Interview with Christoph Kiessling

Destination Tenerife had the chance of an exclusive interview with Christoph Kiessling, of Siam Park. He is personally overseeing all the final details of the park as we write this - so an opening date should be imminent.

3. How did the idea for Siam Park first come about?

We opened Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz as 35 years ago that was the town with the most tourism. Now the number of tourists has increased greatly in the south of the island, so people are demanding leisure activities here and we couldn´t sit back and just wait for somebody else to create something, so we started making plans ourselves. We needed to offer something different to Loro Parque and because we enjoy a nice climate throughout the  whole year, we decided to build a unique water park. Siam Park is really a theme park that transports people into the ancient Kingdom of Siam and offers amazing attractions for all ages to enjoy.

1. What kind of clients do you see the park attracting, once open?

Siam Park offers a wide range of options with its white sandy beach, stunning views, attractions, sub tropical gardens and a relaxing journey along the crystal clear waters of the tropical river. We expect to cater for all ages and nationalities from those who are looking for adrenaline, families after a fun day out together and those who just want to share the Siam Park experience and relax on the beach, enjoy the shopping, food and incredible views.

1. What can we expect to see in the park, besides flumes?

The real difference with Siam Park is that the moment you step through the stunning gateway you enter a world full of mystery and adventure of the ancient kingdom of Thailand. The activities centre around the giant 9.500 m2 white sandy beach that encircles the wave pool but there is also an amphitheatre that seats 1500 people, 5 bars and restaurants, private islands for hire, shops and VIP luxury cabanas available equipped with minibars, WIFI,…. It is perfect for group and family activities as many of the rides you can enjoy in groups of up to 4, there will also be surfing in the wave palace, beach games such as volleyball and much more. You will have all the information at  www.siampark.net

1. Are you any closer to an official opening date yet?

Yes we are getting closer everyday. The park will be opening this year but the official date has not yet been confirmed. True to company policy, We are running a full range of safety checks to ensure that every detail is absolutely at its best before we open the doors to the public.

1. Do you have an opening ceremony planned?

Yes, but our priority right now is to get the park ready for the public, once we are open we will have a special inauguration.

1. Can you comment on the cost of tickets to enter at the moment?

Siam Park will be open everyday and our opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00. The entrance fees are 28€ for an adult and 18€ for a child (3-11 years inclusive). 

1. Is the park intending to stay open even in the Winter months?

Tenerife is known as the island of eternal spring, famous for having warm temperatures through all seasons, around 25ºC therefore Siam Park can be enjoyed throughout the whole year. The water for the park feeds from the sea into a special reservoir where it is then desalinated and heated up  to 23ºC all year round. Summer opening hours will be from 10 to 18 h. and in winter We will close at 17 h. as the sunset is earlier during this season. We will only be closed for park´s maintenance when needed.

1. How do you see the relationship between this and Loro Parque - I know they are two very different attractions, but were you planning any synergy between the two?

As you said they are two different park offerings, Loro Parque  is a place where you can enjoy the closeness of animals and Siam Park will offer water attractions, so why do not go to both? There will be an attractive price for a “Twin Ticket” available for customers who want to visit both parks in two different days..

1. Are there going to be any shows not related to the flumes/slides?

Although there will not be any animal shows in the park, visitors can enjoy our sea lions in the sea lion pool right at the entrance and our aquarium full of tropical fish and  Mississippi alligators. In the future we plan to host a variety of activities such as beach volleyball tournaments, muay tahi, concerts and surf demonstrations.  

Professor Ruetai designed the Thai theme of the park - do you have any information that you can give us about him?
The beautiful Thai architecture was created by Professor Ruetai, Dean of Architecture from Bangkok University and recommend to the Kiessling family by the Royal Family of Thailand. He designed 20 buildings and influenced the design of the others. You will not find a copy of these buildings anywhere; they have been specially designed for Siam Park. Professor Ruetai is an expert in architecture of Thai houses and has many achievements, awards, medals and condecorations.

Siam Park has a very strong Thai influence and all the sculptures and decoration has been carefully chosen so not to offend the Thai religion and beliefs.

1. Which of your attractions will have age/height restrictions?
   • We do not have age restrictions on any of the rides in the park, but some of them do hold height restrictions. The Tower of Power, which is the most adrenaline pumping attraction with a drop of 28m, has the biggest height restriction regulation of 1.25m minimum height. Attractions such as the Baby pool or lost City for children don’t have age restrictions at all.

   Pictures (click any thumbnail to view a full size image)