Thailand's pay-lake scene is full of South American imports that have thrived in warm tropical water — and pacu (tambaqui) sits near the top of the list for anglers who want explosive surface takes, powerful runs, and a fish that looks like nothing found in any British river. Where to find them? The short answer: Bangkok's major exotic-species venues are your best starting point, with Bungsamran and IT Lake Monsters among the most consistent, followed by Gillhams in Krabi for anglers already in the south.
What Is Pacu and Why Is It in Thailand?
Pacu — formally Colossoma macropomum, known as tambaqui across South America — is one of the world's largest characin species. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins, it is a close relative of piranha but feeds primarily on fruits, nuts, and plant matter rather than meat. The fish's rounded, powerful body and crushing molar-like teeth allow it to process hard nuts that most fish cannot touch.
Thai pay-lake operators began importing pacu decades ago as part of a wider effort to stock exotic species that appeal to the growing international sport-fishing market. The fish adapted well — Thailand's warm freshwater temperatures closely mirror South American lowland rivers — and pacu are now well established across the country's premium fisheries.
Pacu are not found in wild Thai waterways in fishable numbers. Your best chance of catching one is at a managed pay-lake that actively stocks and feeds them. Stocking levels and fish sizes vary considerably between venues.
Bangkok: The Main Hub for Pacu Fishing
Bangkok's suburban pay-lake belt is the easiest place in Thailand to target pacu. Two venues stand above the rest for consistent exotic-species stocks.
Bungsamran Lake
Bungsamran is Bangkok's most famous freshwater fishing venue and one of the most recognised pay-lakes in Asia. It stocks pacu alongside Siamese carp, arapaima, giant snakehead, and a range of other large exotics. The venue is large, professionally run, and has English-speaking staff — which makes it accessible to visiting anglers who have never fished Thailand before.
Pacu at Bungsamran are present throughout the lake and respond well to floating baits and surface techniques when conditions are right. The fish here are well-fed and can be choosy, so bait presentation matters. Dog biscuits and specialised floating pellets sold at the venue are reliable starting points.
Transit to Bungsamran from central Bangkok is covered in the Getting to Bungsamran from Bangkok guide.
IT Lake Monsters
IT Lake Monsters, also in the Bangkok area, leans into the exotic-species stocking model even more heavily than Bungsamran, with a roster of rare and large fish that attracts dedicated anglers from across the world. Pacu are part of that stocking programme, typically appearing alongside arapaima, alligator gar, and other spectacular species.
The venue's approach tends to suit anglers who want genuinely large and rare fish rather than a high-volume session. Prices reflect the stock quality — check current rates directly with the venue.
Pacu surface feeding is one of Thai pay-lake fishing's most theatrical moments. A large tambaqui taking a floating dog biscuit at close range is the kind of take that stays with you.
Krabi: Gillhams Fishing Resort
For anglers visiting southern Thailand, Gillhams Fishing Resort in Krabi is the premier destination for exotic species including pacu. The venue operates at a different pace and price point to Bangkok's day-trip lakes — Gillhams is a destination in its own right, drawing anglers who plan their Thai trips around a stay at the resort.
Pacu at Gillhams can reach impressive sizes, and the venue's management ensures the fish are in strong condition. The lakeside setting in the Krabi hills makes for a very different atmosphere from a Bangkok suburban fishery.
Transit details for the Krabi area are covered in the Getting to Dreamlake Fishing Resort guide, which covers regional logistics broadly applicable to both venues.
What to Expect When Targeting Pacu
Pacu fishing in Thai venues rewards patience and attention to bait presentation. Key points:
Surface vs. bottom fishing. Pacu are naturally inclined toward surface feeding, especially in the warmer parts of the day when they cruise the upper water column. Floating baits and controller float set-ups produce spectacular takes. On pressured water or in cooler conditions, bottom rigs with nut-based or fruit-flavoured paste baits bring fish up from the depths.
Bait selection. The venue usually knows what has been working recently — buy or ask about bait at the reception desk on arrival. Dog biscuits, floating bread, banana, and fruit-based boilies are all documented pacu catchers in Thai venues.
Tackle. Pacu fight hard and have strong, abrasive mouths. A medium-heavy rod and 15–30 lb line minimum is appropriate; check what the venue recommends for their specific stock. Leader material matters — the crushing jaws can damage lighter mono quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Bangkok is the most accessible hub for pacu fishing, with Bungsamran and IT Lake Monsters the standout venues
- Gillhams in Krabi is the premier southern option for international visitors
- Surface fishing with floating baits produces the most visual and exciting takes
- Buy or ask about bait on arrival — local knowledge beats generic advice
- Stock levels and fish sizes vary by venue and season
For the full species profile, biology, and tackle advice for pacu, visit the Pacu Tambaqui species page. The Bungsamran Lake and IT Lake Monsters park pages have current venue details. Cost guidance across Bangkok venues is on the Bangkok pay-lake prices page.
