If you’ve ever driven up or down Soi Siam Country Club in Pattaya as far as Siam Country Club and the golf courses, you’ve most likely noticed the serpent in the small lake, the pagodas in the immaculately maniacured field, the old train and a twin prop airplane, and the Siam Motors sign (see photo below).
It’s little known, but it’s open to the public, and there’s a little more to it than meets the eye. Along with the exhibits visible from the road there gardens to explore, a hall of fame, and a small collection of classic Datsun cars.
The first time I took a walk around the gardens here, I saw it signed as Cherdchoomit Garden. There is also a sign at an entrance that says Pornprapha Botanical Garden. I’m not certain if one is part of the other, but they appear to be the same thing.
There are several pavillions in the gardens, and as it says on the Siam Motors website they are “Built to keep family ancestors who passed away” it’s best to assume these are out of bounds.
A route I suggest you take is to go right when you come to the line of tress that border the open garden area. That will take you round behind the main building which houses the hall of fame and Datsun car museum. You’ll find the entrance at the front of the building.
Inside the building is the Dr. Thaworn Pornprapha Hall of Fame and a collection of gleaming vintage Datsun cars. The hall of fame documents the life, acheivements, and philosophy of the man who built an empire after becoming the first importer of Datsun cars to Thailand.
The main, and most prominent exhibit ouside is the beautifully restored train (photo above) which takes pride of place at Siam Motors Railway Station.
The plane (photo above) is one of many exhibits on display at the Siam Motors Railway Station.
The above photo is of the text on the information placard at Siam Motors Railway Station, that really sums up what this place is all about.
For your information, The Pornprpha family are one of wealthiest families in Thailand, besides owning Siam Motors, they also own Siam Country Club which also for your information was the first privately owned golf course in Thailand. The family have multiple business ventures, and they also own a hotel chain, one such hotel of that chain is the Siam @ Siam Design Hotel in Pattaya.
Where is it, use this Google map for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VPszzvjrA4bDYzW8
As for opening hours, expect it to be open between around 10 AM and 5 PM, but I don’t see any official times posted anywhere.
Other things to see and do nearby: Enjoy a unique expereince with elephants at the Pattaya Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, relax for a while and feed the fish at Nongprue Park, or hire a bicycle and have a ride around Mabprachan Lake.