Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Rating: 4.4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Tuesday – Sunday (closed every Monday)

Opening Hours: 08.30 – 16.30

 

Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a nature-focused Bangkok attraction tucked inside Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park) near Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road on the park’s southeastern side. The overall atmosphere is green and calming enough to make you forget, for a moment, that you’re still in the middle of a big city. What makes this place special isn’t only that “there are butterflies to see,” but that it’s designed as a real outdoor classroom—from learning zones and exhibitions to a large dome where butterflies genuinely flutter around you, not behind glass or in a static display.

 

One of the best things about this insectarium is how well it balances “pleasant to watch” with “easy to learn.” It works for people who are simply strolling through the park and want a quiet, restful stop, and it’s also great for families with children. Even if kids start out just running toward the bright colors of butterflies, lessons about life cycles and ecosystems naturally sink in through real specimens and exhibitions without feeling like formal study.

 

The garden is organized into four main sections, which makes the visit feel structured and easy to follow. It begins with an introductory area using touchscreen computer displays, helping visitors understand what they’re about to see and why insects matter. Next is a mini-theater showing videos about insects and ecosystems—a perfect seated break, especially if you’re visiting with seniors or you’ve already had an active morning with kids. After that comes the exhibition area and the breeding room for butterfly and insect larvae, where the idea of a “life cycle” becomes something you can actually observe rather than just read about. The highlight at the end is the large dome-like mesh enclosure, which feels like a natural greenhouse where you can step inside and share the space with butterflies.

 

The heart of the experience is the butterfly dome. It’s built with airy, breathable materials and natural light that makes butterfly wings look especially vivid. Inside, the environment is arranged to resemble natural habitats, with plants, water features, and spots where butterflies often rest or feed. If you want to “see more butterflies,” the main trick is to move slowly and pause to observe. Butterflies don’t fly nonstop; many remain still on leaves or flowers. If you rush through, you’ll miss the most beautiful moments and the best photo opportunities.

 

For great photos without disturbing the butterflies, keep it simple: avoid flash. Flash can cause reflections and may bother wildlife more than it improves your image. Try a low-light or indoor mode, slightly increase brightness, and step closer gently. Don’t wave your hands to chase them or try to touch their wings—butterfly wings are extremely delicate and can be damaged easily. If you’re visiting with children, it helps to frame it as an “explorer game”: look for where butterflies are resting instead of running after them. It keeps things fun and the dome stays calm for everyone.

 

Another reason this place feels valuable as a learning site is its focus on larvae and breeding displays, which helps visitors see insects in a different light. Insects aren’t only something to fear or shoo away—they’re essential parts of ecosystems, from pollination to being part of food chains and even acting as indicators of how healthy a green space is. Seeing real processes and real-life examples makes these ideas much more tangible, especially for children who are just beginning to connect with nature.

 

Location-wise, the garden is also a strong pick because it connects smoothly to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park. If you only have half a day, you can visit the butterfly garden and then continue walking into shaded areas of Queen Sirikit Park or Chatuchak Park without changing neighborhoods. If you have a full day, it’s easy to extend the trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market or Or Tor Kor Market. That creates a simple, satisfying itinerary in one area: “nature + a relaxed walk + good food,” without forcing a complicated travel plan.

 

Getting There There are several convenient ways to reach Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. By BTS, get off at Mo Chit Station and continue by motorcycle taxi or taxi into Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park). By MRT, get off at Chatuchak Park Station, then walk or continue with a short ride depending on what entrance you use. Many bus routes also serve the area, including 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 34, 38, 39, 44, 63, 90, 96, 104, 112, 134, 138, and air-conditioned services 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, and 13. Do allow a bit of extra walking time inside the park, because the park grounds are quite spacious.

 

So who is this place best for? It’s ideal for anyone who wants a calm break from Bangkok’s noise, families who want a gentle learning-focused activity, and casual nature photographers who want beautiful butterfly wing shots in natural light without leaving the city. And if you’re already planning to visit the Chatuchak area, this garden is one of those stops that makes your day feel softer, more memorable, and still budget-friendly.

 

 

A: If you walk at a relaxed pace and also explore the exhibitions, 1–2 hours is a good estimate. If you’re serious about photography, you may want longer.

 

A: Morning hours are usually more comfortable and less crowded, which makes it easier to stop and observe butterflies resting near their food plants.

 

A: Yes, photography is generally allowed. Avoid flash, don’t chase or touch butterflies, and walk slowly so you don’t disturb wildlife or other visitors.

 

A: Yes. It’s a gentle learning experience with real-life observation. It helps to remind children not to touch wings or run after butterflies before entering the dome.

 

A: It’s fairly convenient overall. You can get off at BTS Mo Chit or MRT Chatuchak Park, then continue by motorcycle taxi/taxi or a short walk depending on your route. Allow extra walking time inside the park.

 

A: A great route is the insectarium → Queen Sirikit Park or Chatuchak Park → Chatuchak Weekend Market, or add Or Tor Kor Market around late morning to midday for food.