Garden tours are not what spring to mind when one thinks of Thailand, but with its tropical climate and the ample rainfall in some regions, the country offers more than just the dazzling orchids for which they are famous: they also have ornamental trees, shrubs and a selection of other exotic flowers. Orchids can be enjoyed throughout the country, but if one travels to the northern area one can see the more familiar roses, carnations and even chrysanthemums from temperate climes.
Where to See Flowers and Plants in Thailand
At the Chatachuk Weekend Market in Bangkok, leading florists come to sell their plants and flowers on Saturday and Sunday and this is one of the best places to see what Thailand can offer in the way of blooms. A permanent plant market is also located across from the Pahonyothin Road entrance to the park, the Talat Dok Mai, open every day. Near the Chao Phraya River, and a favourite place for Bangkokians to stroll is Thewat, famous for its ornamental plants: it is a pleasant area in which to take a walk under the colourful trees.
There are also several gardens and parks near Bangkok. At Rama IX Park which was opened in 1987 in honour of the present King’s 60th birthday, a stunning display of decorative trees and shrubs has been designed by Thailand’s leading landscape designers.
Suan Pakkad Palace was once the home of the late Princess Chumbhot of Nakkon Sawan and the spacious grounds are open to the public. With a reputation as an enthusiastic gardener it is not surprising that the gardens of the Palace contain plants from all over the world.
Gardens and Parks Outside Bangkok
The Princess and her husband also established Wang Takrai at Nakhon Nayok which can be reached in an about 90 minutes by car from Bangkok. It is also possible to overnight there in small bungalows but they are not meant for long stays and I feel a day trip is adequate for this area. Taxis to Nakhon Nayok from Bangkok are not too expensive – provided you barter well.
On the outskirts of the city there are numerous nurseries, mini agribusinesses which export cut flowers throughout the world. Several of these houses welcome visitors and offer demonstrations of propagation techniques as well as talks on their spectacular flowers.
In Pattaya, the Nong Nooch Village is probably the most famous place to see orchids and rare shrubs and plants. It is just a short trip outside the city and can be done privately or in a group via an organized tour.
Northern Region - Chinag Mai and Chiang Rai
The gardens outside Chiang Rai are very popular with Thai visitors as this is one of the few places in the country where they can see temperate flowers in bloom. Flowers that are familiar to visitors who live in cooler climes grow here (along with strawberries and salad vegetables) and the Thais delight in these as much as we delight in their orchids.
And as you fly in or out of Bangkok airport, don’t miss the stunning display of orchids in the main hall. It will take your breath away.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
