How to spend a day at Nongnooch Garden Pattaya

How to Spend a Day at Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya: A Nature Lover’s Guide

If you are a nature enthusiast looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, a visit to Nongnooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya is a must. As the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia, this destination offers not only breathtaking beauty but also a variety of activities to enjoy, including cultural performances, elephant rides, and bicycle tours. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your day at Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya.

Getting to Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya

Nongnooch Tropical Garden is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Pattaya city on Sukhumvit Road. You can reach the garden by using a shared taxi service, which will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Pattaya, or you can use the Bolt app for a convenient ride. Depending on your interests and schedule, you can choose to spend half a day or a full day exploring the garden. Another option is to take a taxi or songthaew from Pattaya to the garden, but you will need to negotiate the price and schedule with the driver.

Exploring the Garden

When you arrive at Nongnooch Tropical Garden, you will be impressed by the diversity and beauty of the plants, flowers, and trees that span over 600 acres (240 hectares). You can explore the garden on foot, by bicycle, or via a guided bus tour. There are also options to rent a VIP car or a bicycle for more convenient transportation within the garden. Highlights of the garden include:

• Sky Garden: Walk on the hanging gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the entire garden.
• Cactus Garden: Home to over 1,000 species of cacti from around the world.
• French Garden: A beautifully designed, symmetrical garden inspired by the gardens of Versailles.
• Dinosaur Valley: Features life-sized dinosaur models and information about their history and evolution.
• Orchid Garden: Showcases over 670 orchid species, including rare and endangered varieties.
• Butterfly Garden: A colorful display of plants arranged to resemble butterfly wings.

Watching the Shows

In addition to its plant collections, Nongnooch Tropical Garden offers a range of shows that showcase Thailand’s culture and talents. These performances take place at the SCALA Theatre, which has a seating capacity of 2,000. Shows are typically held four times a day at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. The shows you can enjoy include:

• Thai Cultural Show: A performance featuring traditional dance, music, and martial arts. You can also see reenactments of historical events, such as the Battle of King Naresuan and the Royal Barge Procession.
• Elephant Show: Watch elephants demonstrate various skills such as playing football, bowling, painting, and dancing. You can also feed the elephants and take photos with them.
• Cabaret Show: An exciting and colorful performance featuring beautiful costumes, songs, and dance routines.

Dining and Shopping

After exploring the garden and watching the shows, you might find yourself feeling hungry and thirsty. Don’t worry—Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya has a variety of dining and drinking options. You can find cafes and restaurants offering Thai, European, Indian, and international cuisine. There are also snack stands and kiosks around the garden where you can grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink. Here are some places to eat and drink:

• Cateliya Restaurant: Enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner with a wide range of dishes and desserts. The restaurant also features live music and a karaoke room for entertainment.
• Ai Baan Nawk Coffee: Relax with a coffee or tea along with cakes and baked goods. The cafe also has a souvenir shop where you can buy gifts and mementos.
• Vivat Food Court: A food court with various stalls offering affordable and tasty food options such as noodles, rice dishes, fried chicken, and ice cream.

Before you leave, you might want to pick up some souvenirs or plants to take home. You can visit the Garden Center for indoor and outdoor plants for your home and garden, and the souvenir shop for items like crafts, clothing, jewelry, children’s toys, and more.