Beyond the Greenery: Why Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is Pattaya’s Ultimate Travel Gem

 If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to botanical gardens, think again. Nestled just a short drive from the neon lights of Pattaya, Thailand, lies Nong Nooch Tropical Garden—a 600-acre wonderland that feels less like a backyard and more like a trip across the globe (and through time).

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a photography lover, or a family traveler looking for the next big adventure, Nong Nooch is a mandatory stop on any Thai itinerary.

A Garden of Many Worlds

What started as a simple fruit plantation in 1954 has transformed into the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. But it’s not just about the flowers. The brilliance of Nong Nooch lies in its Themed Gardens.

In one afternoon, you can walk through:

• The French Garden: A symmetrical masterpiece inspired by the Palace of Versailles.

• Stonehenge Garden: A quirky and impressive recreation of the UK’s famous stone circle.

• The Italian Garden: Filled with marble statues and romantic fountains that make you feel like you've teleported to the Mediterranean.

Step Into the Jurassic Period

For many of my viewers, the highlight isn't a flower at all—it’s the Dinosaur Valley. This isn't just a small display; it’s an expansive landscape featuring hundreds of life-sized, hyper-realistic dinosaur replicas. Walking among the T-Rexes and Velociraptors with a backdrop of rare tropical palms is an surreal experience that looks incredible on camera.

Pro-Traveler Tips for Your Visit

To make the most of your day at Nong Nooch, keep these tips in mind:

1. Beat the Heat: Arrive as soon as they open (8:00 AM). The Thai sun can be intense by noon!

2. Use the Skywalk: Don't just walk on the ground. The elevated skywalk offers the best aerial views of the French Garden and keeps you in the shade.

3. Stay Hydrated & Protected: You will be doing a lot of walking. I always recommend traveling with a high-quality, lightweight travel gear. If you're looking for the best travel essentials for your next trip to Thailand, check out my favorite travel picks here.

4. Don't Miss the Shows: The Thai Cultural Show and the Elephant Show run multiple times a day. They offer a fantastic deep dive into local traditions and the intelligence of these gentle giants.

The "Secret" Car Museum

Hidden away from the orchids and palms is a world-class Car Museum. It houses a private collection of rare sports cars and vintage classics. It’s the perfect "cool down" spot after a morning of exploring the gardens.

Conclusion

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a testament to what happens when nature meets imagination. It’s vast, colorful, and completely unexpected. If you're planning a trip to Pattaya, give yourself at least half a day to soak it all in.

Have you been to Nong Nooch? What was your favorite themed zone? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission. Thanks for supporting the blog!

Gavi echo tourism project Vandiperiyar in eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District.

Gavi eco tourism project is located 28 km from Vandiperiyar in eastern extreme of the Pathanamthitta District. This scenic project is located about 3400 feet above mean sea level. Gavi is very near to Thekkady and Sabarimala. Tourist can reach Gavi from Trivandrum Airport, Cochin Air Port or Madurai Airport. The nearest railway station is Kottayam. There are buses conducting service from Kochi and Trivandrum to Vandiperiyar. Gavi is the natural habitat for tiger, elephants, leopards, bears, Indian gaur, sambar, barking & Mouse deers, lion tailed macaque, other varieties of monkeys, Nilgiri Marten etc and about 300 plus species of birds. Trekkings to Kullur, Gavi Pullumedu, Kochu Pampa, Pachakanam can watch several wild animals. Gavi offers its adventure tourist activities like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping in specially built tents, and night safaris. There are plenty of hotels around Gavi offers different types of accommodation. Tourists visiting Thekkady also go to Gavi.

Kyuruva Deepu or Kuruva Island Wayanad

Wynad or Wayanad as we have described earlier is a place of natural wonders. Kuruva deep or Kuruva island is one of the most popular place in Wayand. Tourists come to Wayand may find some time to visit Kyuruva Deepu or Kuruva Island. Kyuruva Deepu or Kuruva Island is situated about 17 kilometers east of Mananthavady. Situated in the Kabana River Kyuruva Deepu or Kuruva Island is a gift of nature to Wayanad. It is a large virgine forest of about 950 acres. This rich evergreen forest host uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids. Kyuruva Deepu or Kuruva Island is closed during monsoon (June – September). Tourists can enjoy trekking, watching birds and wildlife photography. Tourists are coming from all over Kerala and Karnataka to visit this beautiful place.

Tourists also can visit Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak Kalpetta, Meenmutty Falls, Kalpetta Neelimala View Point, Vaduvanchal Pookot Lake, Vythiri Soochipara Falls, Kalpetta, Muthanga / Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkidi , Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary, Tholpetty.

The Alappuzha District

The Alappuzha District is famous for its unique backwaters. It is also called the Venice of East. The district is endowed with immense natural beauty. The sandy strip of land with Arabian Sea to its west is woven by lagoons and an array of rivers, canals, and lakes ideal for boat cruise. The main rivers are Achankovil, Pamba and Manimala. The Vembanad lake covering an area of 204 sq. kms. stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi and the ayamkulam lake covers an area of 59.57 sq. kjns. and extends into Alappuzha and Kollam districts. These lakes are used for the inland water transport of cargo and passengers. The district has been an important centre of Christiarilty. The church at Kokkomangalam in Cherthala taluk is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Alappuzha has been an important trading and commercial centre since time immemorial. It is also known for coir and carpet industry. The coir industry in the district is well known!

The Alappuzha District

The Alappuzha District is famous for its unique backwaters. It is also called the Venice of East. The district is endowed with immense natural beauty. The sandy strip of land with Arabian Sea to its west is woven by lagoons and an array of rivers, canals, and lakes ideal for boat cruise. The main rivers are Achankovil, Pamba and Manimala. The Vembanad lake covering an area of 204 sq. kms. stretches from Alappuzha to Kochi and the ayamkulam lake covers an area of 59.57 sq. kjns. and extends into Alappuzha and Kollam districts. These lakes are used for the inland water transport of cargo and passengers. The district has been an important centre of Christiarilty. The church at Kokkomangalam in Cherthala taluk is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Alappuzha has been an important trading and commercial centre since time immemorial. It is also known for coir and carpet industry. The coir industry in the district is well known!

Hotels of Cochin

Aiswarya Hotel, Jos, Jn., Warriam Road, Ph: 2364454

Abad Atrium, M. G. Road, Ph: 2361595,2381 122

Abad Metro, Rajaji Road, Ph: 2364162, 2364032

A. J. Residency, Kaloor, Ph: 2531480/884/2530012

ATS Wlllingdon Hotel, Wiillngdon Island, Ph: 2667643

Bijus Tourist Home, Canon Shed Road, Ph: 2381881

Cochin Regency, Near Padma Jn. Ph: 2360667

Cochin Tourist Home, Opp. Near South Rly Stn., Ph:2377577

Elite Tourist Home, Paramara Rd, Opp. Town Hi, Ph: 2395692

Gaanam Hotels Ltd., •Chittoor Road, Ph: 2376123

Good Shepherd Tourist Home, Chelakulam Building, Ph: 2381145

Hotel Abad, Chullickal, Ph: 2228211

Hotel Airlines, M. G. Road, Ph: 2366633, 2351772

Hotel Blue Diamond, Market Road, Ph :2382118

Hotel Chandnl Park, South Kalamassery, Ph : 2557628

Hotel Crystal Palace, Banerji Road, Ph: 2394222, 2393789

Hotel Grace, Narakathara Rd, Ph: 2353789

Hotel Kavita, Chittoor Road, Ph: 2350618

Hotel K. K. International, Opp. South RIy Stn, Ph: 2376010

Hotel Megha, Kacherippady, Ph: 2395305

Hotel Mayura Park, Kacheripady Jn, Ph: 2390560

Hotel Sangeetha, Chitoor Road, Ph: 2376123

Hotel Mermaid Days Inn, Kaniampuzha Rd, Ph: 2307999

Hotel Segate, Pathadipalam, Ph: 2555405

Hotel Uduppi Anantha Bhavan, M. G. Road, Ph: 2382071, 75

Kamyakam Haven, Kothad Island, Ph : 2432701

Travancore Court, Warriam Road, Cochjn-16. Ph : 2351120, 3044000

Hotel Harbour View, M. G. Road, Opp. Ship yard, Cochin, Ph 4090000

Mas Hotel, Near North Rly Stn, Ph: 2395090

Matha Tourist Home, St. Vincent Road, Ph: 2395250

N. M. Hotels, Near South Rly Stn, Ph: 2375137

Paulson Park Hotel, Ekm South Jn, Ph: 2378240

Piazza Residency, Near Ekm South Rly Stn, Ph: 2376408

Queens Residency, Shenoys Jn, Ph: 2365775, 2368010

Sahara Tourist Lodge, Convent Road, Ph: 2352178

Saas Tower, Canon Shed Road, Ph: 2365319

Star Tourist Home, Kaloor, Ph: 2539940

Thankam Tourist Home, Near North Rly Stn, Ph: 2390007

Bolghatty Palace Hotel, Bolghatty, Ph: 2750600

Circle Manor, Deshabhimani Jn, Ph: 2408066

Fort Heritage, Ph: 2217902

Haramain Tourist Home, Ph: 2381789

Hotel White Fourt, Byepass, Ph : 2706955

Hotel Cochin Tower, Lizy Jn, Ph: 2401910

Hotel Seagull, Ph: 2217172

Hotel Rakoba, Ph: 2353933

Hotel Highway Garden, Ph: 2330321

Hotel Mercy, Ph: 2367379

Rivera Suites, Thevara, Ph: 2663474

R. K. Oberol Hotel, Ph: 2351743

Hotel Searock, Ph: 2354745

The Metropolitlan, Near South Rly, Stn Ph: 2375412

Youth Hostel Kakkanadu, Ph: 2422808

KaLady the birth place of-Adi Sankaracharya

KaLady the birth place of-Adi Sankaracharya is located on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of-Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same place there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharyas mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya. Another temple known as the International Temple dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna Deva has been built with the hope that it would eventually become a temple for all religions and an house of peace.

Kalady is located on MC Road Between Angamaly and Perumbavoor. Tourists come here and spend hourse enjoying peaceful atmosphere.