Take a break from shopping and parties and go for a walk in nature embodied in all its glory. The spectacular botanical gardens of Pattaya spread over a huge area of about 600 dunams of land. The area was purchased in 1954 by a family bearing the same name as the garden. The original plan was actually to establish a farm for growing fruit, but in the end the owners decided to establish a garden for growing tropical plants and flowers instead. Only decades later, in 1980, the famous gardens were opened to the general public.
what to see - This is a huge park, decorated entirely with spectacular and colorful gardens, alongside various displays and flamboyant performances that are frequently held there. The garden is divided into several parts, with different themes: a European garden, an Italian garden, a rock garden, a stone age garden, a cactus garden and more. The sights in the garden are awe-inspiring and the experience teaches and greatly enriches the botanical knowledge of the visitors. Along with spectacular ornamental horticulture and green fields, you can see with your own eyes beautiful and unique plant species such as dwarf bonsai trees, over 600 different types of orchids, cacti in different shapes and colors, tall sunflowers and more.
In addition, there is an "animal kingdom" in the park, which is also divided into themes. Among other things, you can see pink flamingos, fish, birds and colorful butterflies. One of the main and most popular themes in the kingdom is the Valley of the Dinosaurs, where you can wander among life-size replicas of T-Rexes and other prehistoric creatures.
The daily show held in the garden attracts a massive and enthusiastic crowd. It consists of a traditional Thai show, with classical dances, songs and colorful costumes. Then comes the real star - an impressive and spectacular elephant show. Among other things, you can see the tamed elephants dancing, painting, riding bicycles and playing ball.
When visiting the gardens it is recommended to take your time, enjoy the impressive views and walk leisurely along the beautiful garden paths. You can also take a local bus or rent a bicycle for the pastoral trip. This is a fun and special experience for the whole family. The children will be able to enjoy climbing the animal statues, feeding real animals and playing in the playgrounds scattered around the place. The park also offers other fun attractions such as sailing in a pedal boat on the lake, riding elephants and taking photos with the animals. If you get hungry, there are several nice restaurants scattered around the complex, so you can easily spend almost an entire day there.
Points of interest nearby - The entire area is full of tourist attractions, which can be easily combined with a trip to the gardens. Among the top sites you will find Pattaya Floating Market, Buddha Mountain (Khao Chee Chan), Ramayana and Cartoon Network Amazone Water Parks and Yansangwararam Temple.
opening times - The park is open all year round (7 days a week, including holidays) from 8:00 to 18:00. The restaurants in the complex are open every day until 22:00.
Performance times in the complex - There are 5 performances a day, at 10:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00.
Prices - An entrance ticket to the site without performances costs 500 baht, if you want to include the performances in the ticket it will cost you 800 baht. For children less than 90 cm tall the entrance is free, for children 90-120 cm tall the ticket will cost 360 baht and 600 baht for a ticket that includes performances.
How to get there - The address of Nong Nok Tropical Garden is 34/1 Moo 7 Najomtien District, Sattahip. The place is south of the city of Pattaya, a few kilometers away. Driving from the city center takes about 20 minutes. A taxi from the city center should cost you 600-700 baht. You should check with the driver if he can also bring you back at the end of the tour, as sometimes it is not easy to get a means of transportation from the gardens to return to the city.
