🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you want one place in Pattaya that works for kids, adults, and older relatives on the same trip, Nong Nooch is usually one of the first names locals suggest. It covers more than 1,700 rai, split into several themed garden zones, with shows, plenty of photo spots, and its own restaurants. You can stroll for half a day or stay the whole day. The nice part is you don't have to keep moving around — park once and explore for hours.
One thing to know before you go: it really is big, and walking the whole thing is tiring, especially in the sun. That's why many people pick a ticket that includes the tram tour, so they aren't worn out by the first half of the day.
Where Nong Nooch is and how to get there
Nong Nooch sits in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, just off Sukhumvit Road around Na Jomtien, about 15 km from central Pattaya. It's roughly a 20–30 minute drive from South Pattaya or Jomtien. Coming from Bangkok, the drive takes around 2 hours.
- Self-drive / car rental — the most convenient option, with a large parking lot. Just drop "Nong Nooch Tropical Garden" into Google Maps and go.
- Taxi / private car charter — chartering a round trip from Pattaya city works well; agree on the price and a pickup time before you set off, since flagging down a ride back from the garden is hard.
- Songthaew (shared truck) — these run along Sukhumvit and pass the garden, but you may need to change rides a few times and it's less convenient than a private car. Best for budget travellers who aren't in a hurry.
A tip on timing
The garden is open daily 08:00–18:00. Go early, right when it opens — the air is still cool, the morning light is good for photos, and you'll be in time for the first show later that morning.
Want more out of Pattaya? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Tickets and ticket packages
Nong Nooch splits its tickets into several types depending on whether you want the tram ride and the show too. The prices below are approximate for Thai visitors and can shift during festival periods and promotions. Check the real price on site or book online ahead of time before you go.
Garden entry only
Walk all the zones at your own pace. Good if you like to wander and take photos and aren't focused on the show; children under the height limit get in free.
Garden entry + tram tour
Includes the tram that loops the garden and drops you at the highlights, saving your legs across all that ground. Good for older relatives or small children.
Garden entry + elephant and Thai culture show
Includes the theatre show — good if the performance is your main reason for coming. Pick a show time that suits you when you enter.
Which ticket to pick
If it's your first visit and you're coming as a family, the ticket with the tram is the best value, because the garden really is large. If you also want to catch the elephant and Thai cultural show, go for the show-included ticket or just buy a show ticket on site.
Gardens in many styles — highlights worth seeing
The heart of Nong Nooch is having many themed gardens in one place — walking from zone to zone feels like the mood keeps changing. There are several popular corners people love to photograph.
French-style garden
Geometric, trimmed hedges in long rows, with fountains and flowers laid out in patterns — the most popular photo corner in the whole garden.
Elevated garden skywalk
A raised walkway where you look down on the garden patterns in full — you get an overview you simply can't see from ground level.
Cactus and succulent garden
A collection of many cactus and succulent species laid out as a dry zone with an unusual look, and a different kind of photo backdrop.
Seasonal flower garden
Flower beds arranged in themes that change through the year — bright and colourful, with fresh corners to photograph almost every time you come.
Dinosaur Valley — a zone kids love
Dinosaur Valley is a highlight kids really go for. It's filled with life-sized dinosaur models scattered along the paths and across the hills, and many of them move and make sounds. It's fun to walk and photograph — a bit like stepping into prehistoric times. The zone is big with a lot of models, so set aside a fair amount of walking time.
Watch the heat and fatigue
Dinosaur Valley is mostly an open-air walk, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water. If you're with small children or older relatives, using the tram makes it far more comfortable.
Elephant show and Thai cultural performances
Another thing people come specifically to see is the theatre show, split into Thai cultural performances — like Thai dance, Muay Thai, and folk acts — followed by clever elephants performing various tricks. There are usually several shows a day, with common times around 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30, though times can change. Check that day's schedule at the ticket counter when you enter the garden.
- Allow time to get into the theatre before the show — arrive about 15 minutes early for a good seat and to catch the opening.
- Plan the show around your garden walk — see the gardens near the theatre before the show, then head to the farther zones afterwards.
- Check that day's schedule on site — times and the line-up can vary by day and by festival period, so go by the signs on site.
Restaurants and food in the garden
There are several restaurants and food stalls inside the garden, including a Thai buffet at lunch and à la carte spots. Prices inside run a little higher than outside, as you'd expect at a tourist site. If you're on a tight budget you can bring your own water and snacks, but for hot food it's easier to just buy inside.
Planning a one-day visit to Nong Nooch
Focus on gardens and the show
Dinosaurs and the remaining zones
Things to know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — it's a big area with a lot of walking, and trainers help a lot.
- Prepare for the sun — hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water, since many zones are open-air walks.
- Book tickets online ahead — it gets busy on long weekends, so booking early helps you skip the queue on site, and some channels are cheaper.
- Allow at least 4–5 hours — to see the full garden, the show, and the dinosaurs, come early and don't rush.
Honesty — enjoy Pattaya with your wits about you
Pattaya has a lively nightlife district, so if you're out at night, keep an eye on your valuables and bags. And if you're planning to take a boat to Koh Larn on the same trip, always check the weather and the swell before you board — on rough-sea days, services may be cancelled.
Plan a full Pattaya trip — see hotels and other things to do
See the Pattaya travel guide →