“A living plant museum that has won 6 consecutive gold medals from the Chelsea Flower Show in England, featuring a spectacular valley of over 800 dinosaurs and a unique "Sky Garden" that houses the most comprehensive collection of tropical flora in Thailand.”
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Pattaya is a symbol of Thai pride that has achieved true global acclaim. What began as a fruit orchard was transformed into a Botanical Garden for Conservation by Mrs. Nong Nooch Tansacha and further developed by Mr. Kampon Tansacha into the most well-managed botanical empire in Asia. The place apart is its ranking as one of the Top 10 most beautiful gardens in the world by international organizations. It is also the proud recipient of 6 consecutive Gold Medals from the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in England essentially the "Oscars" of the global gardening world.
The absolute must-see attraction that draws tourists from across the globe is the Dinosaur Valley. Far from having just a few statues, this zone features over 800 life-sized dinosaur sculptures, covering nearly every species ever discovered on Earth from the fearsome T-Rex to rare species recently unearthed. The detail is staggering, with scientifically accurate muscles, scales, and coloring. Additionally, the Sky Garden showcases a modern innovation in vertical and hanging gardening within a massive nursery, housing rare tropical plants like Bromeliads, orchids, and unique cacti from every corner of the globe in one location.
In terms of botany, Nong Nooch serves as a vital Global Plant Genetic Bank, holding the world's most complete collection of Palms and Cycads. Visitors can marvel at the French Garden, which replicates the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles across hundreds of acres, interspersed with exquisite architecture like the Buddhist Vihara and modern Thai-applied structures. Another fascinating zone is the Car Collection Museum, featuring rare and futuristic vehicles with only a few existing in the world, reflecting the visionary design sense of the founder.
For content creators and photographers, Nong Nooch is a true paradise. The Sky Walk, stretching over 3 kilometers, weaves through the treetops and connects every garden zone, allowing for stunning high-angle (Bird's Eye View) shots of the intricate garden patterns. Furthermore, the Thai Cultural Center hosts the Nong Nooch Show and an elephant show, widely regarded as the most heartwarming display of the bond between humans and elephants in the country.
In conclusion, a visit to Nong Nooch is not just a walk in the park; it is an entry into a Multiverse of Nature and Art that is grand and comprehensive. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a historian, an artist, or a family seeking an educational adventure, every square inch here is designed to leave a lasting impression. It stands as a testament to the fact that Thailand’s beauty and creativity are second to none in the world.
How to Get There
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By Private Car: Take Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) past South Pattaya and Jomtien towards Sattahip. At KM 163, look for the large Nong Nooch sign and turn left. Drive about 3.5 km to reach the extensive parking area.
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By Train: Take the ordinary train or the special tourist train to Suan Nong Nooch Station, then take a local vehicle into the garden.
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By Van/Bus: Take a Bangkok–Sattahip van from Ekkamai or Mo Chit 2. Get off at the entrance and take a motorbike taxi to the ticket counter.
Travel Tips
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Plan Your Time: The garden is massive. Allocate at least 4-6 hours or a full day if you wish to see the shows and explore every zone.
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Use the Sightseeing Bus: This is highly recommended to save energy. The bus stops at major landmarks and includes an insightful commentary on each zone.
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Preparation: Wear comfortable sneakers, bring a portable fan, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as most areas are open-air and can be very sunny at midday.
Admission Fee:
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Thai Visitors: Adult 200 - 300 THB / Child (90-130 cm) 100 - 200 THB
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Foreign Visitors: Adult 500 - 800 THB / Child 300 - 500 THB.
- Depends on show packages.
Opening Hours:
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Open Daily: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
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Show Times: Cultural and Elephant Shows are typically at 10:30 AM and 01:30 PM