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Thrill-seekers, movie fans, water babies, behold! We've rounded up the best theme parks across Asia, whether you're looking for attractions for your next itinerary or planning to tick off the best rollercoasters in the region.
Located on the island of Sentosa, as part of the Resorts World complex that includes hotels, an aquarium, and a water park, Universal Studios remains a big attraction. The theme park features a range of rides and shows for all ages themed to well-known movies. Rides such as the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase and the Jurassic Park Dino-Soarin are ideal for younger ones. Rides like Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon and Revenge of the Mummy will keep thrill seekers white-knuckled. Harry Potter fans should try the Universal Studios in Japan, where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter includes a range of rides and experiences.
Opened in April 2017, this new Lego-themed park features over 40 rides, shows, and attractions, including miniature Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, made out of Lego. The park is divided into seven distinct areas, each containing a range of attractions. Ride The Dragon rollercoaster in the Knights Kingdom, fire your water cannons at Splash Battle in the Pirate Shores, or drive a Lego car in Lego City’s Driving School. There’s also a giant Lego store in the Factory to take home some pieces for yourself.
Another new addition, Shanghai is the third Disney location in the region and is the biggest international park to date. It features over 30 rides and attractions including an impressive Pirates of the Caribbean experience in Treasure Cove and Tron Lightcycle Power Run ride in Tomorrowland. There’s also a range of shows and parades from all your favourite Disney characters, dining options, and gift stores.
Hong Kong’s home-grown theme park, Ocean Park, has offered a range of rides and attractions since 1977. After some major renovation and expansion in 2014, the park remains a firm favourite among many locals and visitors. This is thanks to its range of white-knuckle rides including the multi-looping Dragon and the Wild West Mine Train with breath-taking views over the south of the island. There’s also a Grand Aquarium in the Aqua city area, giant pandas, a range of shows, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
Part of the Vinpearl resort in Nha Trang, Vinpearl Land is housed on the island of Hon Tre and connected by cable car. At over 200,000 square-metres, this is the largest theme park in Vietnam. It includes some unique rides and attractions, such as the Alpine Coaster, Sky Drop and Evolution. There’s also an Underwater World aquarium and water park to keep the family busy all day.
Opened in 2014, Taipei Children's Amusement Park is situated in the north of the Taipei metropolitan area. It features 13 carnival-style rides, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, swinging ship, and monorail. The rides are paid for individually by using a Taipei EasyCard and are all very affordable. There’s also a free indoor and outdoor playground, with lots of options for younger kids.
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, to give it its full name, is part of the Ancol Bay City resort along Jakarta’s waterfront. The Dreamland includes a range of different parks and attractions, including the Atlantis Water Adventure, Sea World Aquarium, Ocean Eco Park, and Fantasy World (Dunia Fantasi or Dufan), the resort’s theme park. Dufan features over 40 rides and attractions such as the Hello Kitty adventure, the Tornado white-knuckle ride, and Arung Jeram white water rapids ride.
South Korea’s largest theme park is located in the Everland resort in Yongin, roughly an hour south of Seoul (a shuttle bus is available). The park is divided into five main zones: European Adventure, Zootopia, Global Fair, American Adventure, and Magic Land. Each offers a range of rides and attractions from the T Express, a wooden roller coaster and the steepest ride in the world, to the Kids Village. There is also Caribbean Bay, a water park, within the Everland resort.
Thailand’s biggest waterpark, Ramayana Water Park, is located 20km south of Pattaya and about an hour and a half drive from Bangkok. It offers more than 50 attractions, including 21 water slides, divided into six categories from Ultimate, with rides such as Freefall, to For The Family, with options for all ages. There’s also a range of pools, river walks, a green maze, and beach volleyball available.
This 10-acre site at Resorts World Genting will replace the Genting Outdoor Theme Park when it opens later this year. This is the world's first park themed by 20th Century Fox and is expected to include rides styled on films such as Alien Vs Predator, Sons of Anarchy, Ice Age, and Planet of the Apes.
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