After breaking ground in April 2019, the first phase of the Angkor Wildlife Aquarium in Siem Reap (Damdek village) finally opened on November 1st 2022. AWA was designed and built by International Concept Management (ICM), an engineering and construction company with an impressive porfolio specialized in aquarium design worlwide. This project, originally named Angkor Animal Kingdom, was assisted locally by LBL International Construction in Phnom Penh. Phases 2 and 3 of this project, which will cost a total of 70 million dollars, should be completed within the next few years.
Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium is home of the first Siem Reap aquarium and the first-ever aquarium in Cambodia. AWA promises an exciting new opportunity for local and international visitors to discover and engage with aquatic life and conservation
ANGKOR WILDLIFE & AQUARIUM TOUR
ANGKOR AQUARIUM
After purchasing your entrance at the imposing ticketing office and receiving a bracelet tag with a QR code, you will first enter the section Monsters of the Mekong section which contains many fish species from Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. This massive 500 cubic meter freshwater tank spotlights the incredible diversity of fish species native to the Mekong River. The star attraction is the exhibit’s namesake – the giant Mekong catfish.
The giant Pangasius (Pangasius sanitwongsei) is one of the two species of giant catfish found in the Mekong river. It has some small anatomical differences with the Mekong giant catfish, (Pangasianodon gigas). Both giant catfish species are listed as critically endangered species. The Mekong giant catfish is the world’s largest freshwater fish (2005’s World Guinness record) with a length of up to 3 meters and a weight of up to 300 kg.
In this section you will also see in separate areas, a burmese python (Python bivittatus) which is is one of the largest species of snakes with a length of up to 6 meters and listed as vulnerable species.
Amongst others, the mudskipper (Periophthalmodon septemradiatus) (ត្រីម៉ាត់ស្គីបភើ (មេភក់) in Khmer) which is on the list of less concerned endangered species, is a fish able to breath outside water.
Next is a large amphitheater where you can seat and have a look at large window from the freshwater tank. Note that the window is a selfie magnet, so it is difficult to have an unobstructed view.
Passed the amphitheater, you will enjoy a more immerse experience by walking into a tunnel below the 600 m3 of saltwater tank, where if you are lucky, you might see sharks and stingrays passing overhead.
ANGKOR WILDLIFE
After exiting the mangrove section , you will find on the outside, after the butterfly garden and turtle pond the otter lagoon. There you will see playful river smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata), one the three species of otters like the hairy-nosed otters found in Cambodia. It is worth noting that the smooth-coated otters have been reintroduced in the Angkor park in 2019 by Wildlife Alliance. They are classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.
Tips
It is best to visit Siem Reap aquarium during the feeding times of the animals, although feeding times can change from time to time for operational reasons.
Salt water feeding: 9:30 am 🌊 and 2:00 pm 🌊
Fresh water feeding: 1:30 pm 💧
Tigers: 10 am 🐯
Otters: 10:15 am 🦦 and 2:30 pm 🦦
Sun bears: 10:30 am 🐻
Crocodiles: 4:00 pm 🐊
ANGKOR WILDLIFE & AQUARIUM | ENTRANCE TICKET PRICES AND OPENING HOURS
The aquarium is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends and public holidays, Saturday and Sunday. The admission prices are the following:
- International tourists: USD 18.
- Local tourists: USD 10 (local expats have a discounted price upon presentation of their long-term visa).
- Kids: USD 5 (local tourists), USD 10 (international tourists).
The aquarium’s admission rates are based on both age and height categories. Children under 3 years old receive free admission, while children under 12 years old pay $5 for residents and $10 for foreigners. Anyone above 12 years old is charged the standard adult rate. For height, visitors below 90 cm enter for free. Those above 90 cm but under 120 cm pay $5 for residents and $10 for foreigners. Any visitor over 120 cm in height is charged at the full adult rate.
ANGKOR AQUARIUM | PHOTO GALLERY
In many aspects, taking pictures with either a camera or a smartphone at the Siem Reap aquarium can be a challenge. The best time to do this will be when there are fewer visitors as they tend to stand in front of the glass and give many unwanted reflections.
Since the aquarium is in a low light environment, you will need to compensate with high ISO, which will adversely affect your pictures, especially if you’re using a smartphone.
Due to the thick glass of the aquarium tanks, you will need to switch to manual focus in order to focus on the fish. It is inevitable that distortion will occur depending on the angle at which the photo is taken.
If you are using a mid to high level camera you can control your depth of field to get a better sharpness on the fishes.
To know more read about this topic please have a look at look at our blog about how to use a depth of field calculator.
ANGKOR WILDLIFE AQUARIUM | MAP AND DIRECTIONS
Siem Reap aquarium is located about 30 km south east of Siem Reap city in Damdek village (Sotr Nikum district). It is easiest to get there by taking road 6, which is a straight commute from Siem Reap’s center. If you want a less busy road, take the road 60 towards the Angkor ticket center, then turn south just before Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club to go back on road 6 and continue to drive East.
It is worth noting that the Angkor Wildlife&Aquarium is located halfway between Siem Reap city center and the new Siem Reap international airport.
ANGKOR WILDLIFE & AQUARIUM REVIEWS
Our review: Although smaller than their counterparts in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, this aquarium offers an educational experience and are it is well worth spending some time in. The wildlife section is still limited but should expand in the coming months and years.
Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium was well received by both Cambodians and international tourists in Siem Reap. Almost a year after its opening, Siem Reap aquarium received 432 reviews on Google Maps with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
The aquarium receives mostly positive reviews (432 reviews in total), with an average rating of 4.5 stars. It is praised for its modern, clean facilities and exhibits showcasing freshwater and marine life from the region. Many mention it as a great family-friendly activity. The most common complaints relate to the distance from Siem Reap (30-40 mins), high entry fees for foreigners, and that some felt it was small or lacked variety.
Positive Highlights 👍:
- Modern, well-designed aquarium and reptile house exhibits. Tanks showcase regional freshwater and marine species.
- Clean, well-maintained facilities and amenities. Provides a relaxing atmosphere.
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff providing educational info on the animals. Good service mentioned.
- Fun, interactive elements like animal feedings and touch tanks. Good for families and kids.
- Expanding offerings – new reptile house, more animals. Management is actively improving.
Negative Feedback 🙁:
- Location is far outside Siem Reap (30-40 min drive). Some found this inconvenient.
- Entry fees considered expensive, especially for foreign tourists ($15+). Locals pay less.
- Smaller scale than some expected. Lacks variety and bigger name animals mentioned.
- Some complaints about pushy vendors or lack of crowd control.
- Still expanding; some areas under construction during visits.
ANGKOR WILDLIFE AQUARIUM | WHAT IS NEXT?
The investors behind Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium plan to expand with phase 2 and 3 to include an elephant sanctuary and a large botanical garden with orchids.
