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Thailand's tropical paradise: Nong Nooch Botanical Garden in Pattaya
Updated: Jun 16
Welcome to Pattaya's award-winning gardens! Imagine stepping into a world where emerald palms whisper secrets to vibrant orchids, and manicured lawns stretch as far as the eye can see. Forget the neon glow of Pattaya's nightlife; a sanctuary of blooming serenity beckons just outside the city's buzz. This is Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, a 600-acre emerald kingdom where nature reigns supreme.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is known for its variety of themed gardens, including French gardens, a cactus garden, a fern garden, and an orchid garden. It also has a number of other attractions, such as an elephant show, a boat tour, and a mini Stonehenge. Oh, and there are dinosaurs, lots and lots of dinosaurs!
Check out our highlights, find out how to get to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, a bit of its history, the things you need to know before visiting (like entrance fee), and our experience rating.
Table of contents
● Our Nong Nooch Tropical Garden highlights
● The history behind Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
● 5 interesting facts about Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
● Nong Nooch Tropical Garden entrance fee
● Things to know before visiting Nong Nooch
● How to get to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
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Check out the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden with Klook
● Visit this beautiful and award-winning garden showcasing an impressive range of plants and landscaping
● Opt for a private car service and enjoy a convenient, hassle-free ride
● Take the Sightseeing Bus to get a quick overview of the large Nong Nooch Garden before setting off on foot
Our Nong Nooch Tropical Garden highlights
Going to Pattaya was our first real trip in Thailand, given we had only arrived on Christmas day (we went here in January). It was not totally planned, but we had a friend visiting there who we had not seen for a while, so we decided to head down from Chiang Mai.
We had heard a lot about Pattaya's bar and club scene, but not much else. We were certainly not expecting to find one of the top botanical gardens in the world! We are so glad we did though, and we really enjoyed our time at Nong Nooch.
Our expectations were high given Thailand is famous for its flora. That being said, we were still blown away by the sheer size of Nong Nooch, and we instantly knew it was going to be tough to see it all in the time we had!
The gardens start with an indoor sky garden which was really nice, along with a large exhibit of spirit houses paying homage to nine of Thailand's most important temples. It was here that we first saw the cute pottery 'faces' on display, inter-mingled with the cacti and other plants. They made appearances pretty much all over the site, and it was fun to watch out for them! Not sure what the story is behind them, but perhaps they literally are just for fun photos!
Coming out of the greenhouse, we encountered the first of many elephants we saw here. They were in pens and people were being actively encouraged to go and feed them. Currently Nong Nooch Garden Pattaya has 100 elephants in its care, all of Asian species. It is the largest elephant camp in Thailand, and great care is taken to ensure the safety, care and well-being of them. This was evident in all that we saw, although we still get a little uncomfortable with this sort of thing.
The gardens then lead into a large open space where you will find a ton of food carts and stalls, along with some stunning circular flower beds. They were so bright and vibrant, and it was striking to see. Meticulously presented, we were starting to see just why Nong Nooch Gardens has been nominated for awards!
It was shortly after this that we had our first encounter with the dinosaurs of Nong Nooch. This was very unexpected, and as we moved further around the park there were more and more of them! At first we wondered if we had walked into the kids section, but it became evident that this is actually a major feature of the gardens.
There are so many places to explore here, and we were starting to realise that it was going to be a major undertaking to see them all. There are many paths and trails, themed gardens, museums and workshop spaces. Fortunately, there is a hop on / off buggy that you can take for a tour around the site, stopping at the popular sections and driving through the nurseries. This was a really awesome way to see the park, and gain some much-needed respite from the heat. Bear in mind it is charged at a few dollars each.
The Royal Pavilion
Perhaps one of our favorite areas of the park, the Royal Pavilion is located at the bottom-end of the Dinosaur Park. It is a striking golden temple that rises high above the gardens courtesy of a sweeping staircase that makes for fantastic photos.
Having only really been in Thailand for just a month at this point, seeing one of the world famous Thai temples was a big novelty for us. Having lived in Thailand for 6 months overall in 2023 we went on to see many more of course, but this one at Nong Nooch was pretty much our first. So it will always hold a special place in our memories!
You would be hard pressed to find a Thai temple that is not highly detailed and ornate, like this one. It is typical to find them like this, especially with the Naga (serpent) lined staircase leading up to the main worship hall. This one was however very unique in that it was surrounded on the outside by numerous statues of pandas, of which we really have no idea what the relevance was. If you know, please tell us!
Elephant show
As we mentioned earlier, elephants are a big part of the activities at Nong Nooch. The main attraction is the elephant show which does require an additional ticket purchase of 300 baht per adult. We thought it was worth it, having never seen one before, and given that it genuinely looked like the elephants were being taken good care of.
Elephants have many special abilities and are famous all over the world for having high intelligence. In this special show, we got to see them drawing, and playing sports such as football, basketball and bowling. Incredibly they also danced, played hula hoop, and allowed the audience to get up close to feed them and take photos. Even though we were apprehensive about 'supporting' this because of our views on animals in captivity, we genuinely feel like the elephants looked happy with what they were doing.
It really is an amazing sight to see, to watch these incredible animals perform like this. No wonder the arena holds over two thousand people! It certainly seemed popular and we had a great time watching them do their thing. You can see more from this performance on our Nong Nooch Gardens YouTube video.
Thai Cultural Show
An unexpected addition to booking the elephant show was this wonderful cultural performance that follows the excitement of the elephant theatre. Here we got to see the true beauty of contemporary Thai art and culture. The show is a vibrant and colorful display of Thai culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and martial arts.
The dancers are dressed in beautiful silk costumes and perform a variety of elegant and graceful dances. Some of the most popular dances include the likay (a masked dance), the fon lep (candle dance), and the ram wong (circle dance). The show also features impressive displays of Thai martial arts, such as Muay Thai boxing and Krabi Krabong (sword fighting). The performers are highly skilled and their movements are both powerful and graceful.
The show is accompanied by traditional Thai music played on instruments such as the ranat (xylophone), the ching (cymbals), and the klong yao (bamboo xylophone), which adds to the energy and excitement of the show. This show is a great way to learn about Thai culture and traditions, and it's a fun and entertaining experience for people of all ages. We highly recommend it!
⪢ Show times: The show takes place several times a day, typically at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
⪢ Location: The show is held in a large theater located within the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.
⪢ Tickets: Tickets for the show can be purchased at the entrance to the garden.
⪢ Duration: The show lasts for about 45 minutes.
Dinosaur Valley
One of the more surprising features of Nong Nooch Gardens, Dinosaur Valley is home to over 230 life-sized dinosaur models, representing 814 different species. Some of the species have never been modelled before according to the owners. It felt perhaps a tad tacky to us, but it was clearly very busy there and is a great place for kids.
Originally the valley where the dinosaurs 'roam' was intended to be a tree garden, but after an opportune installation of the first dinosaur, a triceratops, the owners quickly realised from the attention it garnered that they needed more. Officially opened in 2016, it has become one of the most popular park attractions.
⪢ Interactive experiences: Some dinosaurs come alive with roars and movements, adding a thrilling touch to your exploration. Kids can also participate in fossil digs, dinosaur-themed rides, and educational shows to delve deeper into the prehistoric world.
⪢ More than just dinosaurs: The valley isn't solely about dinosaurs. Lush landscaping, waterfalls, and a cactus garden provide scenic backdrops, while educational exhibits offer insights into paleontology and the prehistoric era.
⪢ Amenities: Take a break from your dinosaur adventure at the on-site restaurants and cafes, offering refreshments and snacks. Souvenir shops stock dino-themed items to remember your visit.
⪢ Accessibility: The valley is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, making it enjoyable for visitors of all abilities.
⪢ Additional details: Open 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Nurseries and Gardens
Of course aside from the temples, shows and elephants, Nong Nooch Garden boasts numerous areas dedicated to cultivating and showcasing a diverse range of plant life. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and textures of the Bromeliad and Orchid Nurseries, marvel at the miniature landscapes of the Bonsai Garden, or explore the fascinating adaptations of cacti and succulents in the dedicated section within Dinosaur Valley.
Beyond these, themed gardens like the French Garden with its manicured flower beds and the Palm and Cycad Garden showcasing Southeast Asian botanical heritage offer unique visual experiences and knowledge. Remember, most nursery areas are included in the general entrance ticket, and some even offer guided tours or plant shops for an enriched experience. We took a tour via the park buggy service, which drives through the various nurseries and gardens to save the walking. Remember the site is 600 acres and very well spread out!
Keep reading for more on the history of Nong Nooch Gardens, interesting facts, ticket information, important things to know before you go, and our experience rating.
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The history behind Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
1954: Seeds of a Dream: The tale begins in 1954, when Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha purchased a piece of land to establish a fruit orchard. Envisioning rows of mangoes, oranges, and coconuts, they named the property "Suan Nong Nooch", meaning "Nong Nooch's Garden".
1964: A Spark of Inspiration: However, a serendipitous trip abroad ignited a new passion in Nongnooch's heart. Inspired by the beauty of international gardens, she returned with a vision to transform their orchard into a botanical masterpiece.
1970's: Laying the Foundation: The next decade saw tireless dedication poured into the land. They collected exotic plants, landscaped stunning gardens, and meticulously nurtured their vision to life. French gardens with fragrant roses, vibrant orchid collections, and manicured lawns laid the groundwork for Nong Nooch's future charm.
1980: Opening the Gates: In 1980, after 25 years of tireless effort, Nong Nooch, a true testament to passion and perseverance, finally welcomed its first visitors. Thailand witnessed the birth of a botanical gem, promising a sensory escape from the bustling city.
1983: Passing the Torch: Recognizing the garden's immense potential, Nongnooch entrusted its future to her son, Kampon Tansacha. He embraced the legacy, expanding the garden with new attractions, including lakes, mini golf courses, and even a replica of Stonehenge.
2000s-Present: Blossoming into Global Recognition: Kampon's dedication propelled Nong Nooch to international fame. Awards at world-renowned events like the Chelsea Flower Show solidified its reputation as a botanical powerhouse. Today, it thrives as a center for research, education, and conservation, all while enchanting visitors from across the globe.
More Than Just a Garden: Throughout its journey, Nong Nooch has transcended the concept of a mere garden. It became a platform for showcasing Thai culture through traditional dance performances and elephant shows. It fostered a love for nature through educational programs and conservation initiatives. And most importantly, it offered a sanctuary for travelers and locals alike, a haven of serene beauty and escape from the everyday.
Nong Nooch's story is a testament to the power of dreams, passion, and dedication. It's a reminder that even amidst bustling cities, nature can flourish, offering serenity, inspiration, and a connection to something far greater than ourselves. So, when you wander through its verdant paths, remember the seeds of Nong Nooch's journey, and allow yourself to be captivated by the enduring legacy of a garden born from love and a vision that blossomed into a paradise for all!
Read on for some interesting facts, ticket information, and our Nong Nooch Tropical Garden experience rating.
5 interesting facts about Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
⪢ From Fruit Orchard to Botanical Wonderland
Nong Nooch started in the 1950s as a humble fruit orchard owned by Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha. Inspired by their travels, they gradually transformed it into the botanical marvel we see today.
⪢ Southeast Asia's Largest Garden
Spanning over 600 acres, Nong Nooch is the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. It's a sprawling paradise of diverse flora, themed gardens, and exciting activities.
⪢ Orchid Heaven
Nong Nooch boasts one of the largest orchid collections in Thailand, with over 670 native and hybrid species blooming in vibrant hues.
⪢ Conservation Champion
Beyond beauty, Nong Nooch is dedicated to plant conservation. Its dedicated Cycad Germplasm Bank serves as a crucial repository for over 500 endangered cycad species, safeguarding their genetic diversity for future generations. Research efforts contribute to global knowledge about these ancient plants, while this dedication ensures that the vibrant tapestry of Thai flora continues to thrive for years to come.
⪢ Growing Attraction
Nong Nooch Garden attracts some 5,000 visitors daily, which can double on peak days. That is almost 2 million per year, which puts it amongst the top garden destinations in the world.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden entrance fee
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden offers two main ticket options:
⪢ Garden Only
Adults: 100 THB (approximately $3 USD)
Children (3-11 years old): 50 THB (approximately $1.50 USD)
⪢ Garden & Shows
Adults: 300 THB (approximately $9 USD)
Children (3-11 years old): 150 THB (approximately $4.50 USD)
This combined ticket includes entry to the garden, four daily shows (Thai cultural & elephant show), and a tram service within the garden.
⪢ Additional details about the entrance fees:
● Children under 3 years old enter for free.
● There's a separate tram ticket available for 50 THB if not included in your chosen package.
● Some additional activities inside the garden, like elephant rides and boat tours, have separate fees.
** All prices are quoted at time of writing (Jan 2024). These are subject to change at any time.
Check out the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden with Klook
● Visit this beautiful and award-winning garden showcasing an impressive range of plants and landscaping
● Opt for a private car service and enjoy a convenient, hassle-free ride
● Take the Sightseeing Bus to get a quick overview of the large Nong Nooch Garden before setting off on foot
Things to know before visiting Nong Nooch
Here are a few important things that we think you should know to help you have a great experience at Nong Nooch:
⪢ Opening Hours
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is open from 8am to 6pm daily, even on public holidays.
⪢ Weather and Best Time to Visit
Pattaya can be hot and humid, so dress appropriately for the weather. Consider wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Be sure to stay hydrated too.
The best time to visit is during the cool and dry season from November to February when the weather is comfortable with lower humidity. This period provides an ideal setting for exploring the outdoor areas of the site. The hot season from March to May is suitable for those who don't mind the heat, while the rainy season from June to October brings heavy rainfall and increased humidity, potentially affecting outdoor activities.
⪢ Planning:
● Book your tickets online: Skip the queue and purchase tickets in advance through their website or reputable booking platforms like Klook.
● Plan your arrival: The gardens cover a vast area, so consider arriving early, especially during peak season, to avoid crowds and maximize your exploration time.
● Choose your package: Decide if you want just garden access or add on the cultural shows and elephant show.
● Consider transportation: Opt for a taxi for convenience, or research public transport options if on a budget.
● Avoid the crowds: Consider visiting during weekdays or the shoulder seasons if you prefer a less crowded experience.
⪢ Packing:
● Comfortable shoes: The gardens are vast and involve walking, so choose comfortable footwear.
● Sunscreen and hat: Protection from the Thai sun is essential.
● Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in the heat.
● Bug repellent: Insects can be present, so consider repellent, especially if exploring early morning or dusk.
● Camera: Capture the beauty of the gardens and shows.
⪢ Additional tips:
● Hydrate and rest: Take breaks and utilize the shaded areas to avoid fatigue and heatstroke.
● Respect the plants and animals: Don't touch plants or feed animals unless instructed by staff.
● Dress modestly: Avoid revealing clothing, especially for the shows.
● Mind the shows schedule: Plan your exploration around the show timings if you chose the combined ticket.
● Enjoy the variety: Explore different themed gardens, take the tram, or try other activities like elephant rides or boat tours.
● Food & Beverages: There are plenty of vendors dotted around the site, although bear in mind many of them close around 4-4.30pm.
⪢ Be aware of:
● Potential crowds: Expect larger numbers during weekends and peak season.
● Animal shows ethics: Consider your stance on animal shows before your visit and do your research.
● Limited accessibility: Some areas might be difficult for those with mobility limitations.
By following these tips and planning, you can ensure a wonderful and memorable visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Have a great time exploring!
How to get to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Getting to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden from Central Pattaya is easiest by taxi, which takes about 25 minutes and covers 22 km. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through a ride-hailing app like Grab.
⪢ By Songthaew
Songthaews are shared pick-up trucks that function as shared taxis in Pattaya. They follow specific routes, and you can hop on and off along the way. Confirm the destination with the driver before boarding.
⪢ By Taxi or Grab
Taxis and Grab (ride-sharing service) are readily available in central Pattaya. You can simply flag down a taxi or use the Grab app to book a ride. Inform the driver that you want to go to Nong Nooch. The address is usually well-known among local drivers.
⪢ By Motorbike Taxi:
Pattaya has many motorbike taxi stands. You can hire a motorbike taxi and provide the address of Nong Nooch. It's a quick and convenient option.
⪢ By Car or Bike
If you prefer more independence, you can rent a car or motorbike. Many rental agencies operate in Pattaya. Keep in mind that traffic can be busy, so be cautious when driving. There is a vast parking lot at the entrance, which is free to use.
Address: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Phone: +66 (038) 415145 / (038) 425748
Email: info@nongnoochtropicalgarden.com
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week. Open on public holidays.
Website: nongnoochpattaya.com
Instagram: Garden.Nongnooch
Facebook: nongnoochpattayagardens
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Watch our experience at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden on YouTube
Find everything you need to know about this beautiful garden in this video! We explore this sprawling and award winning garden, the largest in all of South East Asia at a whopping 600 acres. We see some traditional Thai dance performances and see a fun elephant show as well. This video will help you know what to really expect from a day trip to this beautiful must-see garden!
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Our Nong Nooch Tropical Garden experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Nong Nooch isn't just a garden; it's an explosion of vibrant life, a tapestry woven from exotic flora and meticulously sculpted landscapes. Wander through French-inspired gardens with their elegant topiaries and fragrant rose beds, or lose yourself in the labyrinthine cactus maze, where spiky sentinels stand guard under the watchful gaze of the Thai sun.
Nong Nooch is a place to escape, to breathe, to rediscover the simple magic of nature. It's a reminder that even in the heart of a bustling tourist destination, tranquility can be found. So, pack your sunhat and your sense of wonder, and prepare to be swept away by the verdant enchantment of Nong Nooch.
As ever thank you for reading, and please feel free to share your experience, or ask any questions you may have, in the comments below. All feedback on the post is welcome too!
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