Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a botanical garden and tourist attraction at kilometer 163 on Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province, Thailand. It can be reached via bus, taxi or private land transportation. It is also a major scientific center dedicated to cycads, with its own Cycad Gene Bank.
History.
Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha purchased the plot of land in 1954 with the intention of developing the land as a fruit plantation. However, the owners instead decided to plant tropical flowers and plants as a wildlife conservation project. The garden opened to the public in 1980, and management was transferred to Pisit and Nongnooch's son Kampon Tansacha in 2001. The garden currently fills 500 out of the .
Activities.
In addition to examining the wildlife, tourists experience religious ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, massages, and elephant shows. In 2019, controversy ensued when a tourist uploaded images that suggested mistreatment of the elephants in their care, an accusation the Botanical Gardens has disputed. 
There are also two restaurants, a small zoo and a hotel with a swimming pool and Thai style rental houses on the grounds.
Cycads.
The garden focus on Southeast Asian, Tropical American and Central Africa species of Cycads, but a collection of almost every species can also been seen here.
In connection with Conservation agencies the gardens cycad collections serves as an important ex situ conservation site for this endangered and ancient plant group.
On-going and continuing research at the garden concerning taxonomy and horticultural use has increased the knowledge about this plant group worldwide.
The Cycad genebank is managed by Mr. Anders J. Lindstrom, a world-renowned expert in cycads.