questions before visiting big-cat shows

Safety

• Follow staff rules around animal enclosures

Frequently asked questions

Is there an aquarium on Koh Samui?

Yes, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo near Hua Thanon/Lamai exists as a paid attraction with fish, shark and turtle tanks. It is commercial and we do not recommend it.

Is the tiger zoo ethical?

Animal-welfare organisations advise against attractions where big cats perform or are handled for entertainment. The zoo keeps tigers and leopards; its animal shows were reported as temporarily unavailable in September 2026.

What are the opening hours?

Sources disagree - roughly 09:30/10:00 to 15:30/16:00. Confirm before visiting.