Imagine walking through a tropical wonderland, where you can see exotic plants, colorful flowers, majestic elephants, and vintage cars. Welcome to the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, a must-see attraction in Pattaya that will take your breath away.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this amazing destination, from its origin and evolution, to its features and benefits, to its tips and suggestions. Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape, a cultural experience, or a fun adventure, the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden has something for everyone.
How a fruit farm became a world-class garden
The Nong Nooch Botanical Garden was not always a garden. In fact, it started as a fruit plantation in 1954, when Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha bought 600 acres of land in Pattaya. They planned to grow mangoes, oranges, and coconuts, but they soon realized that the soil was not suitable for these crops. Instead, they decided to turn the land into a garden, inspired by their travels around the world. They collected and planted various species of tropical plants, especially orchids and palms, and hired experts to design and maintain the garden.
They also built a resort, a restaurant, and a conference hall, to accommodate visitors and guests. In 1980, they opened the garden to the public, and named it after Mrs. Nongnooch, who was the driving force behind the project. Since then, the garden has grown and expanded, becoming one of the largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the world.
It has won numerous awards and recognitions, such as the International Award for Tourist, Hotel and Catering Industry from Spain, the Best Attraction from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Guinness World Record for the largest palm collection. It has also become a center for scientific research and conservation, hosting international conferences and seminars, and supporting various projects and programs. Today, the garden covers an area of over 2,400 acres, and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Themed gardens: Explore the diversity of nature
One of the main attractions of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the themed gardens, which showcase the beauty and diversity of nature. There are more than 20 themed gardens, each with its own style and character, such as the French Garden, the European Garden, the Stonehenge Garden, and the Cactus Garden. Some of the most popular themed gardens are:
The Orchid Garden:
This is the largest orchid garden in Thailand, with over 670 native species and hybrids. You can admire the stunning colors and shapes of these delicate flowers, and learn about their history and culture. You can also buy orchid souvenirs, such as jewelry, perfume, and soap, at the Orchid Shop.
The Palm Garden:
This is the largest palm collection in the world, with over 1,100 species from 155 genera. You can see the variety and versatility of these plants, which range from small and slender, to large and robust. You can also learn about their uses and benefits, such as food, medicine, and construction.
The Butterfly Garden:
This is a paradise for butterfly lovers, with over 2,500 butterflies from 15 families. You can watch these beautiful creatures fly and flutter, and feed them with nectar and fruits. You can also learn about their life cycle and behavior, and see their specimens and models at the Butterfly Museum.
The Dinosaur Valley:
This is a fun and educational attraction for children and adults alike, with over 200 life-size models of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. You can see the realistic and interactive displays of these ancient creatures, and learn about their names, features, and habitats. You can also enjoy the Dinosaur Train, which takes you around the valley and the garden.
Cultural shows: Experience the richness of Thai culture
Another attraction of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the cultural shows, which showcase the richness and diversity of Thai culture. There are two types of cultural shows, the Thai Cultural Show and the Elephant Show, which are performed daily at the Cultural Hall. Some of the highlights of the cultural shows are:
The Thai Cultural Show:
This is a spectacular show that features various aspects of Thai culture, such as music, dance, martial arts, and ceremonies. You can see the graceful and elegant movements of the Thai classical dance, the thrilling and exciting stunts of the Thai boxing, the colorful and festive costumes of the Thai regional dance, and the solemn and sacred rituals of the Thai religious ceremony.
The Elephant Show:
This is an amazing show that features the intelligence and skills of the elephants, the national animal of Thailand. You can see the elephants perform various tricks and tasks, such as playing soccer, bowling, painting, and dancing. You can also interact with the elephants, such as feeding them, riding them, and taking photos with them.
Car museum:
Another attraction of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the car museum, which showcases the collection of classic and modern vehicles. There are over 300 vehicles on display, ranging from antique cars, to sports cars, to military vehicles. Some of the most notable vehicles are:
The Ford Model T: This is one of the oldest and most influential cars in history, produced by the Ford Motor Company from 1908 to 1927. It was the first mass-produced car, and the first car that was affordable and accessible to the average person. It was also the first car that used the assembly line, and the first car that used the gasoline engine.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom: This is one of the most luxurious and prestigious cars in the world, produced by the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 1925. It is the flagship model of the company, and the epitome of elegance and excellence. It is also the car of choice for many celebrities and royals, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Elvis Presley, and John Lennon.
The Ferrari F40: This is one of the most iconic and powerful cars in the world, produced by the Ferrari from 1987 to 1992. It was the last car that was personally approved by Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the company, and the first car that broke the 200 mph barrier. It was also the most expensive and exclusive car at the time, with only 1,311 units made.
Mini zoo: Meet the friendly and furry animals
Another attraction of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the mini zoo, which houses a variety of friendly and furry animals. There are over 60 species of animals, such as monkeys, rabbits, deer, goats, and birds. You can interact with the animals, such as feeding them, petting them, and playing with them. You can also learn about their names, characteristics, and habitats.
Fishing pond: Relax and enjoy the serene scenery
Another attraction of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the fishing pond, which offers a relaxing and enjoyable activity for the visitors. The pond is stocked with various types of fish, such as carp, catfish, and tilapia. You can rent fishing rods and bait, and try your luck at catching some fish. You can also enjoy the serene scenery of the pond, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
Cycling track: Ride along the scenic paths
Another attraction of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is the cycling track, which provides a fun and adventurous activity for the visitors. The track is about 3 km long, and winds through the garden, passing by the themed gardens, the cultural hall, and the car museum. You can rent bicycles and helmets, and ride along the scenic paths. You can also stop and admire the views of the garden, and take photos of the attractions.
Plan your visit to the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
If you are interested in visiting the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, here are some information that you need to know:
- The garden is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- The ticket prices are 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children, which include the entrance fee and the cultural shows. You can also buy packages that include other activities, such as the elephant show, the elephant ride, the bicycle rental, and the fishing pond. You can book your tickets online at [the official website] or at the ticket counter at the entrance.
- The garden is located at 34/1 Moo 7 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip, Chonburi, about 18 km south of Pattaya.
Getting There
You can reach the garden by various modes of transportation, such as taxi, bus, and private car. The approximate costs and durations are:
Taxi:
The cost is about 400 to 500 baht, and the duration is about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route. You can find taxis at the airport, the bus terminal, or the city center, or you can book them online or by phone.
Bus:
The cost is about 50 to 100 baht, and the duration is about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic and the stops. You can find buses at the airport, the bus terminal, or the city center, or you can book them online or by phone. The buses will drop you off at the main road, and you can take a motorcycle taxi or a songthaew (a shared taxi) to the garden, which will cost about 10 to 20 baht.
Private car:
The cost is variable, depending on the type of car, the fuel, and the tolls. The duration is about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route. You can rent a car at the airport, the bus terminal, or the city center, or you can book them online or by phone. You can follow the signs and the map to the garden, and park your car at the parking lot.
Make the most of your visit to the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden
To ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, here are some tips and suggestions that you can follow:
The best time to visit the garden is in the morning or the evening, when the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller. You can also avoid the rainy season, which is from June to October, when the garden may be wet and muddy.
The dress code for the garden is casual and comfortable, but you should also respect the local culture and customs. You should wear appropriate clothing, such as shirts, pants, and shoes, and avoid revealing or offensive clothing, such as shorts, skirts, and sandals. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun.
The facilities in the garden are modern and convenient, such as restrooms, restaurants, shops, and lockers. You can use these facilities to refresh yourself, have a meal, buy souvenirs, and store your belongings. You can also use the free Wi-Fi, the ATM, and the currency exchange, to stay connected and access your money.
The nearby attractions in the garden are worth exploring, such as the Pattaya Floating Market, the Silverlake Vineyard, the Buddha Mountain, and the Cartoon Network Amazone. You can visit these attractions to experience more of the local culture, nature, and entertainment. You can also find accommodation options near the garden, such as hotels, resorts, and homestays, to extend your stay and enjoy more of the garden.
The Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is a unique and unforgettable destination in Pattaya, where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, the culture and entertainment of Thailand, and the fun and adventure of various activities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the tropical paradise of the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. Book your tickets online today and get ready for an amazing journey.
