Rating: 3/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

100 Years Forestry Botanical Garden, Sa Kaeo Province is one of the key nature-learning sites in Eastern Thailand. It lies within the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, around the foothills of Khao Takrub, covering Wang Nam Yen District (Sa Kaeo) and Sanam Chai Khet District (Chachoengsao). Established in 1996 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Forest Department, the garden spans over 5,545 rai. Its core purpose is to collect and conserve native flora of the eastern region, serving education, research, and public outreach in botany.

 

The garden sits within the forest complex straddling five eastern provinces—Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chonburi, Sa Kaeo, and Chachoengsao—one of Thailand’s most biodiverse and intact forest areas. The terrain alternates between sandstone mountains and piedmont plains, rising from about 300 meters to the peak of Khao Takrub at roughly 760 meters. Soils are clay mixed with lateritic gravel, favoring the growth of dry evergreen forest species common to this zone.

 

Most flora here are native to the East, notably Lagerstroemia loudonii (ta baek yai), Dipterocarpus alatus (yang na), Afzelia xylocarpa (ma kha mong), Hopea odorata (ta kien thong), Mitragyna diversifolia (kra thum nam), Xerospermum noronhianum (kho lan), Mimusops elengi (pi kun pa), Irvingia malayana (kra bak), Tetrameles nudiflora (som pong), Anisoptera costata (kra bak/krabak group), and Sandoricum koetjape (krathon; santol). Some rare taxa are conserved in experimental and collection plots, making the garden a living “museum of nature” where visitors can study many species in situ.

 

Another hallmark is the curated fern collection featuring species native to the region’s dry evergreen forests—showcasing how plants adapt to differing environments. Shaded nature trails include interpretive signage and viewpoints, turning a simple walk into an engaging, informative experience.

 

Within the garden you’ll also find Khao Takrub Waterfall, a medium-sized cascade stepping down three tiers amid dry evergreen forest. Each tier has distinct features. The rainy season (June–October) brings the most impressive flow. Surroundings are lush with large trees and ferns, creating a relaxing spot ideal for family-friendly, low-impact nature trips.

 

Getting There Visitors can approach the garden from both Sa Kaeo and Chachoengsao.   – From Sa Kaeo City, take Highway 317 via Wang Nam Yen for about 40 km, then follow signs to Khao Takrub to reach the garden.   – From Chachoengsao, take the Sanam Chai Khet – Khao Takrub route for roughly 35 km on paved roads.   Both routes are suitable for private cars, vans, or motorcycles, and work well for a day trip.

 

The 100 Years Forestry Botanical Garden is a signature destination in Sa Kaeo that blends nature education with restorative green space. Spend the day strolling among native plants, learning about local ecosystems, and breathing fresh forest air. The early rainy season is particularly beautiful, when the canopy turns vivid green and Khao Takrub Waterfall runs strong.

 

 

A: Yes. Opening hours are 08:00–17:00.

 

A: Khao Takrub Waterfall, plant and fern collection plots, shaded nature trails, and scenic viewpoints.

 

A: From Sa Kaeo, take Hwy 317 via Wang Nam Yen (~40 km). From Sanam Chai Khet, Chachoengsao, it’s about 35 km on paved roads.

 

A: Early rainy season (June–October), when the waterfall is at its best and the forest turns lush green.

 

A: Yes—nature trails, rest pavilions, and visitor service points are provided.