Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Discover a fascinating blend of natural beauty, Thai culture and family entertainment at the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. Stroll between award-winning manicured gardens and admire displays of multicolored tropical flowers. Enjoy paddle boating, biking and elephant rides. Watch flamboyant Thai music and dance performances or visit an exhibition of sports cars.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden’s major highlight is its themed and fairytale-like gardens. They have won multiple awards at London’s world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Find gardens dedicated to bonsai, cactus, orchids, palms and roses. Marvel at perfectly shaped lawns and hedges interspersed by fountains, ponds and pergolas. Look for displays of quirky animal sculptures and topiary trees. Don’t miss the miniature Stonehenge and a garden of heart-shaped flower arrangements.

Follow the 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) long Sky Walk to experience an aerial view of the labyrinth of gardens and flowerbeds. Sit on a paddle boat and glide across a lake to get an up-close view of an impressive floating garden. Climb atop an elephant and amble along the paved trails or explore on a rented bicycle. Join the guided bus tour for a relaxed drive around the gardens.

Set aside some time to attend the Thai cultural performance. Watch as elaborately dressed performers demonstrate traditional Thai dances, Thai boxing and raucous martial arts. See elephants ride bicycles and play sports. Get up-close with deer, parrots and tortoise, among other animals, in the zoological area. Check out the vintage and contemporary sports vehicles in the car museum.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is about a 40-minute drive south from Pattaya. Get here via songthaew (shared taxi) or rent a private driver. Travel agencies in Pattaya arrange tours and shared transport to and from the garden.

The garden is open daily and there’s an admission fee, which includes entrance to the cultural shows. Visit the garden’s official website for complete opening times and a show schedule. Restaurants here serve continental, Chinese, Indian and Thai food, too. Alternatively, bring a picnic to enjoy amid the beautiful and natural scenery.