Day 752: October 17, 2026 – Pattaya, Thailand

The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya is unlike any garden I’ve seen. It’s described as a botanical garden, but it’s more like a cross between a theme park and an art museum. It features a massive kaleidoscope of dinosaurs, temples, buddhas, stupas, topiary, pebble art and pottery, along with thousands of animal statues: dinosaurs, ants, turtles, ladybugs, alpacas, anteaters, lions, tigers, and bears. It is considered one of the top ten gardens in the world. There are probably some who will be turned off by its grandiosity, but the uniqueness and whimsy made me smile at every turn. There was way too much to see in one day; I may have to return for a second visit.

Interconnected clay pots featured in many of the exhibits.

Giant murals made of smooth, colorful pebbles showcased Thailand history as well as that of other countries.

These snowy owls were my favorite!