The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, situated in Chonburi Province just outside Pattaya, is one of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations. It’s 500 acres big, and it’s not only a garden but an immersive happening where nature, culture and art merge together. The garden is well known for its extravagant French-style gardens, tropical plant collections and peaceful lakes, but there is a lot more to be explored. You can enjoy cultural presentations and elephant performances, serene picnic spots and international dining options, Nong Nooch is a destination that caters to families, couples and solo travellers of all ages. It is also a leading scientific institution for the conservation of cycads with its own Cycad Gene Bank. Anyone who wants to see Thai culture and beauty living in harmony should come here.

History of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

The Nong Nooch story started in 1954 when Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha bought the 1sq.kilometer piece of land intending to create a fruit orchard. But an overseas trip in Nongnooch had a vision to create the landscape into a verdant paradise, boasting both Thailand’s botanical wealth and the artistry of design. Open to the public in 1980, the garden proved an immediate popular attention as one of the area’s top attractions.

In 1983, the management was handed over to their son Kampon Tansacha who extended the features of the garden such as building themed parts with the French Garden opening in 1998. More recently, Dinosaur Valley has also made its debut in 2017 as a fun feature addition. In the past few decades, Nong Nooch has evolved to be more than just a place of relaxation. It has hosted international cultural exchanges and research, including two years ago when Bhutan conducted a prayer flag ceremony here. 

What to do in the Nong Nooch Garden

• Explore Themed Gardens: Explore the various types of picturesque and themed gardens throughout the park. 
• Visit Dinosaur Valley: Enter the dinosaur area, more than 1,600 dinosaurs will take visitors to a Jurassic Park. 
• Animal Kingdom: See the many types of creatures in the Animal Kingdom area. 
• Botanical Museum & Nursery: Take a tour of the museum and nursery and explore the plant collections and how the garden works behind the scenes. 
• Cultural Demonstrations: See daily shows at the Thai Cultural Hall, such as classical Thai dance, Muay Thai and traditional drumming. 
• Elephant Shows : Enjoy the amusement of traditional elephant shows. 

How to Reach at Nong Nooch Garden

The Park Nong Nooch Garden is 20 kilometers south of Pattaya, just a drive away by taxi, motorbike or bus from Sukhumvit Road. Visitors in Phuket can take a flight or bus to Pattaya, and then use public transportation for the garden. 

Best Time to Visit Nong Nooch Garden

The peak season is November – February when the climate is less hot and more pleasant for outdoor strolls. The mornings, in particular, are nice for exploring before the heat of midday arrives. 

Opening and Closing Hours of thr Garden

Opens every day from 8 am to 6 pm. Shows, such as the cultural and elephant displays, take place at times throughout the day.

Tips for Visit Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

Wear some comfortable walking shoes, and something light to wear as the garden is very large. Get sunscreen, hats and water bottles to beat the heat of the tropical sun. If you are with children or older group members, hiring a bike or taking the shuttle service will allow you to cover more ground. Purchase your tickets online, where discount prices are frequently offered. 

Entry Fees of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Adult tickets cost around 500 THB and children are roughly 300 THB. Prices can vary by whether guests opt for show packages. 

Other Parks to Explore in Phuket 

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park : A verdant rainforest sheltering waterfalls and endangered animals. 

Sirinat National Park : Famous for its beautiful beaches and nesting place for turtles. 

Monkey Hill (Toh Sae Hill) : A local viewpoint with panoramic views and cheeky monkeys. 

Phuket Botanic Garden : A small but vibrant tropical botanical garden #10 of 73 Things to do in Phuket 1232 Created with Sketch.

FAQs on Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden