A Review of Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

Are you a fan of the novel and cartoon series entitled Mary and the Secret Garden? If you are, then you will also relate to a garden in Thailand named Nong Nooch Botanical Garden.

Nong Nooch (pronounced as Nong Noot)  is a huge and beautifully landscaped garden located in Pattaya, Thailand. It's large and picturesque view would definitely attract tourists from all over the world.

What to Do:

1. Ride an elephant. We all want to experience riding or taking picture with the elephant as this played an important role in Thailand's history and culture.

   

   Elephant Ride with Picture for 100 Baht

2. Watch Elephant Show. With elephants as actors and actresses in the field, who would not want to be happy and be amazed with how they show intellect in painting, kicking a ball or hitting a balloon? I assure you that this part will make you want to bring them back home.
3. Watch Thai Cultural Show. The show will last for around 20 minutes depicting the diverse culture of Thailand. It's highlights are Thai dance and Thai boxing. Make sure to arrive on the scheduled time as you may not have a place to sit on. The place has electric fans around so its quite hot during the day.
4. Take pictures in the different sections of the garden. Sections include zoo, aviary, French garden, and other areas I cannot remember. However, you need to allot a day to visit the garden because of its extraordinary size (500 acre). They allow walk-in visit so better travel early morning as the garden opens at 9AM. 
   

How to Go There Plus Advice to Ponder:

If you are coming from Bangkok, traveling would be around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

1. Take MRT to Mo Chit or Ekamai Station. Both stations have the same price so I suggest to alight in the station where you are near. In our case, we alighted at Ekamai station since we are near Thailand Cultural Center. Fare is 119 Baht.
2. Under the station lies Ekamai terminal. Waiting period is not lengthy and as long as the bus is filled then the journey begins. Be aware that the bus number matches the number written in the bus ticket even if the conductor will check if you are on the right track.

   

   Bus ticket to Pattaya

3. After 2 hours of travel, you will alight at Pattaya station. Beware of motorcycle drivers who will ask about your destination. It is better not to entertain them since they will give a very unreasonable price for the ride. One driver gave a price of 500  Baht until he followed us to where we are going. We ended in a taxi with the same price. Meaning, the meter is not right since we feel that we are being deceived. BIG ADVICE: Better wait for taxi who is not parking or just passes the road since it is more reliable.
4. After around 30 minutes of travel, you will reach Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. If the driver insists that he will be the one to go to the cashier to pay for the entrance and that he will drive you inside the garden, just say NO. Remember that taxi meter is running. We paid a hefty amount of 482 Baht for a 30-minute ride. If he also insists in bringing you back home, just say NO.

Links:

1. Bus Lines in Bangkok. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_routes_in_Bangkok
2. Nong Nooch Garden website. www.nongnoochgardenpattaya.com

Verdict: 10/10

I think the price is right for a fascinating view and all the amenities they have. Since I am a fan of flora and fauna, I think this is the best place for families and friends who want to be away from the buzz of busy life even for a short time. If you want to savor and feel the garden for a long period of time, hotels are also available inside.