Nong Nari Arboretum

Nong Nari Arboretum is better understood as a lakeside public park than a botanical garden - the name comes from its formal Thai title, Pha Mueang Arboretum, but the site people actually visit centres on a large reservoir rather than a curated plant collection. It sits in Sadiang subdistrict, about 1.5 to 2km north of central Phetchabun town, on what was originally a natural low-lying wetland.

That wetland was developed into a water reservoir during the Second World War, when Thailand needed reliable water storage under Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram’s government. Phetchabun Municipality and the Provincial Administrative Organization later restored and landscaped the site, turning it into today’s public park - a project that got underway in the mid-2000s and added the walking paths, pavilions, and science-park facilities now on the grounds.

The lake itself is the draw: a wide expanse of water covered in lotus flowers, with sala-style pavilions along the bank where locals sit out the hottest part of the day. Fish stocks in the reservoir feed a healthy bird population, and both resident and migratory species gather here, most visibly in the early morning and again as the sun drops toward evening. Walking paths trace the water’s edge, flat and shaded enough for an easy loop rather than a serious hike.

Insider Tip: Go for the last hour before sunset - that’s when the bird activity picks up and the lotus-covered water catches the evening light, and it’s noticeably cooler than a midday visit.

The park is free and open through daylight hours, with no gate fee or ticket booth to worry about. There’s limited shade away from the immediate lakeside, so bring water and sun protection if you’re visiting outside the early morning or evening windows. This is a local recreation spot first and a tourist attraction second - expect Phetchabun families out walking or exercising rather than a curated visitor experience.

Watch out: Don’t confuse this with Sub Chompu Arboretum, a different Phetchabun site out in Nong Phai district that actually does have tree collections and three waterfalls behind a paid gate - the shared “arboretum” name in both cases is misleading.