If you're planning a trip to Phuket and looking for an unforgettable night of entertainment, you might find yourself torn between the two most famous shows on the island: Siam Niramit and Fantasea. Both offer dazzling displays of Thai culture, history, and mythology, but they have unique features that set them apart. In this blog post, I'll break down the differences between these two spectacular shows to help you decide which one is best for you.
Categories of Comparison
I'll compare Siam Niramit and Fantasea across several categories: location, pricing, program, pick-up and drop-off services, facilities, food, seating comfort, the show itself, and overall service. Each category winner gets one point, and the show with the most points at the end will be the winner.
Location
Siam Niramit is located about 15 kilometers from Patong Beach, taking up to 40 minutes to reach by car or bus. On the other hand, Fantasea is situated just behind Kamala Beach, a popular tourist area and a short drive from Patong. Fantasea wins this category for its convenient location closer to the main tourist spots.
Pricing
Both shows offer similar pricing structures, with separate rates for the show only and for the show plus dinner. The starting price for just the show is about 1800 THB, and the show plus dinner package starts at around 2200 THB. Since the prices are comparable, this category is a draw, with each show earning a point.
Program
Both shows have similar programs, with doors opening at 5:30 PM. Siam Niramit's show starts at 8:30 PM and lasts 80 minutes, while Fantasea's show begins at 9:00 PM and runs for 70 minutes. Both venues offer outside facilities and dining options before the show. This category is also a draw.
Pick-up and Drop-off
Siam Niramit charges 350 THB per person for their pick-up and drop-off service, while Fantasea charges 450 THB per person. Additionally, Siam Niramit's pick-up service was punctual, while Fantasea's driver was an hour late and required several calls to find the pick-up location. Siam Niramit wins this category for its better service and lower price.
Facilities
Siam Niramit features a historical village showcasing traditional Thai life, kids' games, an outside bar, and pre-show performances. Fantasea, on the other hand, has a larger carnival village with games, handicrafts, cultural parades, an open-air bar, and numerous shops. Both offer elephant attractions, but Fantasea has more activities and space. This category is a draw, as both venues have plenty to keep you entertained.
Food
Fantasea's dining area is well-organized with assigned tables and multiple buffet stations, offering a wide variety of dishes including Thai, Chinese, Indian, and international cuisines. Siam Niramit's buffet, however, is quite chaotic, with limited food choices and long wait times. Fantasea wins this category for its superior dining experience.
Seating Comfort
Fantasea's theater is larger, with a capacity of 3000 seats, compared to Siam Niramit's 1740 seats. The seats at Fantasea are more stable and spacious, while Siam Niramit's seats have loose backs and limited legroom. Fantasea wins this category for its more comfortable seating.
The Show Itself
Siam Niramit's show consists of three acts depicting Thailand's history, culture, and spirituality, featuring scenes of ancient kingdoms, rural villages, heaven and hell, and the legendary Himmapan forest. Fantasea's show is a fantasy-themed story with acrobatics, magic, and animal performances, set in the mystical land of Kamala. Both shows are equally impressive, making this category a draw.
Overall Service
Both venues offer outstanding service, with friendly and helpful staff ensuring a smooth and memorable experience. Since there are no significant differences in service quality, this category is a draw.
Final Score and Personal View
After tallying the points, we have a draw. Both shows offer equally impressive experiences with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and values.
However, I would personally not visit Fantasea again due to concerns about animal welfare, particularly the use of elephants and baby tigers in the show. This point might be crucial for many visitors.
Drop a comment below to let me know which show you're going to choose and why. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find this comparison helpful!