Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

A huge landscaped garden with cycads, orchids, themed gardens and a valley of dinosaurs made of plants.

Area

Jomtien & south

Start from

Pattaya

Distance

about 18 km south

Time needed

1 day

Best season

All year; mornings are best

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Grab, car or hotel shuttle

Tickets & rules

Entry ticket

Why go

Nong Nooch is one of the largest and best-known botanical gardens in Southeast Asia. You can spend a whole day walking (or riding the shuttle) between the French garden, the cactus house, the orchid nursery, the Stonehenge replica and the famous collection of cycads and palms.

For children, there is a dinosaur valley with life-size models and plenty of space to run. For adults, the scale of the gardening is impressive.

There are cultural shows with Thai dance and martial arts several times a day.

Photographers love the gardens in the early morning when the light is soft and the paths are empty, and the flower displays change with the seasons.

The story

The garden began in the 1950s when the Tansacha family bought land intending to grow fruit. Nongnooch Tansacha turned it into a garden instead, and it opened to the public in the 1980s.

Today it is also a serious botanical institution with a large conservation collection of cycads and palms.

The cycad collection is particularly important: cycads are ancient plants that existed in the age of dinosaurs, and many species are now endangered. Nong Nooch has worked with botanists around the world to conserve them, which makes the dinosaur valley a clever educational twist.

Getting there

Drive south along Sukhumvit and follow the signs. Many hotels sell tickets with transport.

A suggested plan

1. MorningArrive early and walk the main gardens before it gets hot.
2. MiddayLunch at one of the restaurants inside.
3. AfternoonTake the shuttle to more distant gardens or watch a cultural show.
4. Late afternoonBefore leaving, climb one of the viewing towers or the hill-top viewpoint for a panorama of the gardens.

Where to stay

Day trip; there is a resort on site if you want to stay.

Good to know

• Bring a hat and refillable water.
• The garden is huge; use the shuttle if you have small children.
• The orchid nursery is my favourite corner.
• Allow at least half a day; a full day is better.
• There is a lot of walking; comfortable shoes help.