Calling all adrenaline junkies – here are the best theme parks in Asia!
We’re calling it: theme parks are the best – they bring hours of exhilarating fun and are definitely one of our favourite things to do outdoors with the kiddos. And, they’re a big hit with the family! Especially when the young ‘uns are tired from exploring the city. Of course, we know the fun stops once the kids get tuckered out from running around the park… But besides that, if you’re looking to add a theme park to your travel itinerary, consult our handy-dandy guide to the best amusement parks in Asia!
Singapore
1. Universal Studios Singapore
We’re pretty lucky to have a theme park in our own backyard, don’t you think? You certainly don’t have to go too far for a thrilling time – simply pop over to Sentosa for all the action! With seven themed zones, six rollercoasters and two water rides, Universal Studios Singapore (above) is where it’s at. As well as cool rides, you can see some of your favourite television and movie characters in real life, like the lovable characters from Sesame Street, Shrek, Madagascar and more. The park is also the first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia and features fun attractions for the whole family. We personally love the motion-platform Transformers: The Ride 3D, which was first opened in Singapore, ahead of the other Universal Studios parks in the world.
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
2. Adventure Cove Waterpark
We love summer – being able to splash around in a pool outside for most days of the year is a privilege we don’t take for granted. And there’s nothing better than a day at the water park, we reckon! Adventure Cove Waterpark has thrilling water slides, immersive experiences and kid-friendly attractions like a big bucket treehouse and a shallow wading pool for the tots.
Where: Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
3. Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East
Singapore’s local wet theme park, Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East, is extremely popular with kids and families alike. If you haven’t paid it a visit yet, you’re seriously missing out. There are tons of exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping rides for older kids and a pint-sized kids’ zone for the young ‘uns to enjoy. Several of the rides are pretty steep, so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Where: Wild Wild Wet @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Cl, Singapore 519599
Malaysia
4. Legoland Malaysia
If the kiddos love Lego as much as we do, then you’ll want to bring them to Legoland Malaysia! It’s the first Legoland theme park in Asia and features plenty of Lego-centric attractions that ever Lego fan will love, from Star Wars to Ninjago and more. The best part? It also has a water theme park and it’s easily accessible from Singapore – just a mere car ride away. Hurrah! Psst, if you want to venture somewhere further, there’s also a Legoland in Japan that’s worth visiting, too.
Where: Legoland Malaysia, No 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
5. Sunway Lagoon
With more than 90 attractions, Sunway Lagoon isn’t your average amusement park. In fact, Malaysia’s oldest theme park has different attractions including a wildlife park, scream park and even Nickelodeon’s Lost Lagoon – Asia’s first Nickelodeon-themed attraction. We can’t wait to go, especially when it’s only 15 minutes away from the city of Kuala Lumpur!
Where: Sunway Laogon, 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
6. Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park
Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park in Johor Bahru features not one, not two, but six areas of attractions the whole family can enjoy. You can expect thrilling water rides, an adventure rope course, an ice-skating rink, a go-kart track and a trampoline park. The kids certainly won’t be bored at this amusement park!
Where: Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Hong Kong
7. Hong Kong Disneyland
As big fans of Disney, we couldn’t leave this theme park out of our list! Say hi to Mickey and friends in the happiest place on Earth at Hong Kong Disneyland. Enter the magical kingdom to meet your favourite Disney characters and enjoy the fun family-friendly attractions in the park. It’s no surprise, of course, that the park is usually busy, so pick a wise time to go! Our tip? If you’re staying in the city, take the Disney-themed subway from your hotel to the park. And, be sure to download the Hong Kong Disneyland app for up-to-date wait times for your favourite rides.
Want more tips? Check out our guide to Hong Kong Disneyland here or visit our sister site, Honeycombers Hong Kong.
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
8. Ocean Park
If the kiddies love animals and thrilling rollercoaster rides, you’ll want to consider adding Ocean Park in Hong Kong to your list of theme parks to visit. It’s certainly on our list! The little ones will get the chance to see animals up close and personal, while the older ones will definitely love the attractions in the park.
Where: Ocean Park, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Japan
9. Tokyo Disney Resort
The first Disney theme park outside the United States, Tokyo Disney Resort is heaven for all Disney fans who want to enjoy their beloved Disney attractions without having to fly all the way to Anaheim or Orlando. The best part? It comprises two parts – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea (our favourite out of the two). Our top tip? Make full use of the fast passes, because the queues in Japan can get crazy, with wait times up to two hours or more!
Where: Tokyo Disney Resort, 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan
10. Universal Studios Japan
One of six Universal Studios worldwide, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka might just be our favourite of all time. Not only does it include attractions at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Minion Park, but it also has other rides from classic movies like Terminator, Jaws and Spider-Man that the adults and older kids will enjoy.
Where: Universal Studios Japan, 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
For more family-friendly activities to do in Tokyo, check out our Tokyo guide!
South Korea
11. Everland
Located two hours away from the city of Seoul, South Korea’s largest theme park Everland is chock full of fun for the family. Not only does the park have a zoo within its compounds, but it also has a ski lift for you to get from one area of the park to another. Psst, you can even go on a safari bus ride to see animals like ligers and bears roaming around, which the kids will love. No matter when you go during the year, you’ll definitely want to make full use of your time when you’re there. It’s a must-go for us!
Where: Everland, 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
12. Lotte World
Don’t want to venture too far out of the city? If so, pop by Lotte World! Conveniently located in central Seoul, this indoor and outdoor theme park is great for when the kiddies can’t take any more shopping. There are thrilling rollercoaster rides, daily performances, a water park, an aquarium and even an undersea kingdom for the little ones. A win-win for all members of the family!
Where: Lotte World, 240 Olympic-ro, Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Vietnam
13. Suoi Tien Theme Park
Hold on to your hats, because this is a strange one. Located in the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh city, Suoi Tien Theme Park is an oddity among the other theme parks in this list. As strange as it might seem, this Buddha-themed cultural amusement park is surprisingly great for young ‘uns and has a water theme park (which we loved, by the way!). It’s also inexpensive and provides great entertainment when the kids are tired of exploring the city. Psst, you can even try your hand at feeding gators!
Where: Suoi Tien Theme Park, 120 Xa lộ Hà Nội, Phường Tân Phú, Quận 9, Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Thailand
14. Cartoon Network Amazone
Do the kids love Cartoon Network? If so, you’ll want to bring them to the world’s only Cartoon Network-themed water park in Chon Buri, Thailand! We’ll admit it’s a bit of a stretch getting there, as its located on the outskirts of South Pattaya and is two hours away from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. But, it’s a good opportunity to explore another part of the country besides its capital. Plus, who could resist a water theme park with all your favourite Cartoon Network characters? Definitely one for the older kids to enjoy.
Where: Cartoon Network Amazone, 8 888 Sukhumvit Rd, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Top image: Shutterstock
