What to visit in south-west Thailand?
If you happen to be in the area, don't miss a stroll through the Thung Khai Botanic Garden, also known as the Peninsular Botanic Garden. Located on the edge of Trang City, it's easily reached by cab or TukTuk.
The 3 kilometers of trails through various regional biotopes take 1 to 2 hours to cover. Naturalists will also find a botanical library and a plant museum.
The Thung Khai Botanical Garden walk begins with a fairly airy forest featuring a variety of tree species (and if you'd like to learn more about the local species, there are signs with QR codes that provide detailed info).
Canopy walk
The trail takes us to the foot of the stairs of the first observation tower, which rises to a height of 10 metres and is linked to the second observation tower by a footbridge. This suspended footbridge enables you to discover the middle level of the forest, walk at the height of the tree's foliage, and observe butterflies, small birds, and various insects.
For those who fear heights, a path firmly anchored in the ground follows the footbridge.
Each observation tower takes us a little higher, ending up 18 meters above the treetops, where we can admire a new stratum of the rainforest.
Across the mangrove swamp
Change of scenery. The last part of the tour takes us through a dense, humid forest in a swampy mangrove area. If you look hard enough, you'll discover small wild orchids and carnivorous plants.
At the end of the walk, you come to a small square with a café next to the main entrance.
It's rare to come across many people here, as the place is calm and far from mass tourism and civilization.
Some tips for visiting the Botanical Gardens
- It's best to go early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. The vegetation protects you from the blazing sun, but the humidity is very high. A visit at a cooler hour of the day is more pleasant.
- You'll need mosquito repellent to avoid being eaten and a good water supply.
- Walking shoes are not necessary; I did it in flip-flops. It's an easy walk.
- The walkways and the ground can be slippery when it rains.
- In some places, the metal parts of the footbridge over the canopy are damaged. I didn't feel in danger, but you must be careful when walking.
Thung Khai Botanical Garden: helpful information
Entrance to the Thung Khai Botanical Garden is free. Unfortunately, there are no guided tours.
The park is open daily from 8:30 to 16:30.
Information phone number: +66 75291456
Thung Khai botanic Garden in Trang: Plus code: FJ9Q+68 Google Maps
How to get to Trang:
From Phuket or Krabi: Numerous minibuses depart daily from Phuket and Krabi for Trang. You can book your ticket on the 12Go website.
From Bangkok: Take a one-hour flight from Don Muang airport to Trang with AirAsia or NokAir or from the international airport with ThaiSmile.
Rent a car: car rentals are available at Trang Airport.
