Orchids From The Land Of The Smiles Floral Display In Cloud Forest

More than 60 taxa of orchids are on show in Orchids from the Land of Smiles, which takes place in the year of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand

Orchids from the Land of Smiles floral display

More than 60 taxa of stunning orchids, including those from Thailand or with origins that can be traced to Thai species, will be showcased in Cloud Forest’s new floral display – Orchids from the Land of Smiles (微笑之国兰花展). The floral display, which is presented in collaboration with the Royal Thai Embassy of Singapore, takes place in the year of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand, as well as SG60.

Orchids from the Land of Smiles

Orchids from the Land of Smiles is the first event of 2025 where we also celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations with countries through various garden-themed collaborations with Gardens by the Bay. Visitors can look forward to a special series of such events throughout the year.

The floral display was launched today by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development Ms Indranee Rajah, together with Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore Her Excellency Mrs Ureerat Chareontoh and Assistant CEO of Gardens by the Bay Ms May Yeo.

Orchids from the Land of Smiles Cloud Forest

Gardens by the Bay Assistant CEO Ms May Yeo said, “Singaporeans have a longstanding and warm relationship with Thailand, whose culture has always been a source of fascination. Gardens by the Bay serves as a floral window to the world, and in our first Thai-themed orchid display, we worked with the Royal Embassy of Thailand to weave in many familiar elements of Thai culture that have been intricately recreated by Thai artisans. Against this stunning backdrop, we introduce exquisite Thai orchids, which our horticulturists were inspired by Thai landscaping techniques to put together in organic and naturalistic ways.”

Orchids set against a backdrop rich with Thai culture

The blooms on show include iconic vandaceous orchids of the country such as Vanda, Rhynchostylis and Aranda, as well as diverse groups of Dendrobium.

Orchids from the Land of Smiles Thailand

Highlights of the Orchids from the Land of Smiles include:

Dendrobium Snowflake ‘Red Star’: A cross between Dendrobium Cassiope and Dendrobium nobile, this traces its lineage to Dendrobium nobile, a key species in its ancestry. Dendrobium nobile is well known for its cane-like growth habit, deciduous nature, and ability to produce clusters of fragrant, long-lasting flowers along its stems.
Paphiopedilum exul: The species epithet exul originates from the Latin word meaning “exiled” or “banished”, reflecting its geographical isolation from its close relative, Paphiopedilum insigne. Initially classified as a variety of Paphiopedilum insigne, it was later recognized as a distinct species. Endemic to the eastern shores of the Phuket-Krabi Gulf in Peninsular Thailand, it flourishes in rock crevices at elevations of up to 50m.
Rhynchostylis gigantea: First described in the 1920s by botanist and orchidologist, Carl Blume, the Rhynchostylis genus is known for its distinctive spicy fragrance. Its inflorescence, a closely packed spray of orchids tapering like a fox’s bushy tail, is a hallmark feature. The unique colour forms and long, tapering inflorescence have captivated collectors worldwide, making it a highly sought-after species in the orchid community because of their varieties.
Vanda Somsri Blue Classic: A cross between Vanda Somsri Pink and Vanda coerulea – the famous Blue Vanda – this hybrid showcases large, vibrant purple flowers, enhancing its ornamental appeal.

Land of Smiles Cloud Forest Gardens by the Bay

Thai orchids have developed certain characteristics to cope with a wide range of habitats and attract pollinators. In Thailand, landscaping practices tend to leverage on these characteristics, which Gardens by the Bay’s horticulturists were inspired by.

For instance, vandaceous orchids are mostly epiphytes that grow on tree trunks, with long aerial roots that draw moisture and nutrients from the air. To best exhibit their trailing roots, they are mounted on tree trunks creating an organic visual flow. Meanwhile dendrobiums, with their arching flower sprays and clusters of flowers along their canes, are used to design a mass of colourful, eye-catching blooms. This composition highlights their natural growth habit, by emphasising the way they are carefully mounted or planted.

Cloud Forest Orchids from the Land of Smiles

They are on show against a sweeping backdrop of legends and cultural icons of Thailand – intricate recreations which were hand carved by a team of award-winning sculptors who flew in specially from the country to work on the pieces at Gardens by the Bay. These include the Royal Pantheon, a landmark of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace in Bangkok, built to honour the kings of the Chakri dynasty; the revered serpent the naga which represents the connection between humanity and the divine; and majestic yakshas – the mythical guardians from the Ramakien epic.

📅 From 14 Feb 2025
⏰ 9am – 9pm
📍 Cloud Forest
🏷 Admission charge to Cloud Forest applies

You can also get tickets via Klook, Fever and Pelago.

Visit here for more details.

A verdant celebration of 60 years of international diplomatic relations with Singapore

Many of the countries who are commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Singapore in 2025 will be collaborating with Gardens by the Bay on a line-up of diverse events that aim to share aspects of their culture with Singaporeans.

These events will include some of the changing floral displays in Flower Dome, such as Lilytopia with Italy, Rose Romance with the United Kingdom, Orchid Extravaganza featuring Malaysia, Sunflower Surprise with India and the Christmas Train Show featuring Denmark.

🪁🎭 MARCH SCHOOl HOLIDAY 🎭🪁

It is the March one-week school break. We have compiled a list of March School Holidays 2025 Activities for Kids.