Why Siam Park is the best waterpark in the world!

June 20, 2024

Siam Park, nestled in the lush landscapes of Tenerife, Canary Islands, is often heralded as the best water park in the world. Opened in 2008, this Thai-themed water park is not just a marvel of engineering and design but also a testament to the power of imagination in creating an unparalleled visitor experience. From its unique ProSlide ride designs to its harmonious integration with the natural topography, Siam Park stands out as a beacon of excellence in the realm of water parks. However, no masterpiece is without its imperfections, and Siam Park is no exception, especially when it comes to handling peak visitor numbers.

Facts and figures

Location: Costa Adeje – Tenerife, Spain

Inner Park Size: 15 ha / 38 acre

Number of Attractions: 25+

Visitor Numbers yearly: 1.150.000

Design Day: approx. 6.600

Latest Addition: Saifa (a dueling water coaster in 2023)

Terrain and landscaping

Siam Park is situated on the Volcanic Island of Tenerife and has been built on a very specific site with lots of topo. This topography is one of the unique selling points of the park and contributes fantastically to the water ride designs and layouts. Many water rides are situated close to the hill sides ‘hugging’ the terrain or carved out of the mountainside. They are an integral part of the landscape and make excellent use of the ‘genius loci’ (or the spirit of the site).

Siam Park’s location on the hilly terrain of Tenerife has been used to its advantage in creating a water park that feels both expansive and intimately connected with its environment. The park’s design takes full advantage of the natural elevation, providing gravity-assisted thrill rides that seamlessly integrate with the landscape.

Unique ProSlide Ride Designs

One of the standout features of Siam Park is its collaboration with ProSlide Technology Inc., a leader in water ride design and manufacturing. The park boasts several world-class attractions that push the boundaries of what water rides can offer. The rides stand out because of performance. Many ride manufacturers focus on the addition of fancy colours, wraps, lights or sound, while the rides are kind of bland. Siam Park’s ride colours are a unique blend of earthy tones complementary with the landscape colours, but the rides stand out because of unparalleled performance, offering a stunning experience.

The Dragon: This iconic ride features a colossal funnel, creating a zero-gravity sensation that leaves riders in awe. The sheer scale and the adrenaline-pumping experience make it a must-try for thrill-seekers.

Kinnaree: This ride is a combination of several ProSlide innovations, creating a multi-sensory ride that includes high-speed drops, funnel segments, and a massive curved vertical wall element. Riders begin their journey by plunging down a steep drop, followed by a serpentine section that leads to an enormous funnel where they experience near-vertical oscillations. The ride concludes with breathtaking drop onto a large wall, where centrifugal forces create a sensation of weightlessness before a final splashdown.

Singha: This water coaster (opened in 2015) is a technological marvel, combining the elements of a roller coaster with water propulsion. With high-speed FlyingSAUCER turns and multiple sections of acceleration, it offers a unique ride experience that blends the best of both worlds.

Saifa: This ProSlide-designed dueling water coaster brings a competitive edge to the water park experience, allowing riders to race against each other in a high-speed aquatic adventure. Saifa features two parallel tracks that allow riders to race against friends or family. Utilizing ProSlide’s cutting-edge water coaster technology, Saifa combines water jets and gravity to propel riders through various sections of the ride. This technology ensures smooth acceleration and thrilling speed, making the ride both exciting and safe. Saifa’s tracks are integrated into the park’s lush landscape, with sections that weave through tropical foliage and over water features. This natural integration enhances the visual appeal and provides a sense of adventure as riders navigate through different environments.

These rides are a testament to Siam Park’s commitment to providing unique, heart-pounding experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.

Pools and Rivers

Next to that the park also offers incredible pools, rivers and a stunning kids zone.

Mai Thai River: Meandering through the park, the lazy river offers a relaxing experience with stunning views of the surrounding hills and lush vegetation. The varying elevations add a unique dimension to this otherwise tranquil ride. On busy days, this river can become congested with a high number of riders. This can detract from the intended experience of both relaxation and mild adventure, as overcrowding leads to frequent collisions and a more chaotic flow.

The Wave Palace: This enormous wave pool not only provides fun waves but also offers breathtaking views of the island and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a visual and sensory delight. It can also be utilized as a surf pool with waves that can reach heights of 4m!

Coco Beach: Coco Beach is a more recent addition to Siam Park, designed to cater to families and younger visitors. Coco Beach is home to a kids wave pool that produces gentle, rolling waves, perfect for families with young children. The waves are moderate enough to be safe for smaller kids while still providing fun for older children and adults.The area is designed to mimic a tropical beach, complete with soft, white sand and numerous lounging spots. The beach-like environment allows visitors to relax and soak up the sun, creating a perfect spot for families to unwind together.Coco Beach includes a dedicated children’s play area with smaller slides and water features. This ensures that even the youngest visitors have a safe and enjoyable space to play and explore.

Overall Theming

The meticulous Thai theming throughout Siam Park is a significant factor in its global acclaim. From the intricately designed buildings and statues to the lush, tropical landscaping, every element contributes to an immersive experience. Authentic Thai architecture is evident in the park’s entrance, restaurants, and even the ride structures. The park’s design transports visitors to a different world, enhancing the escapism that theme parks aim to provide. Whether it’s the gentle stream flowing through the park or the themed water slides, every attraction maintains the Thai aesthetic, creating a cohesive and engaging environment that enhances the overall experience.

Critical Examination: Master Planning and Peak Day Challenges

Despite its numerous strengths, Siam Park is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of master planning and handling peak visitor numbers. On peak days, the park can become overwhelmingly crowded, leading to long wait times for popular attractions. The compact layout, while visually appealing and thematically consistent, sometimes struggles to accommodate the high visitor volume efficiently. The park’s topography, while great for ride design, can be a hindrance in terms of accessibility. Steep pathways and steps can be challenging for families with young children or visitors with mobility issues. The flow of foot traffic often becomes congested, detracting from the overall experience. Given Tenerife’s sunny climate, the park could also benefit from more shaded areas and seating. On busy days, finding a place to rest and escape the sun can be a challenge, which can affect visitor comfort and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Siam Park’s acclaim as the world’s best water park is well-deserved, thanks to its innovative ProSlide rides, clever use of natural topography, and impeccable theming. However, like any popular destination, it faces challenges in crowd management and accessibility, particularly during peak times. Addressing these issues would further cement its status as not only the best water park in the world but also the most visitor-friendly. For now, though, it remains a jewel in the crown of aquatic amusement parks, offering an experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable. To all other (new) waterparks that have the ambition to play in Siam’s league: go to Tenerife and visit Siam, amaze yourself, see how they do it and ask B&Eau to help you achieve the same level!