Island of Spice

Grenada is a rolling, mountainous island, covered with fragrant spice trees and rare tropical flowers. Bordered by stunning beaches, and dotted with picturesque towns, this verdant island has long been a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa. The seductive   drifts through the colourful Saturday markets and Grenada's dense forests. In the interior of this volcanic island are cascading rivers and waterfalls, lush rainforests, and one of the most breathtakingly beautiful mountain lakes imaginable. The capital, St. George's, is widely held to be the loveliest city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes.

Grenada's physical beauty is complemented by its rich history and vibrant, living cultural heritage. Local festivals, fairs, and markets remain an integral part of life on Grenada. Its centuries-old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use traditional methods, emphasizing quality rather than quantity. Although the tourist industry has become more substantial in recent years, the island's easy rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere that has long since vanished elsewhere.

For many visitors, of course, the measure of any island is taken by its beaches and coral reefs, and Grenada offers plenty of both. The island is ringed with miles of picture-perfect strands, including both entrancing black and sugar-fine white sand beaches. Grand Anse Beach, a smooth expanse stretching for two miles around the curve of a gentle bay, is world famous. Grenada has plenty to offer those interested in offshore pleasure as well, with easily accessible and pristine reefs off the coast of both Grenada and its sister island, Carriacou. 

Nong Nooch garden, Paurovttaya, Thailand

Thailand is well known for its many beautiful orchids. In Nong Nooch garden, more than 650 species with a wide array of colors can be admired.Nong Nooch tropical garden close to Pattaya is the largest botanical garden in South East Asia.The vast gardens are set in an area of around 600 acres, that originally was to be used as a plantation to grow local fruits.

The area was then first turned into a garden for conservation of certain species of plants and flowers, and was later opened to visitors.

In the gardens you will find an enormous number of plant and flower species in a particularly well kept environment. Some sections of the garden are set in a specific theme such as Stonehenge, Butterfly Hill, French garden of pineapple garden.

Thai cultural shows

Apart from the flowers and plants, visitors can enjoy a number of cultural shows at Nong Nooch garden. A varied program of Thai cultural and traditional performances can be enjoyed, like sword fighting, Muay Thai boxing, Thai wedding ceremony and traditional Thai dance. The cultural shows take place four times per day, namely at 9.45 am, 10.45 am, 3 pm and 4 pm.
How to get to Nong Nooch tropical garden

Nong Nooch garden is located almost 20 kilometers South of Pattaya city. You can charter a songthaew baht bus to get you there. The bus is a converted pick up truck with covered seats in the back, but it is open and has no air conditioning. The price is up to your negotiating skills. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, book a taxi through your hotel or at one of the taxi stands in Pattaya. Before you leave, make sure you agree on the price.
Admission & opening hours

Nong Nooch garden is open daily from 8 am until 6 pm. Admission is 400 Thai Baht per adult, 200 Baht per child and includes admission to the cultural shows.