Chom Dong
Encyclopedia
Chom Dong is a botanical garden
near Hua Hin
, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
, Thailand
.
Nestled in 40 rai
of undulating land on the lower slopes of Khao Hin Lek Fai National Park is Chom Dong Villa. Its unique setting, with its spectacular backdrop of the hill to the north and northwest, provides the garden with its own microclimate
quite different from Hua Hin
town, two kilometres to the east and 200 kilometres south of Bangkok
on Petchkasem Highway.
, ‘Ked’ Mimusops hexandra Roxb., Angsana ‘Pradu Baan’ Pterocarpus macrocarpus
, several species of Fig (Ficus
), Elephant Apple 'Ma’tard' Dillenia indica
, Siamese Neem Tree ‘Sadao’ Azadirachta indica A., Singapore Almond ‘Hoo Kwang’ Terminalia catappa
, 'Oy Chang' Lannea coromandelica Merr., 'Sark' Erythrophleum succirubrum Gagnep., Tamarind ‘Makaam’ Tamarindus indica, and various Lagerstroemia. Some have been planted since the main Villa was built, including fruit trees such as the mango
, coconut
, and star fruit
, the large Teak Tectona grandis behind Chom Dong Villa, Rain Tree ‘Jarm-Juri’ Samanea saman
, Song of India Dracaena reflexa
, and the yellow-flowering Copper Pod ‘Nonsri’ Peltophorum pterocarpum
Back ex Heyne.
Over the years, more plants, shrubs and trees have been added. Many of these have been chosen to withstand the sometimes long dry spells, and include bougainvillea
‘Feung Fa’, various species of frangipani ('Lantom’), Desert Rose 'Chuan Chom' Adenium obesum
and Lantana ‘Paka-krong’ Viburnum lantana
. Also thriving are Leadwort ‘Payapmork’ Plumbago
, yellow ‘Barnburi’ Allamanda cathartica
, Purple Bignonia
‘Muang Maneerat’ Saritaea magnifica, various cassias, Purple Orchid Tree ‘Chong-Koh See Muang’ Bauhinia variegata
, Barometer Bush ‘Neon’ Leucophyllum frutescens
(Berland) I. M. Johnst. with magenta flowers, different types of palm trees and Dragon Tree ‘Chan Par’ Dracaena loureire Gagnep.
There are currently over 300 different plant species in the garden at Chom Dong, and the online plant index continues to grow.
are at their peak flowering time and the garden is a mass of colours ranging from white, through to pale pink, yellow, orange and magenta. The blue-grey and darker blue of the Plumbago
is also prominent at this time, although, together with the Adenium
, they flower throughout the year.
From October to December the two reservoirs of water, which form the central spine of the property, are full to the brim and the lotus
and water lilies
are at their best. A walk from the main Villa down towards the dam separating the two bodies of water will bring the visitor to the topiary
garden of strange animals including a giraffe
, Tyrannosaurus rex, a couple of dragon
s and a buffalo
. The Toothbrush Tree ‘Koy’ Streblus asper Lour. is used extensively as topiary. Along the dam one passes under arches of flowering creepers such as the white Herald’s Trumpet ‘Hiranyika’ Beaumontia murtonii Craib, Rangoon Creeper ‘Leb Mue Nang’ Quisqualis indica
L., Afgekia ‘Kanpai Mahidol’ Afgekia mahidolae and Purple Bignonia ‘Muang Maneerat’ Saritaea magnifica. From the south end of the dam, one can sit in the jasmine-covered gazebo
and see the herd of life-sized topiary elephant
s on the other side.
As the weather gradually changes and temperatures start to soar, the brilliant red of Monkey Flower Tree 'Pradu Daeng' Phyllocarpus septentrionalis Donn. Smith predominates the garden. This is followed by the mauves and purples of the Lagerstroemia, in particular the large, showy blooms of Pride of India ‘Salao’ Lagerstroemia loudonii
Teijsm. & Binn. which cover the whole tree. There are several of these trees throughout the garden.
From April to May and into June, the cassias start to flower. First Horse Cassia ‘Kaalapruek’ Cassia grandis
provides the visitor with a spectacular view of salmon-pink sprays, followed by the yellow of Indian Laburnum ‘Ratchapruek’ Cassia fistula, also known in Thailand as the flower associated with HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
. Next, one is rewarded with the sight of the Pink and White Shower ‘Kalapapruek’ Cassia bakeriana Craib at the entrance to the Villa. The final one to bloom, in late June, is Apple Blossom Cassia ‘Chaiya-pruek’ Cassia javanica, with its lovely pale pink flowers. Also at this time Flame of the Forest ‘Haang Nok Yoong’ Delonix regia with its deep orange and red flowers, and the yellow of Copper Pod ‘Nonsri’ Peltophorum pterocarpus can be seen. If one is lucky, one can also come upon the large scarlet blooms of the Rose of Venezuela 'Asoke Sapun' Brownea grandiceps
.
, Queensland Bottle Tree Brachychition rupestris, Hawaiian Blue Latania Palm Latania
sp., Edible Fig Ficus carica from the Mediterranean
, and a row of Cannon Ball Trees Couroupita guianensis originating from South America
. Gardeners are also experimenting with a small grove of golden bamboo
and forming a hedge of the native bamboo, all of which welcome the rain.
The garden has several unusual plants of local origin. These are the purple-flowered ‘Plong Gin-Look’ Memecylon ovatum, the red 'Kluay Musang' Uvaria cordata Alston, pale lilac flowers of 'Krapee Chan' Milletia brandisiana Kurz, white blossoms of ‘Moek Luang’ Holarrhena pubescans Wall ex G Don, and the creamy blooms of Alexandrian Laurel ‘Krating’ Calophyllum inophyllum
. A stroll through the garden will reveal other features, including the great boulder area with Ficus trees atop the giant rocks, held on tightly by their roots; the ornamental waterfall; the par-3 golf course
; and the bougainvillea tunnel.
can be heard with its distinctive cry which has given rise to its Thai name ‘kratae-tae-waed’, and Hoopoe
, even the occasional kingfisher
or egret
frequent the water’s edge. Wild fowl comes down from the hill. More common are magpie
s and turtle dove
s. Owl
s and nightjar
s can be heard in the evenings.
The lower reservoir in particular is a breeding ground for species of frog
s and toad
s and after a rainfall their noise reaches symphonic level. They also attract snake
s. Other garden residents include cicada
s, species of butterflies
and other insects, such as emerald jewel beetles, while the Villa is home to gecko
s which are found in all parts of Thailand.
Keeping a watchful eye on all this are the Villa’s Thai dogs, adopted when they were abandoned at a nearby Wat
. When the mango trees are laden with fruits, around March, they are joined by a troop of macaque
s who make their home in a cave on Khao Hin Lek Fai.
The main Villa is a long, simple two storey structure facing east towards the sea which can be seen on a clear day. The upper storey is surrounded by a wide veranda typical of old Hua Hin seaside residences. The other two villas, Nornnon and Cherngkao, are single storey bungalows. There is also a children’s treehouse on a tamarind
tree near Nornnon.
, queen of HM King Rama VII. This became her country retreat for the last years of her life. Here she spent many relaxed and contented days in relative privacy, for several months at a time. There were visits by members of the royal family from Klai Kangwol Palace in Hua Hin. Old friends often came to stay. Whilst here, she regularly played a few holes of golf at the nearby Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Over the past two decades, the Villa and garden were lovingly cared for by Pochana and Vilai Snitwongse, and later, by their son and daughter-in-law.
range have been added to Chom Dong. Hua Hin is famous for its golf courses; there is a full-size golf course next door, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, a mature links style course from the 1920s. It is Thailand's oldest golf course and still one of the best. Nearby are a dozen international standard golf courses, such as Palm Hills, Black Mountain, and Majestic Creek. All are open to the public.
There are numerous leisure activities at Chom Dong, both within the Villa and in the garden. In addition, Hua Hin beach, with its long stretches of golden sand, is only a few minutes’ drive away. Within the main Villa is a billiards room and a table football table for eight players. The wooden players have been customised to wear the colours of two of Bangkok’s top universities. There is an extensive library in Chom Dong Villa and also in Baan Cherngkao. Hua Hin is 10 degrees north
of the Equator
and despite the worsening light pollution
in recent years, it is still possible to enjoy stargazing
at night. A large collection of toys have accumulated over the past three generations, including steam engines and electric trains.
Hua Hin town has a selection of restaurants, both local and international. Hua Hin is famous for its traditional Thai desserts such as mango with glutinous rice and sweets made from palm sugar
, rice flour
and coconut cream
. Many expat
s have settled there, and many more comes regularly as tourists, especially from the United Kingdom
, Scandinavia
and other parts of Western Europe. An Italian factory makes mozzarella
cheese in town, and there are places run by expats that make German sausages and bread, English pies and Italian ice cream. There is also a vineyard called Hua Hin Hills about 40 minutes away which resembles Tuscany
, and which produces a variety of wine mainly from Shiraz
grapes but also from Chenin Blanc
, Colombard
, Brunello, Trempanillo and Black Muscat
.
The Villa stood in peaceful isolation during its first two decades, but lately houses and residential communities began to spring up nearby as Hua Hin expanded. The road to the Villa has been widened and extended up Khao Hin Lek Fai where a public garden and several viewpoints have been built. All these developments change the ambience of the garden somewhat but the grounds are extensive enough to maintain privacy and continue to be a sanctuary for plants and wildlife.
Botanical garden
A botanical garden The terms botanic and botanical, and garden or gardens are used more-or-less interchangeably, although the word botanic is generally reserved for the earlier, more traditional gardens. is a well-tended area displaying a wide range of plants labelled with their botanical names...
near Hua Hin
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.Hua Hin is closely associated with the...
, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar....
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
.
Nestled in 40 rai
Rai (area)
A rai is a unit of area, equal to 1,600 square metres , used for measuring land area. Its current size is precisely derived from the metre, but is neither part of nor recognized by the modern metric system, the International System ....
of undulating land on the lower slopes of Khao Hin Lek Fai National Park is Chom Dong Villa. Its unique setting, with its spectacular backdrop of the hill to the north and northwest, provides the garden with its own microclimate
Microclimate
A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area. The term may refer to areas as small as a few square feet or as large as many square miles...
quite different from Hua Hin
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok. It has a population of 84,883 in an area of 911 km², and is one of eight districts of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.Hua Hin is closely associated with the...
town, two kilometres to the east and 200 kilometres south of Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
on Petchkasem Highway.
The Garden
Throughout the year, the garden at Chom Dong presents the visitor with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of flowering shrubs and trees, some of which are native to the original forest that existed. These latter include ‘Sarapee’ Mammea siamensisMammea siamensis
Mammea siamensis is a species of flowering plant in the Calophyllaceae family.It grows as a tree and is found in Thailand.-External links:**...
, ‘Ked’ Mimusops hexandra Roxb., Angsana ‘Pradu Baan’ Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Pterocarpus macrocarpus is a species of Pterocarpus native to southeastern Asia in northeastern India, Burma, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam....
, several species of Fig (Ficus
Ficus
Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemiepiphyte in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. The Common Fig Ficus is a genus of...
), Elephant Apple 'Ma’tard' Dillenia indica
Dillenia indica
Dillenia indica is a species of Dillenia native to southeastern Asia, from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to southwestern China and Vietnam, and south through Thailand to Malaysia and Indonesia....
, Siamese Neem Tree ‘Sadao’ Azadirachta indica A., Singapore Almond ‘Hoo Kwang’ Terminalia catappa
Terminalia catappa
Terminalia catappa is a large tropical tree in the Leadwood tree family, Combretaceae. The tree has been spread widely by humans and the native range is uncertain. It has long been naturalised in a broad belt extending from Africa to Northern Australia and New Guinea through Southeast Asia and...
, 'Oy Chang' Lannea coromandelica Merr., 'Sark' Erythrophleum succirubrum Gagnep., Tamarind ‘Makaam’ Tamarindus indica, and various Lagerstroemia. Some have been planted since the main Villa was built, including fruit trees such as the mango
Mango
The mango is a fleshy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The mango is native to India from where it spread all over the world. It is also the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world. While...
, coconut
Coconut
The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is a member of the family Arecaceae . It is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the entire coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which is not a botanical nut. The spelling cocoanut is an old-fashioned form of the word...
, and star fruit
Carambola
Carambola, also known as starfruit, is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The fruit is a popular food throughout Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and parts of East Asia...
, the large Teak Tectona grandis behind Chom Dong Villa, Rain Tree ‘Jarm-Juri’ Samanea saman
Samanea saman
Albizia samanalso known as samanea saman, is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the Neotropics. Its range extends from Mexico south to Peru and Brazil, but it has been widely introduced to South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Pacific Islands, including...
, Song of India Dracaena reflexa
Dracaena reflexa
Dracaena reflexa, commonly called Pleomele or the Song of India, is a species of Dracaena which is a tropical tree native to Madagascar, Mauritius, and other nearby islands of the Indian Ocean...
, and the yellow-flowering Copper Pod ‘Nonsri’ Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Peltophorum pterocarpum is a species of Peltophorum, native to tropical southeastern Asia and a popularly ornamental tree grown around the world.-Description:It is a deciduous tree...
Back ex Heyne.
Over the years, more plants, shrubs and trees have been added. Many of these have been chosen to withstand the sometimes long dry spells, and include bougainvillea
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina . Different authors accept between four and 18 species in the genus...
‘Feung Fa’, various species of frangipani ('Lantom’), Desert Rose 'Chuan Chom' Adenium obesum
Adenium obesum
Adenium obesum is a species of flowering plant in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, that is native to the Sahel regions, south of the Sahara , and tropical and subtropical eastern and southern Africa and Arabia...
and Lantana ‘Paka-krong’ Viburnum lantana
Viburnum lantana
Viburnum lantana is a species of Viburnum, native to central, southern and western Europe , northwest Africa, and southwestern Asia. The vigorous deciduous european treelike shrub is common along waysides. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 4-5 m tall...
. Also thriving are Leadwort ‘Payapmork’ Plumbago
Plumbago
Plumbago is a genus of 10-20 species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world. Common names include plumbago and leadwort...
, yellow ‘Barnburi’ Allamanda cathartica
Allamanda cathartica
Allamanda cathartica is an ornamental plant of Allamanda genus in the Apocynaceae family, which is native from Brazil. This plant is cited in Flora Brasiliensis by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius....
, Purple Bignonia
Bignonia
Bignonia is a genus of flowering plants in the catalpa family, Bignoniaceae. Its genus and family were named after Jean-Paul Bignon by his protégé Joseph Pitton de Tournefort in 1694.-Selected species:*Bignonia capreolata...
‘Muang Maneerat’ Saritaea magnifica, various cassias, Purple Orchid Tree ‘Chong-Koh See Muang’ Bauhinia variegata
Bauhinia variegata
Bauhinia variegata is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to southeastern Asia, from southern China west to Pakistan and India. Common names include Orchid tree, Camel's Foot Tree and Mountain-ebony...
, Barometer Bush ‘Neon’ Leucophyllum frutescens
Leucophyllum frutescens
Leucophyllum frutescens is an evergreen shrub in the figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, native to the state of Texas in the southwestern United States and the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in northern Mexico. Although commonly known as Texas Sage, it is not a true sage and is...
(Berland) I. M. Johnst. with magenta flowers, different types of palm trees and Dragon Tree ‘Chan Par’ Dracaena loureire Gagnep.
There are currently over 300 different plant species in the garden at Chom Dong, and the online plant index continues to grow.
November to February
During the cool, dry season from November to February, the bougainvilleaBougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a genus of flowering plants native to South America from Brazil west to Peru and south to southern Argentina . Different authors accept between four and 18 species in the genus...
are at their peak flowering time and the garden is a mass of colours ranging from white, through to pale pink, yellow, orange and magenta. The blue-grey and darker blue of the Plumbago
Plumbago
Plumbago is a genus of 10-20 species of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world. Common names include plumbago and leadwort...
is also prominent at this time, although, together with the Adenium
Adenium
Adenium is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae.-Cultivation and uses:Adenium obesum is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. Numerous hybrids have been developed. Adeniums are appreciated for their colorful flowers, but also for their unusual, thick caudexes...
, they flower throughout the year.
From October to December the two reservoirs of water, which form the central spine of the property, are full to the brim and the lotus
Lotus (plant)
Lotus identifies various plant taxa:* Nelumbo, a genus of aquatic plants with showy flowers** Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred or Indian lotus** Nelumbo lutea, the American or Yellow lotus...
and water lilies
Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaeaceae is a family of flowering plants. Members of this family are commonly called water lilies and live in freshwater areas in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains eight genera. There are about 70 species of water lilies around the world. The genus...
are at their best. A walk from the main Villa down towards the dam separating the two bodies of water will bring the visitor to the topiary
Topiary
Topiary is the horticultural practice of training live perennial plants, by clipping the foliage and twigs of trees, shrubs and subshrubs to develop and maintain clearly defined shapes, perhaps geometric or fanciful; and the term also refers to plants which have been shaped in this way. It can be...
garden of strange animals including a giraffe
Giraffe
The giraffe is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest of all extant land-living animal species, and the largest ruminant...
, Tyrannosaurus rex, a couple of dragon
Dragon
A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
s and a buffalo
Water Buffalo
The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in southern Asia, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, northern Africa, and elsewhere....
. The Toothbrush Tree ‘Koy’ Streblus asper Lour. is used extensively as topiary. Along the dam one passes under arches of flowering creepers such as the white Herald’s Trumpet ‘Hiranyika’ Beaumontia murtonii Craib, Rangoon Creeper ‘Leb Mue Nang’ Quisqualis indica
Quisqualis indica
Quisqualis indica also known as the Chinese honeysuckle, Rangoon Creeper, and Combretum indicum is a vine with red flower clusters and is found in Asia. It is found in many other parts of the world either as a cultivated ornamental or run wild...
L., Afgekia ‘Kanpai Mahidol’ Afgekia mahidolae and Purple Bignonia ‘Muang Maneerat’ Saritaea magnifica. From the south end of the dam, one can sit in the jasmine-covered gazebo
Gazebo
A gazebo is a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal, that may be built, in parks, gardens, and spacious public areas. Gazebos are freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed, and open on all sides; they provide shade, shelter, ornamental features in a landscape, and a place to rest...
and see the herd of life-sized topiary elephant
Elephant
Elephants are large land mammals in two extant genera of the family Elephantidae: Elephas and Loxodonta, with the third genus Mammuthus extinct...
s on the other side.
March to June
March to April is the flowering peak of the Plumeria and the perfume of the flowers fills the air at this time. Hua Hin is specially noted for its mangoes. This is the time, too, when the monkeys come down from the hill to savour the Chom Dong mangoes and leave a trail of seeds in their wake.As the weather gradually changes and temperatures start to soar, the brilliant red of Monkey Flower Tree 'Pradu Daeng' Phyllocarpus septentrionalis Donn. Smith predominates the garden. This is followed by the mauves and purples of the Lagerstroemia, in particular the large, showy blooms of Pride of India ‘Salao’ Lagerstroemia loudonii
Lagerstroemia loudonii
Lagerstroemia loudonii is a species of flowering plant in the Lythraceae family.Its origin is in Burma and Thailand, where it is found in the wild in Isan and the East down to Central Thailand....
Teijsm. & Binn. which cover the whole tree. There are several of these trees throughout the garden.
From April to May and into June, the cassias start to flower. First Horse Cassia ‘Kaalapruek’ Cassia grandis
Cassia grandis
Cassia grandis, one of several species called Pink Shower Tree, and known as Carao in Spanish, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the neotropics, that grows up to . The species is distributed from southern México, to Venezuela and Ecuador...
provides the visitor with a spectacular view of salmon-pink sprays, followed by the yellow of Indian Laburnum ‘Ratchapruek’ Cassia fistula, also known in Thailand as the flower associated with HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
. Next, one is rewarded with the sight of the Pink and White Shower ‘Kalapapruek’ Cassia bakeriana Craib at the entrance to the Villa. The final one to bloom, in late June, is Apple Blossom Cassia ‘Chaiya-pruek’ Cassia javanica, with its lovely pale pink flowers. Also at this time Flame of the Forest ‘Haang Nok Yoong’ Delonix regia with its deep orange and red flowers, and the yellow of Copper Pod ‘Nonsri’ Peltophorum pterocarpus can be seen. If one is lucky, one can also come upon the large scarlet blooms of the Rose of Venezuela 'Asoke Sapun' Brownea grandiceps
Brownea grandiceps
The Brownea grandiceps is a species of the family Fabaceae....
.
July to October
During the rainy season, from July to October, the garden is at its greenest, and one can admire the many native trees dotted about the garden. Keepers are experimenting with several imported trees which seem to be doing well so far, and the rain would be vital to their growth. These include African Baobab Adansonia digitataAdansonia digitata
Adansonia digitata is the most widespread of the Adansonia species on the African continent, found in the hot, dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. It also grows, having spread secondary to cultivation, in populated areas...
, Queensland Bottle Tree Brachychition rupestris, Hawaiian Blue Latania Palm Latania
Latania
Latania commonly known as Latan palm is a genus of flowering plant in the Arecaceae family.It contains the following species:* Latania loddigesii * Latania lontaroides...
sp., Edible Fig Ficus carica from the Mediterranean
Mediterranean Basin
In biogeography, the Mediterranean Basin refers to the lands around the Mediterranean Sea that have a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, which supports characteristic Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub vegetation...
, and a row of Cannon Ball Trees Couroupita guianensis originating from South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. Gardeners are also experimenting with a small grove of golden bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
and forming a hedge of the native bamboo, all of which welcome the rain.
The garden has several unusual plants of local origin. These are the purple-flowered ‘Plong Gin-Look’ Memecylon ovatum, the red 'Kluay Musang' Uvaria cordata Alston, pale lilac flowers of 'Krapee Chan' Milletia brandisiana Kurz, white blossoms of ‘Moek Luang’ Holarrhena pubescans Wall ex G Don, and the creamy blooms of Alexandrian Laurel ‘Krating’ Calophyllum inophyllum
Calophyllum inophyllum
Calophyllum inophyllum is a large evergreen. It is native from East Africa, southern coastal India to Malesia and Australia.-Distribution and description:...
. A stroll through the garden will reveal other features, including the great boulder area with Ficus trees atop the giant rocks, held on tightly by their roots; the ornamental waterfall; the par-3 golf course
Golf course
A golf course comprises a series of holes, each consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick and cup, all designed for the game of golf. A standard round of golf consists of playing 18 holes, thus most golf courses have this number of holes...
; and the bougainvillea tunnel.
Local Fauna
In the rainy season, bird life is most abundant. The Red-wattled LapwingRed-wattled Lapwing
The Red-wattled Lapwing is a lapwing or large plover, a wader in the family Charadriidae. It has characteristic loud alarm calls which are variously rendered as did he do it or pity to do it leading to colloquial names like the did-he-do-it bird...
can be heard with its distinctive cry which has given rise to its Thai name ‘kratae-tae-waed’, and Hoopoe
Hoopoe
The Hoopoe is a colourful bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive 'crown' of feathers. It is the only extant species in the family Upupidae. One insular species, the Giant Hoopoe of Saint Helena, is extinct, and the Madagascar subspecies of the Hoopoe is sometimes...
, even the occasional kingfisher
Kingfisher
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized brightly coloured birds in the order Coraciiformes. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, with most species being found in the Old World and Australia...
or egret
Egret
An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
frequent the water’s edge. Wild fowl comes down from the hill. More common are magpie
Magpie
Magpies are passerine birds of the crow family, Corvidae.In Europe, "magpie" is often used by English speakers as a synonym for the European Magpie, as there are no other magpies in Europe outside Iberia...
s and turtle dove
Turtle Dove
The European Turtle Dove , also known as Turtle Dove, is a member of the bird family Columbidae, which includes the doves and pigeons.-Distribution & Status:...
s. Owl
Owl
Owls are a group of birds that belong to the order Strigiformes, constituting 200 bird of prey species. Most are solitary and nocturnal, with some exceptions . Owls hunt mostly small mammals, insects, and other birds, although a few species specialize in hunting fish...
s and nightjar
Nightjar
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills. They are sometimes referred to as goatsuckers from the mistaken belief that they suck milk from goats . Some New World species are named as nighthawks...
s can be heard in the evenings.
The lower reservoir in particular is a breeding ground for species of frog
Frog
Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura , formerly referred to as Salientia . Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits , protruding eyes and the absence of a tail...
s and toad
Toad
A toad is any of a number of species of amphibians in the order Anura characterized by dry, leathery skin , short legs, and snoat-like parotoid glands...
s and after a rainfall their noise reaches symphonic level. They also attract snake
Snake
Snakes are elongate, legless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpentes that can be distinguished from legless lizards by their lack of eyelids and external ears. Like all squamates, snakes are ectothermic, amniote vertebrates covered in overlapping scales...
s. Other garden residents include cicada
Cicada
A cicada is an insect of the order Hemiptera, suborder Auchenorrhyncha , in the superfamily Cicadoidea, with large eyes wide apart on the head and usually transparent, well-veined wings. There are about 2,500 species of cicada around the world, and many of them remain unclassified...
s, species of butterflies
Butterfly
A butterfly is a mainly day-flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths. Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly's life cycle consists of four parts: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Most species are diurnal. Butterflies have large, often brightly coloured...
and other insects, such as emerald jewel beetles, while the Villa is home to gecko
Gecko
Geckos are lizards belonging to the infraorder Gekkota, found in warm climates throughout the world. They range from 1.6 cm to 60 cm....
s which are found in all parts of Thailand.
Keeping a watchful eye on all this are the Villa’s Thai dogs, adopted when they were abandoned at a nearby Wat
Wat
A wat is a monastery temple in Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos. The word "wat" means "school".- Introduction :...
. When the mango trees are laden with fruits, around March, they are joined by a troop of macaque
Macaque
The macaques constitute a genus of Old World monkeys of the subfamily Cercopithecinae. - Description :Aside from humans , the macaques are the most widespread primate genus, ranging from Japan to Afghanistan and, in the case of the barbary macaque, to North Africa...
s who make their home in a cave on Khao Hin Lek Fai.
The Villa
The grounds consist of three adjacent properties: the main part is Chom Dong Villa, with the later addition of Nornnon Villa to the southeast and Cherngkhao Villa to the northeast. Khao Hin Lek Fai National Park forms the north and northwestern boundary.The main Villa is a long, simple two storey structure facing east towards the sea which can be seen on a clear day. The upper storey is surrounded by a wide veranda typical of old Hua Hin seaside residences. The other two villas, Nornnon and Cherngkao, are single storey bungalows. There is also a children’s treehouse on a tamarind
Tamarind
Tamarind is a tree in the family Fabaceae. The genus Tamarindus is monotypic .-Origin:...
tree near Nornnon.
History of the Villa
On November 30, 1975, the foundation stone was laid for a 'Pra Tamnak' or royal villa, named 'Chom Dong' (Woodland Vista) by HM Queen RamphaiphanniRamphaiphanni
align=right|Queen Rambhai Barni of Siam , formerly Her Serene Highness Princess Rambhai Barni Svastivatana , was the wife and Queen Consort of King Prajadhipok of Siam.-Early life:...
, queen of HM King Rama VII. This became her country retreat for the last years of her life. Here she spent many relaxed and contented days in relative privacy, for several months at a time. There were visits by members of the royal family from Klai Kangwol Palace in Hua Hin. Old friends often came to stay. Whilst here, she regularly played a few holes of golf at the nearby Royal Hua Hin Golf Course.
Over the past two decades, the Villa and garden were lovingly cared for by Pochana and Vilai Snitwongse, and later, by their son and daughter-in-law.
Sports and leisure
In recent months a 9-hole 735 yard par-3 golf course and an archeryArchery
Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
range have been added to Chom Dong. Hua Hin is famous for its golf courses; there is a full-size golf course next door, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, a mature links style course from the 1920s. It is Thailand's oldest golf course and still one of the best. Nearby are a dozen international standard golf courses, such as Palm Hills, Black Mountain, and Majestic Creek. All are open to the public.
There are numerous leisure activities at Chom Dong, both within the Villa and in the garden. In addition, Hua Hin beach, with its long stretches of golden sand, is only a few minutes’ drive away. Within the main Villa is a billiards room and a table football table for eight players. The wooden players have been customised to wear the colours of two of Bangkok’s top universities. There is an extensive library in Chom Dong Villa and also in Baan Cherngkao. Hua Hin is 10 degrees north
10th parallel north
The 10th parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 10 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It crosses Africa, the Indian Ocean, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, Central America, South America and the Atlantic Ocean....
of the Equator
Equator
An equator is the intersection of a sphere's surface with the plane perpendicular to the sphere's axis of rotation and containing the sphere's center of mass....
and despite the worsening light pollution
Light pollution
Light pollution, also known as photopollution or luminous pollution, is excessive or obtrusive artificial light.The International Dark-Sky Association defines light pollution as:...
in recent years, it is still possible to enjoy stargazing
Amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy, also called backyard astronomy and stargazing, is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the night sky , and the plethora of objects found in it, mainly with portable telescopes and binoculars...
at night. A large collection of toys have accumulated over the past three generations, including steam engines and electric trains.
Culinary interests
Of culinary interest at Chom Dong is a brick-surfaced open space for cooking ‘gai-ob-fang’ (chicken baked in straw), a specialty of the house. Bales of rice straw are kept handy for this purpose as well as stacks of seasoned firewood for the pizza oven.Hua Hin town has a selection of restaurants, both local and international. Hua Hin is famous for its traditional Thai desserts such as mango with glutinous rice and sweets made from palm sugar
Palm sugar
Palm sugar was originally made from the sugary sap of the Palmyra palm, the date palm or sugar date palm . Now it is also made from the sap of the sago, arenga pinnata and coconut palms, and may be sold as "arenga sugar" or "coconut sugar".-Description:It is quickly gaining popularity in the...
, rice flour
Rice flour
Rice flour is a form of flour made from finely milled rice. It is distinct from rice starch, which is usually produced by steeping rice in lye....
and coconut cream
Coconut cream
Coconut cream is very similar to coconut milk but contains less water. The difference is mainly consistency. It has a thicker, more paste-like consistency, while coconut milk is generally a liquid...
. Many expat
Expatriate
An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing...
s have settled there, and many more comes regularly as tourists, especially from the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
and other parts of Western Europe. An Italian factory makes mozzarella
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is an Italian Traditional Speciality Guaranteed food product. The term is used for several kinds of Italian cheeses that are made using spinning and then cutting :...
cheese in town, and there are places run by expats that make German sausages and bread, English pies and Italian ice cream. There is also a vineyard called Hua Hin Hills about 40 minutes away which resembles Tuscany
Tuscany
Tuscany is a region in Italy. It has an area of about 23,000 square kilometres and a population of about 3.75 million inhabitants. The regional capital is Florence ....
, and which produces a variety of wine mainly from Shiraz
Shiraz
Shiraz may refer to:* Shiraz, Iran, a city in Iran* Shiraz County, an administrative subdivision of Iran* Vosketap, Armenia, formerly called ShirazPeople:* Hovhannes Shiraz, Armenian poet* Ara Shiraz, Armenian sculptor...
grapes but also from Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Chenin blanc , is a white wine grape variety from the Loire valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines, although it can produce very bland, neutral wines if the vine's natural vigor is not controlled...
, Colombard
Colombard
Colombard is an early fruiting white variety of wine grape, better known as French Colombard in North America. It is possibly the offspring of Gouais Blanc and Chenin Blanc....
, Brunello, Trempanillo and Black Muscat
Black Muscat
Black Muscat is a Vitis vinifera grape variety derived from the crossing of the Schiava Grossa and Muscat of Alexandria varieties. It is known under a variety of local names such as Golden Hamburg, and Black Hamburg in the US; Muscat de Hambourg in France; Moscato di Amburgo in Italy; and Muscat...
.
The Villa stood in peaceful isolation during its first two decades, but lately houses and residential communities began to spring up nearby as Hua Hin expanded. The road to the Villa has been widened and extended up Khao Hin Lek Fai where a public garden and several viewpoints have been built. All these developments change the ambience of the garden somewhat but the grounds are extensive enough to maintain privacy and continue to be a sanctuary for plants and wildlife.