Thailand Diaries: Where Illusion Meets Reality at Trickeye Museum, Phuket.

A Journey Through Illusion, Ocean Legends & Art in Motion

I’ve been to Thailand twice, and if there's one place I could return to again and again, it’s here. With its seamless blend of natural beauty, artistic expression, and cultural storytelling, Thailand continues to surprise me in new ways every time I visit.

On my recent trip to Phuket, I decided to step away from the usual tourist trails and explore two extraordinary, immersive spaces that brought together everything I love — technology, visual art, spatial illusion, and sound. My stops: the AR Trickeye Museum and Aquaria Phuket.

AR Trickeye Museum – Where You Step Into the Artwork

Tucked away in Phuket Town, the AR Trickeye Museum was nothing like a traditional art gallery. It was vibrant, clever, and interactive — built entirely around optical illusions and augmented reality.

Every wall and floor had been transformed into a piece of art that only revealed its magic when viewed through an AR app. Suddenly, I wasn’t just looking at paintings — I was inside them.From walking through fire and ice to being chased by dragons or falling off a cliff (well, almost), the blend of technology and imagination was flawless. The experience was fun, surprising, and thought-provoking — reminding me that art can be powerful when it's designed to include you, not just impress you.

It was a perfect example of how digital tools can amplify traditional techniques — a canvas extended into the fourth dimension.

Aquaria Phuket – An Ocean of Myth and Legend

Next, I visited Aquaria Phuket, and while I thought I was entering an aquarium, what I found was something much more: a mythical journey beneath the sea, filled with wonder, storytelling, and emotion.

This immersive space combined live marine exhibits with painted illusions, soft lighting, soundscapes, and thematic environments that felt more like a film set than a fish tank.The theme — An Ocean of Myth and Legend — ran through every corner:🧜‍♀️ Mermaids, sea gods, and mythical creatures painted into the walls🌊 Dramatic, glowing water tunnels that shifted your sense of scale✨ Carefully curated transitions from light to dark, silence to music

It was poetic. Every zone felt like stepping into a different chapter of an ocean fairytale. And much like the Trickeye Museum, this space also used painted illusion and design storytelling — but in a more meditative, immersive way.

Beyond the Museums – A City of Contrasts

While these art and design experiences were incredible, what truly defines Thailand for me is the contrast:– Quiet, tropical beaches vs. vibrant street energy– Deep spiritual temples vs. cutting-edge AR art– Mythological themes vs. modern storytelling platforms

Phuket itself offered this contrast at every turn — and it’s what makes traveling here so refreshing.

Aquaria Phuket

Final Reflection

This was a trip full of surprise, inspiration, and personal joy. I traveled alone, yet never felt alone. From the interactive illusions of the Trickeye Museum to the story-rich world of Aquaria, I was reminded again that art isn’t limited to galleries or canvas — it’s in how a space is designed, how a moment is staged, and how a story is told.

Thailand will always be one of those rare places that celebrates both tradition and reinvention. And that’s why — without a second thought — I’ll keep coming back.