Thailand Unseen E2: The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, situated near Pattaya, stands as the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. Expanding across approximately 600 acres, the land was initially designated for cultivating local fruits.

And there is no doubt it can seduce a large number of filmmakers.

Subsequently, the area was transformed into a garden dedicated to conserving specific plant and flower species, eventually opening its doors to visitors.

Within the gardens, visitors can marvel at a diverse array of plant and flower species, all meticulously maintained.

Themed Gardens:
Stonehenge Garden: Modeled after the famed prehistoric monument in England, Stonehenge Garden replicates the ring of large standing stones believed to have been erected over 5,000 years ago.

Butterfly Hill: Nestled on a gentle slope, Butterfly Hill features beds of various colorful flowers arranged to resemble the shape of a butterfly.

French Garden: This nearly four-acre expanse draws inspiration from the 17th-century gardens of the Palace of Versailles in France.

Animal Sculpture Garden: Here, visitors encounter sculptures of creatures such as camels, kangaroos, llamas, leopards, and deer.

Other Themed Gardens:
Additional gardens include the Bonsai garden, Desert Rose garden, Italian garden, Orchid garden, Cycad valley, and Bromeliad display garden.

Collections:
Orchids, Palms, & Cycads: Nong Nooch boasts an extensive collection of orchids, showcasing over 650 species in a dazzling array of colors. The garden is also renowned for its remarkable variety of palms, with more than 1,100 species, surpassing any other location worldwide. Furthermore, the botanical garden hosts one of the largest collections of cycad species globally. These plants, mostly found in tropical environments, can endure for hundreds of years, though many species are now endangered.

Conservation Efforts:
Collaborating with organizations like the IUCN (the International Union for the Conservation of Nature), Nong Nooch botanical garden engages in research on Cycads and works towards curating a diverse collection of these threatened species, safeguarding these beautiful plants for future generations.

Succulent Plants:
The garden also features a collection of cacti and succulents typically found in arid conditions. While the Thai climate is typically too humid for these plants, Nong Nooch has succeeded in cultivating them in an outdoor area.

Heliconia and Zingiberales:
The gardens house a vast collection of hundreds of species of Heliconia and Zingiberales, renowned for their vibrant colors, some of which are native to Thailand.

Thai Cultural and Elephant Shows:
Visitors can immerse themselves in various shows, from Thai cultural and traditional performances to demonstrations of ancient fighting techniques. The highlight is a show featuring elephants, a fascinating glimpse into the martial history of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Getting Around:
Exploring the gardens is facilitated by over three kilometers of shaded, elevated walkways, offering panoramic views of themed gardens. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a 30-minute tour on the Sightseeing bus or rent a bicycle. For young children, pedaled swan boats provide an enjoyable mode of transport.

Dining and Accommodation:
Numerous restaurants and a food court on-site offer a diverse range of cuisines. For those seeking an extended stay, various accommodation options are available within Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

Location:
Nong Nooch Garden is situated at 34/1 Tambon Na Chom Thian in Sattahip district, nearly 20 kilometers South of Pattaya city. A visit here can easily be combined with trips to Legend Siam Cultural Theme Park and Thai Thani Arts & Culture Village, both within the same vicinity.

How to Get There:
Visitors can opt for a songthaew baht bus, a converted pickup truck with covered seats, but no air conditioning. Taxi services are also available, and it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand.

Next week i will dive into Bangkok's Chinatown a "Classic" district for movie production.


Olivier@siammovies.com