Just off Highway 36 southeast of Bangkok, on the way from Chon Buri to Rayong is a quiet sanctuary of botanical treasures. The HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden is wedge-shaped property with 20,000 herbal plants grouped into 20 sections by their use. Many of the plants represented on the 24 acres are those used in traditional Thai herbal knowledge. The gardens are designed using an array of meandering walks that gracefully unfold section after section in a pleasing voyage of discovery.
This garden was the first herb-themed garden in Thailand, having been planted in 1984 by PTT (Public Company Limited), a Thai state-owned oil and gas company. The property was the company’s maintenance center and staff residence. PTT, with an objective to conserve and develop natural resources for future generations, gathered and planted herbs in a garden setting. One year later, the garden was presented to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and further development continued. In honor of the Princess’s 50th birthday in 2006, an exhibition hall was built on the property.
The property has an interesting gift shop that sells dried herbs, oils, tinctures and products. A fascinating place to browse or shop. This is a fantastic place to shop for unusual gifts that bring home a flavor of Thailand. Don’t shortchange yourself on time here (or in the café for a cool drink).
The gardens are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day except Monday. For more information call (66) 0-3891-5213-5.