Tropical countries, Thailand included, are renowned for their lush vegetation. Yet one must visit a particular spot in Phuket where the nation’s finest flora is showcased in one park – the Phuket Botanical Garden. This garden is one of the finest representatives among botanical gardens. However, let’s start from the beginning…
General Information
The Phuket Botanical Garden (also known as Botanic or Botanical Garden Phuket) is located in the eastern part of the island. It is an open-air, enclosed area divided into 30 thematic zones. Among these, the following stand out:
- America.
- England.
- Japan.
- France.
- Bali.
Covering an area of 1 hectare, the garden is arranged on a one-way path—from entry to exit—ensuring a guided flow for all visitors. The time required for a stroll varies; for example, one person might take 30 minutes while another could spend up to 4 hours.
Each climatic zone is arranged sequentially, and for plant enthusiasts, the garden will seem astonishing in its layout and plant variety. Each climate zone measures approximately 6×6 meters.
In addition to the mentioned zones, the garden also features:
- A carp pond;
- A café;
- A hotel;
- A butterfly park;
- A winter pavilion;
- A souvenir shop;
- A traditional Thai bamboo house;
- Two waterfalls.
Incidentally, the waterfalls are designed so that you can walk inside them and capture stunning photos or videos. Scattered along the perimeter of the garden are various figurines of both fairy-tale and not-so-fairy characters. For instance, there is a reclining figure of the god Ganesha under a bush, and over there, a caterpillar reminiscent of the one from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. And, of course, you can always notice the warm and welcoming locals, there is an abundance of photographic opportunities. Moreover, there are plenty of benches situated in the shade of broad-leaved trees and shrubs where you can not only take a break but also snap some interesting photos.
Adjacent to a small café, there is a pond where anyone can feed the fish. The cost of fish food is 20 baht (a standard rate in Phuket – similar to the price at the zoo park). If you’d like to take a few pictures of the fish, you won’t even have to lure them with food as there are plenty swimming close to the shore. Sometimes it may even seem as though one is about to leap out of the water.
An interesting structure is the traditional Thai bamboo hut, which you can enter to learn about the everyday life of local Thais. Inside, you will find a sleeping area, a kitchen, and even an improvised garden.
At the park’s exit, there is a souvenir shop where, in addition to memorabilia, you can purchase a small orchid in a plastic container (which you can even take out of the country). Unfortunately, no other plants are available for purchase.
Cons
While the Phuket Botanical Garden has its advantages, it also comes with a few drawbacks – the most significant being the abundance of mosquitoes. The numerous water features provide an ideal breeding ground for them, and considering that dangerous diseases such as dengue fever are present in the tropics, the prospect of being bitten by an infected mosquito is far from appealing. Therefore, it is advisable to bring mosquito repellent if you’d prefer not to spend the rest of your visit indoors.
The second drawback is less critical and more of a minor inconvenience. Due to the high humidity in the garden, you tend to perspire quickly, which can affect your appearance.
The third drawback concerns the butterfly park. In the hot weather, these insects are not very active and prefer to hide in the shade rather than delight visitors with their presence – so if the butterflies show themselves at their best, consider yourself lucky (there are around 10–12 species).
Prices
The entrance fee for the botanical garden is quite steep – especially when compared with similar attractions in other destinations, which is rather disheartening.
- Adult Ticket: 600 baht
- Child Ticket: 400 baht
- Discounted Ticket (with Thai driver’s license): 120 baht
Note: These prices are relatively high compared to similar attractions, which is one reason many visitors opt for package deals or guided tours that may include transportation.
Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
After 5:00 PM the garden is closed to tourists; however, for guests of the Phuket Botanic Resort, it remains fully accessible.
How to Get There
The Phuket Botanical Garden does not have its own official website, so all relevant information must be obtained either from a guide or online.
Below is a map showing the garden’s location:
Reaching the garden on your own can be rather challenging, as public transport leaves much to be desired. If you’re traveling by scooter or car, it’s best to follow the signs on Google Maps. In the absence of a rented vehicle, you can either take a taxi (most drivers are familiar with the botanical garden) or book a tour that includes transfer from any beach (such as Patong, Karon, Kata, etc.).
Reviews are generally positive. Most of the criticism comes from travelers who had previously visited the botanical garden in Bangkok and find the Phuket garden too small in comparison. However, those visiting Thailand for the first time are generally pleased with this local garden.
In conclusion, the Phuket Botanical Garden is a worthwhile place to visit – especially considering the relative scarcity of attractions on the island. It’s definitely worth a visit at least once.
Don’t forget to share your travel impressions in the comments – they are invaluable for those still undecided about their next vacation destination.
