Nong Nooch Tropical Garden - a walkway in a garden filled with lots of plants
1 / 10

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

4.6
·42k reviews·Tambon Na Chom Thian, Thailand

Explore over 600 acres of stunning themed gardens, a thrilling Dinosaur Valley, and unique attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden - a walkway in a garden filled with lots of plants

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 600 acres of stunning themed gardens, a thrilling Dinosaur Valley, and unique attractions.

4.6
(42k reviews)

"Breathtaking gardens and a fun dinosaur valley make this a must-see, though ethical concerns about elephant shows persist."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚌 Ride the Sightseeing Bus

Essential for covering the vast grounds! Hop on and off at various stops to see it all.

💧 Stay Hydrated

It's a tropical climate! Carry water or purchase it frequently to stay comfortable. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

French Garden

French Garden

Main Garden Area

Immerse yourself in meticulously manicured topiaries and vibrant floral displays, a true European escape.

Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Valley

Designated Zone

Roam among life-sized, realistic dinosaur replicas – a thrilling adventure for all ages!

Stonehenge Replica

Stonehenge Replica

Garden Zone

A unique and impressive recreation of the ancient monument amidst lush tropical flora.

Luxury Car Exhibition

Luxury Car Exhibition

Museum Area

Admire a stunning collection of high-end vehicles, showcasing a passion for automotive excellence.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Vastness

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is enormous! Don't try to walk everywhere. Utilize the convenient sightseeing bus to cover the 600+ acres efficiently and maximize your time exploring the diverse themed gardens and attractions. Reddit

Ethical Considerations

While the gardens are stunning, be aware that elephant shows are a controversial aspect. Many visitors choose to skip them due to ethical concerns, focusing instead on the natural beauty and other attractions. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (before 5 PM)
Why
Enjoy the golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is it worth the entrance fee?

🚌 Ride the Sightseeing Bus

Essential for covering the vast grounds! Hop on and off at various stops to see it all. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

It's a tropical climate! Carry water or purchase it frequently to stay comfortable. :droplet:

reddit.com

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden- Chon Buri

reddit.com

Botanic Gardens

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Colors

The gardens are incredibly photogenic, especially the themed areas. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Is there a big awesome botanical garden in Thailand?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚌 Ride the Sightseeing Bus

Essential for covering the vast grounds! Hop on and off at various stops to see it all. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

It's a tropical climate! Carry water or purchase it frequently to stay comfortable. :droplet:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Colors

The gardens are incredibly photogenic, especially the themed areas. :camerawithflash:

💰 Check Ticket Packages

Consider combo tickets that might include shows or specific attractions for better value. :admission_tickets:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(42k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Nong Nooch Tropical Garden for its breathtakingly beautiful and meticulously maintained themed gardens, offering a visually stunning experience. The Dinosaur Valley is a major hit with families, and the efficient sightseeing bus makes exploring the vast grounds manageable. However, many express strong ethical concerns regarding the elephant shows, urging the management to reconsider these practices.

"Breathtaking Gardens*: The garden spans over 600 acres, featuring meticulously landscaped zones, including a French Garden, Animal Sculpture Garden, and Stonehenge replica.
- Dinosaur Valley: Explore life-sized dinosaur replicas scattered across the grounds, perfect for family photos and sparking kids' imagination.
Luxury Car Exhibition*: Marvel at the impressive collection of luxury cars showcasing the owner's passion."

Foody Travel Moody

"We visited Nong Nooch Botanical Garden and even though we arrived a bit late (around 5 PM, and it closes at 6 PM), we had an absolutely amazing time exploring the gardens.

Since we had about an hour, we decided to take the sightseeing bus, which was a perfect choice — it took us around the garden and allowed us to see so many of the beautiful areas quickly.
The views were stunning: endless colorful gardens, peaceful landscapes, and beautifully maintained areas everywhere we looked.

We also visited the dinosaur section and a beautiful temple area, which added a lot of excitement for the kids.
The dinosaur statues were huge and very realistic — the children had a lot of fun running around and exploring.
The temple was peaceful and beautifully designed, offering a nice cultural touch to the visit.

However, while we truly enjoyed the gardens themselves, we were very disappointed to learn about the elephant shows.
As many others have mentioned, the shows are cruel and unethical, and it's heartbreaking to see animals treated this way for entertainment.
Because of this, we chose not to pay for or watch the show and we would not recommend supporting it.
We believe that such practices do not belong in a place that celebrates the beauty of nature.

In summary:

The gardens are beautiful and worth seeing.

But we strongly encourage the management to stop the elephant shows and shift the focus entirely to the wonderful botanical experience they have built.

Until then, we cannot fully recommend a visit here unless it is solely to enjoy the gardens without supporting the animal shows."

guyziv2110

"It was a memorable experience🤩. The garden is massive so you need to ride a shuttle bus to go around the garden. They will stop is every station for you to enjoy sightseeing and take pictures. Here you can interact with elephants too. Kids will enjoy the last stop coz it is full of dinosaurs 😂."

Mei Ma Li

What People Like

Stunning themed gardens
Dinosaur Valley
Well-maintained grounds

What People Dislike

Elephant show ethics

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by taxi or Grab, which takes about 30-45 minutes from central Pattaya. Many tour operators in Pattaya also offer package deals that include transportation to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available for visitors arriving by private car or rented vehicle. The parking area is quite large to accommodate many visitors.

While less direct, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) from Pattaya towards Sattahip and ask the driver to drop you off at the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden entrance. You might need to take a short motorbike taxi or another songthaew for the final stretch. Reddit

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is located near Pattaya, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from Bangkok, depending on traffic. Many visitors make it a day trip from Bangkok or stop by en route to/from Pattaya. Reddit

Due to its vast size (over 600 acres), the best way to get around is by using the complimentary sightseeing bus service provided within the garden. You can hop on and off at various points of interest. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Nong Nooch Tropical Garden can vary, but it's generally around 500 Baht for foreigners. It's advisable to check their official website or local tour agents for the most current pricing. Reddit

While you can purchase tickets at the entrance, booking in advance, especially online or through a tour operator, can sometimes offer discounts or package deals. This is also recommended during peak seasons to avoid queues. Reddit

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is typically open daily from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, show times for the elephant shows and cultural performances have specific schedules, so it's good to check those in advance. Reddit

Yes, often there are different pricing structures. Foreigners typically pay a higher entrance fee compared to Thai nationals or residents. Always have your passport ready for verification if you are eligible for resident pricing. Reddit

The standard entrance fee usually grants access to the gardens and grounds. Shows like the elephant show or cultural performances often require an additional ticket or are part of a package. The sightseeing bus is usually included. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The French Garden with its manicured hedges, the vibrant floral displays, the Dinosaur Valley for dramatic shots, and the unique themed gardens like the Italian Garden and the Butterfly Garden are all fantastic for photos. The Stonehenge replica also offers a striking backdrop. Reddit

Generally, drone usage is restricted in most tourist attractions in Thailand to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the management. Check with the information desk upon arrival. TikTok

Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens. Late afternoons also provide beautiful golden hour light, but can be busier. Reddit

You can take photos of the elephants during the shows, but direct interaction or posing for photos with them might be part of specific paid experiences. Be mindful of ethical considerations when photographing animals. Reddit

Absolutely! The Dinosaur Valley is a huge hit with kids for photos. The Animal Sculpture Garden and the various themed areas with colorful flowers also make for memorable family snapshots. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the French Garden, the Dinosaur Valley, the Italian Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and the unique Animal Sculpture Garden. The Luxury Car Exhibition is also a unique draw. Reddit

To truly appreciate the gardens and see most of the attractions, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you want to see the shows and explore at a leisurely pace, a full day is recommended. Reddit

Yes, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden hosts cultural shows featuring traditional Thai dance and music. These are often performed at specific times throughout the day. Reddit

Yes, it's very family-friendly! The Dinosaur Valley is a major highlight for kids, and the vast open spaces allow them to explore. The sightseeing bus also makes it manageable for families. Reddit

The Dinosaur Valley features numerous life-sized, realistic dinosaur models scattered throughout a dedicated area. It's an exciting and immersive experience, especially for younger visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several restaurants and eateries within the garden complex offering a variety of Thai and international dishes. You can find options ranging from casual cafes to more formal dining. Reddit

You can expect a mix of local Thai cuisine, seafood, and some international favorites. Many restaurants offer buffet options, especially for tour groups. Reddit

Generally, bringing outside food and drinks might be restricted. It's best to check the official policy upon arrival or rely on the dining facilities within the garden. Reddit

Most Thai restaurants will have vegetarian options, and many can prepare vegan dishes upon request. It's advisable to inform your server about your dietary needs. Reddit

There are multiple dining venues. The main restaurant often caters to large groups, while smaller cafes offer quicker bites. Exploring different options based on your preference and location within the garden is recommended. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a fantastic destination for families. The Dinosaur Valley is an absolute must-visit, offering thrilling encounters with life-sized dinosaur replicas that kids will adore. Reddit The vastness of the garden is easily manageable for families thanks to the sightseeing bus, which allows you to cover a lot of ground without tiring out little legs. Reddit

Beyond the dinosaurs, the Animal Sculpture Garden and the vibrant, colorful themed gardens provide plenty of visual stimulation. Consider packing snacks and drinks, and be prepared for a lot of walking, even with the bus. The overall experience is designed to be engaging and enjoyable for all ages, making it a memorable family outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

While Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has an entrance fee, it offers a lot of value for the price, especially if you plan your visit strategically. Look for package deals that might include transportation or access to specific shows, which can sometimes be more economical than purchasing separately. Reddit Utilizing the free sightseeing bus is crucial for maximizing your experience without incurring extra costs for internal transport. Reddit

Consider packing your own water and snacks to save on on-site purchases, though there are dining options available if needed. Visiting during off-peak hours might also lead to a more relaxed experience without necessarily costing more. The sheer scale and variety of attractions mean you can spend hours exploring, making it a worthwhile investment for budget-conscious travelers. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a paradise of color and form. The French Garden and Italian Garden offer stunning architectural and horticultural compositions, perfect for landscape and detail shots. Reddit The Dinosaur Valley provides dramatic and unique subjects, ideal for capturing a sense of scale and wonder. Reddit

Visit during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the most flattering light. The diverse themed gardens, from the vibrant floral displays to the unique sculptures, ensure a constant stream of photogenic opportunities. Don't forget to explore the less crowded areas for hidden gems and unique perspectives. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Themed Gardens

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is renowned for its diverse and meticulously designed themed gardens. The French Garden is a highlight, featuring classic European landscaping with intricate topiaries and colorful flowerbeds. Visitors often marvel at the symmetry and precision of this area. Reddit

Another popular zone is the Italian Garden, which offers a different aesthetic with its fountains, statues, and classical architectural elements. The Animal Sculpture Garden presents whimsical creations made from plants and other materials, adding a playful touch to the landscape. For those interested in unique displays, the Stonehenge replica provides a striking visual against the lush tropical backdrop. Reddit

Beyond these, the garden boasts a Hanging Garden, a Butterfly Garden, and various other specialized areas, each offering a distinct visual experience. The sheer variety ensures there's something to captivate every visitor's eye, making it a true botanical wonderland. Reddit

The Dinosaur Valley Experience

A major draw for families and dinosaur enthusiasts, the Dinosaur Valley at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is an immersive prehistoric adventure. Life-sized, realistic dinosaur replicas are strategically placed throughout a dedicated section of the garden, creating a captivating prehistoric landscape. Reddit

Visitors can wander among these impressive models, from towering Tyrannosaurus Rex to gentle Brontosauruses, offering fantastic photo opportunities and sparking the imagination. The sheer scale of the dinosaurs makes for a memorable experience, especially for children who often delight in exploring this unique attraction. Reddit

This area provides a fun and educational element to the visit, complementing the natural beauty of the botanical gardens with a touch of prehistoric wonder. It's a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting with kids or those who simply enjoy a bit of prehistoric fun. Reddit

Ethical Considerations and Elephant Shows

While Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is celebrated for its stunning botanical displays, the elephant shows have become a point of contention for many visitors. Reports and reviews frequently mention concerns about the ethical treatment of elephants in these performances, with some describing the shows as cruel and unethical. Reddit

Many visitors, including those who otherwise enjoyed the gardens, have expressed disappointment and a reluctance to support these shows. They advocate for the garden to focus solely on its natural beauty and botanical offerings, rather than animal entertainment. This sentiment is echoed across various travel forums and review sites, highlighting a growing awareness and preference for ethical tourism practices. Reddit

Consequently, while elephant rides and shows are available, it's important for visitors to be informed and make their own decisions regarding participation. The consensus among many is that the true value of Nong Nooch lies in its magnificent gardens, and supporting these without the controversial animal performances would be ideal. Reddit

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