Thrills and Spills Guaranteed at Siam Park Water Kingdom, Costa Adeje, Tenerife
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Catch amazing water rides at Siam Park, Tenerife, amidst lush tropical vegetation, themed to depict the ancient mystical kingdom of Siam.
Opened in 2008, Siam Park is just ten minutes drive from Playa de las Americas in the south of Tenerife and there’s a free shuttle bus. What strikes you when you first arrive is the Thai style of the buildings and indeed even the souvenir shop is a replica of a floating market. Apparently most of the materials were brought in from Thailand and the park was inaugurated by HRH Princess Maha Sirindhorn. The carefully planted tropical vegetation adds to the effect, though you can still see the rooftops of Las Americas through the trees.
It’s easy to spend the whole day here since, as well as the rides, there’s Siam Beach with 5000 cubic metres of white sand imported from the Algarve next to a huge wave pool. You can chill on the sun loungers and watch the swimmers braving the artificial waves, the biggest reaching 3m. Even better there are private Cabanas for hire with sun beds, showers, towels, fan, TV and minibar, perfect for all the family.
What people really come for are the rides, and you won’t be disappointed. Children get their own area in the Lost City, a series of towers connected by bridges and nets, incorporating waterfalls, waterslides and games. Adult wimps can ride down the Mai Thai River which snakes gently through the heart of the park passing through lush gardens, cascading waterfalls and a spectacular aquarium housing sharks and manta rays.
If you’re up for the fear, then you’ve got a choice of scary rides, going from the Naga Racer, an easy water slide, where you can race alongside your friends, to the terrifying Tower of Power. You climb up the winding stairs to emerge on a platform high above the park, with spectacular views of the sea and mountains. You’re briefed on how to hold your arms and legs as the person in front of you disappears over the edge into seeming oblivion. Then it’s your turn to lie at the top and then be released down the almost vertical drop.
There’s only a thin stream of water running down the slide and you get the incredible sensation of zero gravity as you reach a top speed of around 80 km/h. At the end of the 76 metre drop, you hit the water and shoot through the middle of a pool full of sharks. It’s certainly scary but, thankfully, it’s all over in seconds…and you’re ready for another go.
My favourite, though, was the Dragon, apparently the biggest of its kind in the world, where you ride through a switchback of tunnels sharing a float with three others. Since you’re spun around many times, you can end up negotiating the almost vertical drops backwards, with only the look of terror on your friends’ faces to give you a hint what’s coming. The best thing you can do is hang on for dear life and think of England.
This is a great day out for all the family, although you might have to leave Grandma by the beach. The park is spotless and incredibly well maintained, and the Thai theme even extends to the restaurants which, as well as the usual burgers and pizzas offer delicious spicy Asian food. A word of warning, however. It’s not advisable to consume your bowl of Pad Thai immediately before your ride on the Tower of Power – you might end up getting your own back…
If, after a day of excitement, you fancy a stay in the lap of luxury try the Hotel Botanico, situated close to Siam's sister park, Loro Parque, in the north of the island. There's also a substantial discount if you buy a combined ticket.
Contact tel: 902 060 000, e-mail:
Cost child ticket: £10 - £20 pp, adult ticket: £20 - £40 pp
Useful links
Leading leisure airline Monarch offers year round flights to Tenerife from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £61.99 one way (£115.99 return).
Siam Park Water Kingdom
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