Nong Nooch Garden in Pattaya
Part of the Pattaya travel guide — see every topic in All Pattaya Guides.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a very large botanical and theme garden south of Pattaya. It covers more than 200 hectares in the Sattahip area. It has formal gardens, tropical plants, lakes, and big sculptures. It is one of the best nature days out near the city, and it works well for families. Plan for at least half a day.
The gardens
Nong Nooch is famous for its large, well-kept gardens. There is a French-style garden with neat hedges and fountains, a European garden and many themed areas. The park has large collections of palms, cycads, orchids and cactus. Big colourful sculptures, such as a valley of model dinosaurs, are popular with children. There are lakes, flower beds and wide lawns. The garden is very big, so you cannot see everything on foot in one day. Many visitors pick a few areas and take the shuttle between them. The plant collections are the main reason to come for people who love nature.
Getting around the park
Because the garden is so large, there are shuttle buses and trams that link the main areas. You can also rent a bicycle or a small cart in some areas. Many paths have shade, but it is still hot in the middle of the day. Pick up a map at the entrance and plan which parts you want to see. The main area near the entrance has restaurants, shops and toilets. Some tickets include the shuttle and a show, while others are entry only, so check what you are buying.
Shows and activities
The park runs cultural shows with Thai dance, music and traditional martial arts at set times. Check the show times when you arrive. There are also viewpoints, a skywalk in some areas, and many photo spots. Some parts of the park have animal shows. If you prefer a nature-only visit, you can skip these and focus on the gardens. The garden also hosts events and plant shows at some times of year. Restaurants in the park overlook the lakes and gardens, so lunch can be part of the visit.
Tips for a family day
Arrive early in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter. Bring a hat, sun cream and water, and plan rest stops in the shade. Wear comfortable shoes. Children like the dinosaur area and the shuttle rides. There are restaurants inside the park, so you do not need to bring lunch. Weekends and Thai holidays are busier, so a weekday visit is calmer. Allow at least four hours, or a full day if you want to see the shows and the gardens. A light rain jacket is useful in the wet season.
Getting there
Nong Nooch is about 15 to 20 km south of central Pattaya, off Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip district. The easiest way to go is by taxi, ride app or private car. Many tour companies also sell tickets with hotel pickup. Public songthaews run along Sukhumvit Road, but they do not go to the gate, so it is less convenient. If you take a taxi, agree a return time, or check that you can book a ride back from the park.
Nong Nooch Garden at a glance
| Getting there | About 15 to 20 km south of Pattaya in Sattahip; taxi, ride app or tour with pickup |
|---|---|
| Hours | Usually about 8 am to 6 pm |
| Cost | Entry ticket; shuttle and show packages cost more |
| Best time | Early morning, on a weekday, in the cooler months about November to February |
| Allow | At least half a day |