Pattaya may carry the tag of the “Sin City of Thailand,” but wild nightlife is not the only thing you will find there. If you’re prepared to look beyond the famous (or infamous) walking street, you’ll realize that this busy beach town has everything.
Shopping, seafood, island trips, water parks – you name it, it’s there.
This includes beautiful greenery and botanical gardens. That’s right, Pattaya is home to exotic attractions where you can relax, enjoy, and escape the craziness.
And there’s no better place to do so than at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya. This may sound like a hidden gem, but it’s actually considered the largest botanical garden in South East Asia.
Therefore, it’s well worth a visit.
Here is a complete guide to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Pattaya, including how to get there, what you can do there, how to get tickets, and where to stay nearby.
First, here’s a bit of background on this charming green oasis.
What is Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya?
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
It has belonged to the “Tansacha Family” since 1954. Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch Tansacha purchased 1,500 rai (2.4 square kilometers) of hills and valleys between Pattaya and Sattahip in Chonburi Province.
The land was originally used as a fruit plantation.
After Mrs. Nongnooch took a trip abroad, she was inspired by the beauty of world-renowned gardens. So, she decided to turn the fruit and plant land into a tropical garden.
Fast-forward to the current day:
Now, the garden is regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It is highly rated by international websites and has received numerous honors and awards from around the world.
A Garden for Everyone
It is also a center of world botanical significance under the concept “a garden for everyone.” (Source)
Nong Nooch is not just a botanical garden. It also consists of many unique (and glamorous) gardens, such as the sky garden, cactus garden, French–style garden, plant garden, dinosaur gardens, orchid gardens, plus more.
The place also has Nooch Pattaya International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICE). This is a knowledge center where various recreational activities are held, such as festivals, folk dancing, martial arts, local sports, international seminars, trade fairs, etc.
Therefore, it is no surprise why there are approximately 4,000 tourists from all over the world visiting this place each day. (Source)
What Can You Do at Nong Nooch Botanical Garden?
Besides its breathtaking natural beauty, why is Nong Nooch Garden so popular and a great place to visit?
Quite simply, this garden has something for everyone.
Map of Nong Nooch
(Click to download the Map of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Pattaya)
As you can see by the map, there are tons of activities you can do. Here’s a summary of the most popular ones:
Gardens at Nong Nooch
Dinosaur Valley:
Nong Nooch Garden Dinosaur Valley was built in 2016. The first “Triceratops” dinosaur was actually molded and set inside the cactus garden. It turned out that tourists paid attention to it more than the cactus.
The idea for Dinosaur Valley was born.
So, the dinosaur species were later created in the area of 25 rai (0.04 square kilometers). Dinosaur valley officially opened to the public in 2017. Currently, there are more than 40 species of dinosaurs within 3 sections of the valley: Oviraptor, Styracosaurus, and Cryolophosaurus section.
Cactus Garden:
Dinosaur Valley may have stolen the show, but the Cactus Garden remains popular.
Do you struggle with Thailand’s weather?
You might be pleased to know that the Cactus Garden is located inside the tall glasshouse with a water misting system. This creates cooling air and tolerable humidity. A refreshing momentary rest bite from the heat.
And if you know your cactus, this is a must-visit to see many different species in different sizes and shapes. This includes rare cacti, such as Echinocactus grusonii, Pachycereus pringlei (Elephant Cactus), and Malocactus sp.
Car Garden I & II:
Thailand is not only proud of its tuk-tuks and history of three-wheelers.
The Car Gardens at Nong Nooch is one of the most unique, ultra-rare, and expansive eclectic automotive collections in Thailand. There are over 100 automobiles exhibited inside the car gardens, including many prized exhibits.
A real paradise for the car lovers out there.
Animal Kingdom Garden:
There’s something for animal lovers too.
This garden is packed with a wide range of animal sculptures. There are too many to mention, but here are some – grizzly bear, donkey, snow leopard, white tiger, elephant seal, sea lion, boer goat, and the list goes on.
Botanical Garden:
Now, after reading all these interesting themed gardens, you might be wondering, where are the botanicals? After all, this is meant to be a Tropical Botanical Garden.
Fear not. It won’t be a wasted journey. Of course, there is a botanical garden.
It has a magnificent collection of rare and small flowers, orchids, and plants. This includes Thai herbs and aromatic plants, such as cycad, oxyceros lucidus, plumeria, cavanellesia planifolia, etc.
Sky Garden:
Don’t confuse this with the popular Sky Gallery in Pattaya. (Although definitely check this out too!)
The Sky Garden at Nong Nooch is a 21st-century garden consisting of 2 floors within 10 rai (0.016 square kilometers). It is said to be designed by the owner of Nong Nooch itself and has a variety of plants displayed inside.
This place constantly rotates the plants and changes into various shapes depending on the season and special festivals.
Worried about getting onto the second floor? The Sky Garden also has an elevator.
French Garden I & II:
Formerly a sunflower field, the owner came up with a concept of a geometric garden arrangement just like Versailles Palace, France. The idea originated back in 1996, and the French Garden was opened to the public two years later.
There are various architectural decorations, such as pagodas, ornamental plants, trees, and a red telephone from England. As the French say… “Magnifique!”
Italian Garden:
The European influence continues with the Italian Garden.
Remember, Mrs. Nongnooch drew inspiration for her botanical garden from her trip abroad?
This garden is actually the first garden that Mrs. Nongnooch created. Along with the plants, you’ll find marble statues from Italy.
Stonehenge Garden:
Everyone has heard of Stonehenge in England.
The Stonehenge Garden in Thailand was built in 2000. As you would expect, it contains a large number of stones in square shapes arranged in a circle. These are surrounded by numerous flowering plants.
Waterfall Garden:
The Waterfall Garden is the perfect spot to take some time out after all your adventuring.
It consists of a man-made waterfall, a small stream, and plenty of plants. But just like a real waterfall, it brings a sense of calm and fascination. Therefore, providing the perfect atmosphere to relax.
The Adenium Kingdom Garden:
There are more than 15,000 varieties of Adenium from different countries over the world. Check out plenty of them here.
Show and Performances at Nong Nooch
Thai Cultural Performances:
Nong Nooch will certainly give you a crash course in what is unique about Thai culture.
A great contemporary Thai cultural performance is held inside the gardens, such as Thai traditional dance, martial arts, and others. The show is open 6 rounds a day, from 13:30 – 15:30.
The Elephant Show:
Elephants are arguably the most famous of all Thailand animals. In fact, for centuries, they have been recognized as a national symbol.
At Nong Nooch Elephant Show, you will enjoy watching elephants’ intelligent abilities, such as painting pictures, playing some sports, dancing, and others. Moreover, all tourists are allowed to pet elephants and take photos with them up close. The show is open 2 rounds a day, from 14:00 to 15:30.
Cabaret Show:
Here’s more evidence that entertainment in Pattaya stretches beyond its nightlife.
This Cabaret Show is another popular show that should not be missed. There are more than 30 cabaret actors and actresses ready to perform and serve up a treat for all tourists on a daily basis.
Expect elaborate costumes, flashing lights, colors, and special effects, along with singing, dancing, and mimicry, for a truly visual and engaging spectacle. There are also shows for special occasions and festivals.
Adventure Activities:
For those who are even more adventurous, there are other thrill-seeking activities, such as paddle boats, elephant riding, and bicycle tours.
Other Services at Nong Nooch
Restaurants and Cafés:
There are 6 delicious restaurants open for tourists within the garden.
This includes Jamjuree Banquet room, Garden in the sky I & II (buffet course), Rimbueng restaurant (International food), Plubplueng restaurant (buffet international service), Vivat restaurant (Thai and European food), and an Indian restaurant.
There are also coffee shops and cafés at various points throughout the site too.
Massage:
Thailand and massage go hand-in-hand.
If you are exhausted from walking around this botanical garden all day, you can easily take a massage on-site. Not only are foot massages on the menu, but you’ll also grab yourself a facial massage. Plus, there are spa facilities like a steam room and sauna. This service opens from 08:00 – 21:00.
VIP Car Service
Or, if you don’t want to walk anywhere at all, why not receive the VIP treatment at Nong Nooch?
This VIP car service includes a private driver who will be your tour guide for 1 hour to go around this tropical garden. Where you go is up to you – you can stop anywhere they want!
Sightseeing Tram
Whatsmore, you don’t have to be a VIP to avoid walking around.
There is a tour tram that you can jump on to make your experience more convenient. If you have limited time to see the sights, then the tram is for you. It departs from the station every 30 minutes.
Nong Nooch Ticket Information
How to Get Tickets?
You can buy and get tickets at the front counter at the entrance of the garden.
Do You Need to Book in Advance to Visit Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden?
Visiting Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden does not require advance booking. However, if you’re looking to join a tour of the gardens, it is advisable to book in advance to reserve your seats.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Tours:
In this case, there are 2 types of tours: half–day and full–day (one-day trip).
These tours may include transport, lunch, a show, and all part of the garden.
| Entrance Fee: | Thai National | Foreigners |
| Adult | 150 THB | 500 THB |
| Child | 150 THB | 500 THB |
| * Child (height 90 – 130 cm) | 80 THB | 500 THB |
| Opening Times: | Days | Hours |
| Daily, no holidays | 08:00 – 18:00 |
Getting There: Where is Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Garden?
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is located in South Pattaya at the 163-kilometer marker on Sukhumvit Road, Chonburi Province, Thailand. It is not far from Pattaya City, around 20 kilometers (a 30 minutes drive).
How to Travel to Nong Nooch Garden from Pattaya?
There are four common ways to get from Pattaya City to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Thailand:
1. Private Car
This is the easiest and most convenient method because you just drive from Pattaya City to Sattahip district, along Sukhumvit Road (for about 15 kilometers) to the 163-kilometer marker. Then turn left and continue for another 3.5 kilometers to reach the destination.
You can also search and follow directions via Google Maps.
2. Public Transport
This is a way for those who are not in a hurry and want to experience local life in Thailand. If this is your style, you can take a local bus, minibus, or van and get off at the entrance of Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Then take a motorcycle taxi to reach the garden.
3. Taxis
This is the quickest way, besides the private car, but it is also the most expensive way, which costs at least 300 – 400 THB (8 – 11 USD).
4. Shuttle Vans to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
This is the best way.
You can just buy a tour ticket from Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. They offer a shuttle van service. Simple as that!
What Hotels Are Near Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden?
Staying near Nong Nooch is equally as simple.
That’s because Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has a hotel service.
There are 4 types of hotels:
- Nong Nooch Resort: A modern-style residence with a private balcony surrounded by a large swimming pool.
- Lakeside Villa: A modern-style residence with a view of the garden of floating plants from the verandah.
- Garden Villa: A resort-style residence with a vibe of nature filled with facilities. Have the choice of 3 classes – deluxe, superior, and standard room.
- Rimnam Villa: A waterside residence for a group of people who prefer peaceful and personal areas.
Camp at Nong Nooch
Want to immerse yourself in the rawness of nature?
If staying in a hotel is not your preference, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden also offers camping accommodation. It is a multipurpose camp with many activities for relaxing, doing exercise, and learning about plant conservation. It also provides training and personnel development, both from the public and private sectors in Thailand.
Useful Contact Information:
| Head Office Contact | 34/1 M. 7 Najomtien District, Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand 20250 +66 819 192 153, +66 874 880 028, +66 616 477 088 |
| Pattaya Office Contact | 1/11-12 M. 9 Nongprue Banglamung, Chonburi, Thailand 20260 +66 (038) 415 145, +66 (038) 425 748 |
| [email protected] | |
| Location | Google Map |
| Website | https://www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com |
| สวนนงนุช พัทยา Nongnooch Garden Pattaya | |
| nongnoochgardens_official | |
| YouTube | Nongnooch Studio |
| Line ID | @nongnoochpattaya |
Conclusion: Is Thailand’s Nong Nooch a Garden for You?
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya is not just a large beautiful garden full of exotic plant life. There are many fun activities, entertainment, and suitable services for people of all ages and interests.
As its slogan emphasizes, it’s “a garden for everyone.” Is it a garden for you?
When you visit Pattaya, go and find out. This place is a must-see during your trip to Thailand.
Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.
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