Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Eastern Thailand Region
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, located in Chonburi Province, Thailand, spans 500 acres and is the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. Established originally as a fruit plantation in 1954 by Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha, it transformed into a tropical garden inspired by Nongnooch's travels abroad. Opening to the public in 1980, the garden has since expanded under the management of their son Kampon, who introduced notable features such as the French Gardens inspired by Versailles and Dinosaur Valley with over 180 life-sized dinosaur replicas. The garden showcases a variety of themed areas including the Cactus Garden, Garden in the Sky with elevated plant displays, Italian Garden with marble statues, and a Stonehenge replica. It is also a major scientific center for cycads, maintaining a Cycad Gene Bank and conducting global research. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, elephant shows, and feed Arapaimas gigas in the lakes. The garden offers accommodations including a resort and villas, enhancing the visitor experience with amenities like swimming pools and Thai-style houses. With its blend of horticultural diversity, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities, Nong Nooch is a unique destination for both education and leisure.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is during the cooler months from November to February to enjoy pleasant weather. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues. Visitors can benefit from combined tickets for garden entry and cultural shows. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to the extensive grounds. Early arrival allows visitors to experience the full range of garden areas and daily performances. The garden provides shuttle services and has accessible facilities for all visitors.
Interesting facts
- •Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia, covering 500 acres.
- •The garden houses a Cycad Gene Bank and is a global center for cycad conservation and research.
- •Dinosaur Valley features over 180 life-sized dinosaur replicas, attracting many visitors.
- •The French Gardens are inspired by the Gardens of Versailles and were opened in 1998.
- •A replica of Stonehenge was built in the garden in 2000 using stones from Prachinburi province.
- •The garden received nine prayer flags from Bhutan's ambassador in 2018, which are ceremonially replaced every six months.
History
The land for Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden was purchased in 1954 by Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha initially for fruit cultivation.
Inspired by travels abroad, Nongnooch transformed the property into a tropical garden.
It opened to the public in 1980 and was managed from 1983 by their son Kampon, who expanded the garden significantly.
Key developments include the creation of the French Gardens in 1998 and the addition of Dinosaur Valley in 2017.
The garden has evolved from a private estate to a major botanical and tourist attraction over the decades.
Place Guide
Cactus Garden
Located near the main entrance, this tall glasshouse features various cactus species including Mexican golden barrel cactus and others, showcasing desert flora in a controlled environment.
Garden in the Sky
An elevated two-level garden designed by Kampon Tansacha displaying ferns, orchids, cacti, and bonsai with LED lighting and spray watering systems, accessible by elevator and a 6 km skywalk.
French Gardens1998
Inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, these two French-style gardens opened in 1998 feature formal landscaping and are situated near the Thai pavilion and Dinosaur Valley.
Dinosaur Valley2017
Opened in 2017, this area features more than 180 replicas of different dinosaur genera, including the first model of a Triceratops placed in the Cactus Garden.
Italian Garden
The earliest garden created at Nong Nooch, featuring authentic marble statues imported from Italy, blending European art with tropical flora.
Stonehenge Garden2000
A replica of Stonehenge built in 2000 with stones sourced from Prachinburi province, including an engraving dedicated to Nongnooch.
Contact
Phone: 081 919 2153
