Thailand isn’t known for its theme parks, and yet this after dark theme park is the stuff of legends, magic and pure joy for the family – a Phuket Fanatasea indeed.

The central theme of Phuket Fanatasea is the legend of the Kala boy, who you’ll see around the park riding an elephant, and who every evening ushers in the shadow of a lost Thai kingdom, full of wonder and mysticism.

The 140 acre Phuket Fantasea is open everyday except for Thursday. Arrive at 5.30pm for gate opening and stay until closing at 11.30pm, and you’re evening will take in a Royal style banquet, the night-time Culture-Illusion stage show, and  your own selection from a range of attractions, the best of which are detailed below:
 

Carnival Village at Phuket Fantasea

Carnival Village is a vibrant introduction to the theme park and a tour of Thailand’s architectural history. A range of shopping facades offer traditional Thai goods – silk, ceramics, jewelry and souvenirs – and the street is home to the Phuket Fantasea parade featuring elephants and Siamese twins. Participation is encouraged. This is Disneyland’s Main Street, Thai style.

Hanuman’s Lair at Phuket Fantasea

Hanuman’s Lair is a cavern of surprises, fun and games for the kids. Presided over by the trickster king of monkeys, its’ a favourite spot that the kids just don’t want to leave. Luckily for mum and Dad, the Kamala Pier beer garden is nearby, with good music, a laid back atmosphere, and welcomed beverages.

Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant at Phuket Fantasea

From Carnival Village take the road to the blue lake, on which floats the Golden Pavilion. Walk under the Golden Pavilion, past the Invisible Swordsman, into a banquet hall like no other. The Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant is a 4,000 seat facility, waited on by mythical Kinnarees, half woman, half bird beauties who treat the guests like royalty. The Royal Thai dishes are recommended, and you can mix these with international cuisine, plenty of drink, and sheer indulgence in the mystical Himmaphan forest setting with its Singing Bush and Never Ending Trees.

The Palace of the Elephants at Phuket Fantasea

The opulent Palace of the Elephants is a state-of-the-art theater with top acoustics and 3,000 seats. The façade is a Sukhothai ear stone place recreation with statues of royal elephants. The signature show is a dazzling mix of culture and illusion.

In addition to these stand out attractions, Phuket Fantasea features a “theatrical safari,” the Tiger Jungle Adventure, a whole new concept in entertainment, and the Similan Entertainment Center, an undersea arcade and shopping area. The palace Court makes for a particularly romantic walk, and elephant rides, the Viva Bangkok stage theatre and regular carnivals, encourage repeat visits.