Best water parks in and around Bangkok

Just a 90-minute drive from the capital, this water park is themed on animated characters from the world of Columbia Pictures – Hotel Transylvania, Garfield and Ghostbusters all get a look-in. Don’t miss the Proton Steam ride if you enjoy group thrills and spills. For an even bigger adrenalin-pumping experience, try the physics-defying Slimer Speed Racer ride. A somewhat more down-to-earth pastime here is T-Pop fan spotting. 

888 Moo 8 Sukhumvit Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip, Chonburi. 033-004-999. Open Mon-Tue 10am-6pm. B400 

The largest rooftop water park in town, Mega Harborland at The Mall Bang Kapi splashes across seven zones that cater equally to family fun and heart-stopping water rides. Go big at Super Island, home to a tower with 18 different slides. For even more rarified air, try soaring on the Sky Rider eight-metres above terra firma. All ages are welcome here – from toddlers to teens and beyond. Young water babies will love the Toys Island and Art Island areas.

3/F The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi, 3522 Lat Phrao Rd, Khlong Chan. 065-861-3000. Open 10am-8pm. Starting at B180 

Perched on the top floor of Central Bangna, this affordable water park promises fun for all ages. With frequent promotions on special occasions, you can often dive in for as little as B99. For a relaxing escape, drift lazily along the tranquil Porong River – no effort required. If you’re craving thrills, the adrenaline-pumping funnel rides deliver twists and turns more exciting than a Tom Clancy novel. 

6/F Central Bangna. Bang Na-Trat Frontage Rd. 02-745-7377. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. B99  

The epic story of Hindu gods at war becomes the backdrop for battles of a watery kind. Located near Buddha Mountain at Khao Chi Chan Temple in Chonburi, this day-trip venue offers entertainment and fun on an epic scale. Kids have a lot of things to do at the child-friendly Hanuman’s Splash zone, where a gigantic monkey-face splash bucket keeps everyone cool. Extreme enthusiasts will love Free Fall, a ride that drops you into water at a butt-clenching 50 kilometres per hour. Another next-level challenge is the intense Aqualoop ride, which will literally send you head over heels with excitement.

9 Moo 7 Ban Yen Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip, Chonburi. 033-005-929. Open Mon-Tue 11am-6pm, Thu-Sun 11am-6pm. Closed Wed. B789

The largest wave pool in Bangkok is a landmark for the city’s youth on a hot summer’s day. Climb its seven-storey rainbow Speed Slide and be prepared to hit warp speed on the way back down. The Wave Pool here is the largest artificial sea in the region and there are many beach-like areas with recliners from which to admire it. A lazy river runs through the site and there are plenty of amusement park-style rides to try once you’re done with swimming. Parents with young children will appreciate the quieter Si-Am Lagoon area.

203 Suan Sayam Rd, Khan Na Yao. 02-105-4294. Open Daily 10am-6pm. B240