Lavinia Woolf
FantaSea is a theme park set in 14 acres that hosts a lavish nightly cultural show in its 3,000 seat state of the art theater. It also has a carnival village and lavish dining and shopping options.
For visitors looking to absorb a little Thai culture in an extraordinary setting then FantaSea in Phuket, the city's largest entertainment complex is the place to go visit. The Palace of Elephants its magnificent theater, delivers nightly performances via hundreds of actors, dancers, singers, elephants and other animals that is a swirl of colour and movement enough to keep the audience riveted for more than an hour. The 40 meter wide stage where the action takes place is dominated by a huge Sukhothai Era temple structure in front of which all the action takes place.
An eye popping audio visual extravaganza, the show employs the latest in light and sound technology to deliver its slick well choreographed production loosely based around the fictitious story of Prince Kamala, his magic elephant and 999 elephants that protect his kingdom.
A cast of hundreds, gorgeous historical costumes for everyone including the elephants, Thai dancing from various regions, aerial acrobatics, stunts, four dimensional magical illusions, pyrotechnics, special effects, especially composed music and performances from a whole troupe of elephants and other animals combine to provide an amazing sensory experience. Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa that is among well known Phuket luxury hotels arranges for its guests to view some of the city's acclaimed nightly entertainments.
The other attractions on the 14 acre the theme park do not disappoint either. Its carnival village with fantastic structures loosely based on Thai architectural traditions holds a series of surprises for the whole family. Here visitors can stroll along a shopping street with a choice of 15 shops that offer a range of merchandise ranging from silk to jewellery, handicrafts, leather goods, ceramics and souvenirs. The village also has nonstop entertainment of street parades, pageants, street shows, elephant and carnival rides.
Among the other entertainment options is Hanuman's Lair a carnival games zone for kids, Similan Entertainment Centre is an ocean themed games and shopping zone, Songbird Luminarie is where visitors are serenaded by song birds in the palace courtyard.
This attraction featuring an actual tiger and tropical birds provide a safari experience to thrill many a child. The use of the latest sound and light technology is employed to create exciting jungle sounds and illusions of movement of animals among the bushes.
The road from the Carnival Village leads to Lotus Lake in the middle of which is the gorgeous Kinnaree Pavilion, named after a half bird half woman Thai mythical figure. It houses a restaurant with a seating capacity for 4000 people and guests can dine amidst a gorgeous tropical forest setting on a gargantuan buffet of Royal Thai cuisine and international dishes served by 200 waiters. Six bars cater to the beverage needs of guests. This is a theatrical experience of its own.
For those who prefer seafood there is Suriyamas Restaurant designed like a Thai palace where guests can enjoy a selection of Thai and international dishes in regal splendor.
