Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi Admission Ticket

If you’re dreaming of a day spent marveling at marine life without leaving Hanoi, the Lotte World Aquarium might just be your go-to destination. As Vietnam’s largest indoor aquarium, it promises a memorable experience packed with vibrant displays, engaging shows, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. While we haven’t personally attended, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it delivers a fun, educational outing for families and curious travelers alike.

What catches our eye about this experience? First, the vast size of the aquarium — covering over 9,000 square meters with 67 tanks. Second, the diversity of marine life—more than 31,000 creatures from tiny seahorses to mighty sharks. And third, the interactive elements like touch pools and live shows that bring the ocean’s wonders to life.

One consideration is that the ticket excludes food, souvenirs, and some personalized photo services, so budget accordingly if you want a full experience. This tour seems best suited for families with children, marine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, affordable day of discovery in Hanoi.

Key Points

• Affordable Pricing: At $12.66 per person, it offers great value for a comprehensive marine experience.
• Interactive & Educational: Touch pools, shows, and exhibits encourage hands-on learning.
• Family Friendly: Designed to entertain and educate children, with scheduled shows and easy access.
• Convenient Location: Located in Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, with good public transport options.
• Limited Extras: Does not include meals, souvenirs, or professional photos, so plan to bring extra cash if desired.
• Timing & Duration: Approximately a full day from 09:30 AM to 10:00 PM, providing ample flexibility.

Exploring the Aquarium: What to Expect

Getting There and Entry

Located on the B1-B2 floors of Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, the aquarium is easy to reach — most travelers can access it via public transportation or taxi. Once inside, your ticket grants access to the entire aquarium, with the main features centered around 67 tanks filled with over 31,000 sea creatures.

The Experience of the Tanks

The tanks are spread across a generous 9,094 square meters and are designed to mimic various aquatic habitats. As you walk through, you’ll see everything from small, colorful reef fish to larger species like sharks and rays. The tanks are strategically placed to guide visitors along a 650-meter route, which ensures you get a good overview of marine biodiversity.

Showtimes and Live Presentations

One of the highlights of visiting the aquarium is the scheduled Magic Show, Mermaid Show, and Sea Animal Presentations. These are set at fixed times, with the mermaid show running at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and an extra performance at 7:30 PM on weekends and public holidays. The shows are designed to entertain and educate, often featuring lively performances and engaging storytelling.

Interactive Touch Pools

A significant draw for families are the touch pools, where children (and adults!) can gently feel certain species like starfish or sea cucumbers. While reviewers mention that these are fun and add a tactile dimension to the visit, it’s worth noting that staff are usually on hand to supervise, ensuring a safe experience.

Educational Content

The exhibits are curated to teach visitors about marine life adaptations and ecosystems. Expect panels explaining the importance of coral reefs, the role of seahorses, and shark conservation messages. We love how these exhibits turn a fun day out into an opportunity to learn about the ocean’s fragility and beauty.

The Myth of Ca Ong

Following the legend of Ca Ong, a mythical fisherman spirit, the tour incorporates Vietnamese cultural elements. This storytelling adds a layer of local color and immerses visitors in Vietnam’s maritime folklore, making the visit more meaningful and memorable.

Additional Activities and Considerations

Shows and Presentations

The scheduled shows add a splash of excitement. The Mermaid Show at 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 7:30 PM (weekends and holidays) are highlights, featuring performers dressed as mermaids who interact with the audience and introduce various sea creatures. Reviewers note that these performances are lively and well-produced, though sometimes crowded.

Visibility and Layout

The tanks are well-lit and strategically arranged for optimal viewing, even during busy hours. Some reviewers mention that the layout is straightforward, making it easy for children to navigate without feeling overwhelmed. However, because visits can be popular, especially on weekends, expect some crowding near the main tanks and shows.

Price and Value

At just $12.66, the ticket offers excellent value considering the size and variety of the exhibits. Admission includes access to all the tanks and scheduled shows but excludes extras such as food, souvenirs, or photo services. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly family outing, this is hard to beat.

What’s Not Included

Lamentably, meals, beverages, and souvenirs are not covered, so plan to bring snacks or buy them inside the mall. The tour also doesn’t include Koi feeding or professional photos—these are available separately if you wish to capture the memories.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with children who want an engaging, educational experience without traveling far from Hanoi’s city center. Marine enthusiasts or travelers seeking a break from the usual cultural sites will also find plenty to enjoy here. Its affordability and interactive features make it a solid choice for a fun day, especially if you’re looking for a flexible outing (open daily from 09:30 AM to 10:00 PM).

It’s important to remember that this experience is about quality over luxury—expect straightforward exhibits and scheduled shows rather than high-end amenities. It’s perfect if your goal is to learn, relax, and enjoy vibrant marine life in a family-friendly setting.

Final Thoughts

The Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi offers a surprisingly comprehensive glimpse into the underwater world, especially considering its affordable price point. The sheer size and diversity of the tanks, combined with engaging shows and interactive touch pools, make it a worthwhile addition to your Hanoi itinerary.

While it might not satisfy those seeking luxury or in-depth marine research, it excels at providing accessible fun and learning for families and curious travelers. The convenience of its location inside a major mall means you can combine your visit with shopping or dining, making it a practical choice on a busy day.

If you’re visiting Hanoi with kids or simply want to see marine life in a vibrant, safe environment, this aquarium presents a playful, educational, and budget-friendly option worth exploring.

FAQs

Is the ticket for a specific time?
No, the ticket provides access during the aquarium’s operating hours from 09:30 AM to 10:00 PM. You can choose your preferred time to visit within this window.

Are there any age restrictions?
Entry is based on height, not age. Customers between 80 cm and 140 cm tall are eligible for child tickets. Taller children or adults are admitted with an adult ticket.

Does the ticket include shows?
Yes, the ticket includes scheduled shows such as the Magic Show and Mermaid Show, which operate at fixed times during the day.

Can I get a refund if I change my plans?
No, the booking is non-refundable and non-amendable. Be sure of your schedule before purchasing.

How do I receive my ticket?
Most bookings will receive a Viator/TripAdvisor confirmation, which is not the official ticket. The official ticket is sent within 24 hours. For help, support is available via Whatsapp at +65 9765 3804.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s designed to be family-friendly and accessible, with convenient location and easy navigation.

What if I want souvenirs or photos?
These are not included in the ticket price. Souvenir shops and photo services are typically available for an extra charge inside the aquarium.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included. Visitors should plan to bring snacks or purchase inside the mall.

Can I feed the fish or sea animals?
Koi feeding is not included, and feeding other sea creatures is not part of the experience. The focus is on observing and touching the animals at designated pools.

Whether you’re traveling with family or simply looking to add a splash of marine magic to your Hanoi trip, the Lotte World Aquarium offers a fun, affordable, and educational day out. Just remember to check the showtimes, arrive early, and bring your curiosity — the ocean’s wonders await.