Durian Garden of Eden – Eating the King Of Fruits in Nonthaburi

By Mark Wiens 103 Comments
Durian
Our first glimpse into this beauty

You will always remember your first bite of durian.

(At least for those of us who tasted durian for the first time as adults).

I remember my first time…

I was in Malaysia, walking through a night market with a friend.

I had just finished eating 3 plates of marvelous Malaysian food, when we smelled (first), and then spotted a white truck full of spiky fruit.

Having your first bite of durian is a little frightening.

What does durian taste like
Freshly picked durian fruit (ทุเรียน)

Everyone has told you how bad it is, and you’ve seen people on TV shows who just can’t stomach it.

Your first bite, you’ll probably be a little nervous (I was) – after-all, just look at the outside shell of a durian – it can, and has, literally been used as a weapon.

I scooped my first bite of durian, super ripe, yellow, and custardy; It was like picking up a small half-melted block of butter.

durian fruit
A line of freshly picked durian fruit

My first bite was an eye opening moment of awe.

It was sensationally custardy, like all-natural pudding with a seed in the middle. It tasted like pungent vanilla ice cream, sweet, buttery, creamy, like blobs of frosting, only much better.

I fell in love, the type of unbelievable love, where you can hardly believe it.

How could a natural fruit be so unique and spectacular?

The best durian
Showing a freshly picked beauty (ก้านยาว นนทบุรี)

Nonthaburi Durian, Thailand

Living and traveling in Southeast Asia since 2009, I’ve been able to sample quite a few durians, and every single good durian is a sensational treat, and a moment to remember.

A friend of mine Lindsay from Yearofthedurian.com, is probably the most passionate, and knowledgable durian lover that I know.

When she invited me to go on a durian adventure to Nonthaburi, in search of the world’s most expensive durian, I couldn’t resist.

Durian
She has some serious durian passion!

In Thailand durian is grown in a few different provinces, and there are a number of different varieties.

However, as all Thais know, one of the most expensive and best quality durian varieties cultivated in the country is a kanyao, or translated as a long stem durian.

ก้านยาว นนทบุรี
A flawless Nonthaburi Kanyao Durian (ก้านยาว นนทบุรี)

The most famous of them all is the Nonthaburi Kanyao (ก้านยาว นนทบุรี), the world’s most expensive durian.

You can’t even buy them at stores or in local markets in Bangkok (the authentic, best quality ones, you won’t even find at Bangkok’s upscale Or Tor Kor Market (video).

Fruit in Thailand
It’s such a unique and beauty of a fruit

The best quality authentic Nonthaburi Kanyao durians are pre-sold, even before the season begins, the entire stock bought out by durian obsessed businessmen who can afford to fork out the 10,000 – 20,000 THB ($305 – $610) price tag for a single fruit.

Lindsay had actually been in contact with the farm, Suan Toorien Padoi (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย) for months, and the time had finally come to purchase and sample one of these high esteemed fruits.

I was actually surprised how small the farm was, just a small plot of land, where the owner could take extreme care of each and every durian tree.

Nonthaburi
Canals growing durian in Nonthaburi

Growing durian in Nonthaburi

Probably the most interesting thing I learned about durian during this adventure, was the unique durian growing method in Nonthaburi.

As the tide of the Chao Phraya river rises and falls, it brings new waves of fresh water, mixed with just the right amount of salinity, and a host of other healthy growing minerals.

Durian farm in Thailand
Suan Toorien Padoi (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย) – Durian Farm in Nonthaburi

The durian trees at orchards in Nonthaburi are planted in mounds of dirt and mud, all surrounded by canals.

Every year, the canals are dug out, and scoops of mud and minerals are piled up onto the durian mounds to heap them up and ensure the soil is prime for durian nurturing.

Nonthaburi durian
Nonthaburi durian farm, Thailand

Due to the canals, the durian trees have access to a year round supply of water and nutrients, while other durian orchards around Southeast Asia often go dry during the periods of dry season.

Monthong durian
These are the spikes of a monthong durian

Nonthaburi really is the durian Garden of Eden.

One of the things that Suan Toorien (Durian) Padoi (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย) is especially known for, is producing Thailand’s best quality, fully organic grown durian.

Growing durian
Protection from the dangerous bugs and birds

Walking around the durian orchard, I noticed how all the durians fruits hanging from trees were covered in clear plastic wrapping.

This provided protection, especially from insects and bugs – I know for sure if I was a bug or a bird, I would definitely have eyes on an organic durian.

Nonthaburi durian farm
Each durian tree is tagged

Every durian tree at the orchard was tagged with information, like a newborn child at the hospital.

The care of each and every tree at the orchard was amazing.

Durian farm in Thailand
The farm

For the first part of our visit to Suan Toorien (Durian) Padoi (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย), we walked around the small orchard, taking a look at the durian selection.

Mangosteen
Mangosteen on tree

Polyculture farming

Another thing that was very cool, was the cross pollination farming technique used.

While many durian farms grow only durian, one of the things I loved about walking around here, was that there were multiple things being grown together, polyculture farming.

Durian growing
Nonthaburi, where the soil is perfect for growing durian

Next to a durian tree there were mangosteen trees, banana trees, and even fresh peppercorn vines (which I couldn’t resist sampling right off the tree, tasted amazing by the way).

Ok, moving on, after we walked around the farm for a while, taking as many photos as possible, we then headed to the small entryway hut.

The owner had already picked a few durians for the day, and they were waiting and ready to be purchased by people who had already reserved them.

Nonthaburi Kanyao
Lindsay holding up her Nonthaburi Kanyao

Types of durian (and the famous kanyao)

There were two different kinds of durian to choose from, Nonthaburi Kanyao, which is the most expensive and highest grade, and then Nonthaburi Monthong, which is one of the most widely available varieties in Bangkok.

Durian at the farm
Purchasing a durian at the farm

Lindsay came for the kanyao, and after some negotiating, she owned a beautiful, football (soccer) shaped durian, spiky, with a long stem, and as precious as ones own.

หมอนทอง นนทบุรี
We got a Monthong Nonthaburi (หมอนทอง นนทบุรี)

Eating our durian

Unfortunately, the kanyao was not ripe, it needed a few days to ripen up, but there’s always a back-up plan, and so we additionally got a perfectly ripened monthong (หมอนทอง นนทบุรี), to eat on spot.

Durian in Thailand
I could taste the naturalness

The monthong was nowhere near the price of the kanyao, and the entire fruit cost just 1,000 THB (though for a regular monthong in Bangkok during durian season you’d only pay about 60 – 80 THB per kilo).

Let me tell you though, 1,000 THB for this durian was a small price to pay for the quality, freshness, and natural taste (but I’ll explain this eating part more below).

While a kanyao is usually nearly perfectly round, a monthong is more oval shaped, with random knobs, even sometimes sort of looking like a heart in shape.

The durian, though very ripe, hardly had a rotten egg smell like it sometimes does when you see durian on the street.

Instead, this one smelled of sweet honey.

How to choose a durian
Fresh stem, fresh fruit

Judging from the stem, Lindsay guessed that the durian had just been picked that morning, so it was extremely fresh, and tree ripened (instead of being picked early to ripen).

This ensured it could nurse all the nutrients from its mother tree before its umbilical cord was cut for our consumption.

I get a little crazy taking photos of food, especially when it’s something so fascinating and amazing like durian. But finally after we had captured our durian in the garden in every angle we could think of, and it was time to dig in.

The durian was soft and slightly mushy (perfect), and just slightly golden yellow in color.

หมอนทอง นนทบุรี
Durian Monthong Nonthaburi (หมอนทอง นนทบุรี)

The durian flesh was incredibly creamy and smooth, and just absolutely packed with an amazing sweetness.

I think the texture and feel of durian can be compared to a very ripe avocado, but just bump up the creaminess one more notch, and decrease the firmness by one notch, and you’ve nearly go the texture.

How does durian taste
Bites of durian cream

Flavor-wise, in comparison to other monthong durians that I’ve eaten in Thailand, this was probably the best.

Eating just a normal everyday monthong durian on the streets of Bangkok, versus tasting this same variety, but grown in Nonthaburi and fully organic at the farm, was way different.

Durian dogs
Some dogs, high off durian

I could honestly taste the freshness and naturalness of the fruit.

It was extraordinary, surely the finest monthong I’ve ever consumed.

Like I mentioned before, at Suan Toorien (Durian) Padoi (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย), they not only grow durian (even though that’s the main thing), but they cross pollinate for the farming process.

สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย
Jackfruit at Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย)

This means other delicious fruits too.

I tried a piece of their jackfruit, again, it was one of the most memorable pieces of jackfruit I’ve had in a very long time.

The seed was tiny, about 1/3 the size of a normal jackfruit seed, and the meat was thick, smooth, and tasted like banana cream dipped in honey. I only wish they grew cempedak (video) too.

Mangosteen
Delicious mangosteen to complement durian

Durian and mangosteen

Durian is commonly consumed with mangosteen, at least that is the case in Thailand and Malaysia.

Durian is a warming fruit, and you will actually start to feel a little warm when you eat durian, and mangosteen is a cooling fruit. As they say in Thailand, durian is the king of fruits, and mangosteen is the queen.

I thought the mangosteen at this farm didn’t actually look so good from the outside. There was a small basket, picked right off the tree, sitting next to the stock of durian.

But after a few logs of durian, I decided to go for a mangosteen. Though the outside appearance wasn’t that beautiful, wow the fruit was stunning.

Again, it was such a pure flavored mangosteen – I can seriously say I could taste the naturalness of it, in comparison to mangosteen I normally buy at the market.

It was sweet and juicy, and almost creamy milky.

Durian in Thailand
Our final wedge of durian

A few mangosteens later, and we dug back into the good stuff.

The final log of durian, looking like a small baguette nestled into the shell, included four seeded segments – a beauty of a durian chunk.

Can fruit get any more unique and beautiful?

Tasting durian
You have to cherish your last bite

I always like to savor and dream about my last bite, before I take it.

The final bite of any durian, or any amazing feast, is always something to cherish.

On my last bite of durian, I also like to usually suck on the seed for a while, to ensure all the flavor is completely extracted.

Durian shell
The sad moment when it’s all gone

It didn’t take too long before our beautiful durian from the orchard was reduced to a thorny empty shell.

Another durian down, another round of extreme satisfaction and happiness.

Durian farm dog
Dog’s like on the durian farm

It’s not such a bad dog’s life, hanging out at a Nonthaburi durian farm in Thailand, enjoying the peacefulness, and licking out durian shells.

สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย
Fantastic time at the durian orchard (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย)

But all good things normally come to an end, and so is the case with eating a durian on the farm.

The owners of the farm were extremely kind, and what I really loved about them, is that you could just sense their passion, pride, and dedication to nurturing their organic Nonthaburi durians.

Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย)
Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย)

Conclusion

Watch the video of this amazing durian farm:

(If you can’t see the video, watch it here: http://youtu.be/dPnZP8_QjKE)

Durian is one of the most unique and amazing natural fruits on the planet.

The outer shell of a durian is spiky and scary, but the inside is warm and inviting, and tastes like honey custard injected with the creamiest whipped cream you’ve ever tasted.

You’ll find durian all over southeast Asia, and scattered throughout Bangkok, but there’s nothing quite like eating durian at the farm, in a peaceful garden.

I really enjoyed this Nonthaburi durian adventure, and would recommend it to anyone who is a durian lover.

Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย)

We went to a durian farm about 30 minutes outside of Bangkok known as Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย). This farm is not a tourist attraction like the Thai fruit farm I visited a while back is, but instead it’s more of a place to go if you’re serious about durian. It’s not just an open farm, so in order to go there you need to pre-order a durian and be ready to purchase.

For eating durian in Bangkok, check out my guide here.

Do you love durian, or would you love to try it?

103 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

  • VASIM

    3 months ago

    GREAT THIS DETAILS ABOUT FOOD IS REALLY HEART TOUCHING

  • david

    1 year ago

    Amazing food thanks so much for share details of this fruite

  • sportschunky

    1 year ago

    Thanks for shrare this information article. This fruite is very taste and healty and its have lot of protine for sports man.

  • Kathiravan

    3 years ago

    Hi, would love to take a sapling or seeds to India to try to cultivate in our farm. Any contacts?

  • High Rated Gabru

    3 years ago

    Awesome writing. Keep it up.

  • Raju

    3 years ago

    Thank You For Share Valuable Content.

  • GST Certificate Download

    3 years ago

    [Online Booking] SSMMSTelangana, Registration, Book Sand in Telangana, Track Sand Order … Sand Sale Management and Monitoring System SSMMS.

  • IFHRMS Login

    3 years ago

    Ohhh! What a lovely post, love to read. The Information is really useful for me, IFHRMS Login keep sharing such posts with us.

  • Rojgar Dunia

    3 years ago

    Nice information.

  • BRBN

    3 years ago

    Nice information about Meri fasal mera byora e-kharid haryana

  • Subrato

    4 years ago

    The most juicy fruit in the world is jackfruit. I like it the most. Thank you

  • Vishal Kaushik

    4 years ago

    Great.

  • Nonette Tsang

    8 years ago

    I am a serious durian eater, and I can relate to your first bite. Luckily, my first one was a Monthong (we call it “Golden Pillow” here in Hong Kong). I’ll save up for that kanyao, but the Mao Shan Wang from Malaysia is the creamiest one I had – I love it! I hope to try Philippine durians too. Thanks for this well-written post.

  • Kevin Wong

    8 years ago

    PS. My wife is so crazy about durians she’s now toying with the idea of buying some land in Bogor and planting durians! :o)

  • Kevin Wong

    8 years ago

    Hi Mark, my wife and daughter are really crazy about durians and i really want to take them to a durian farm, but we don’t have a lot of time in Bangkok (we are visiting from Jakarta) and this seems the perfect farm, but I can’t find it on Google Maps. Is there an address I can plug into Google Maps? Is there a phone number I can call so I can pre-order durians as you suggested? How much should I pre-order? Sorry to inconvenience you, but your article really whet my girlz’ appetite for durians :o) But is Jul 23-24 too late for durian season? Sorry for all the questions!

  • Chris C

    8 years ago

    Hi,

    thanks for your story. it is very interesting to see that organic durian farms are thriving. I recently visited malaysia and had some durian in Penang and Perak. I still like the durian kampong (durian from the village) therefore they have no name, just fruits from very old durian trees grown in the villages.
    The village durian vendors would sell durians by the roadsides and would guarantee the fruits are tasty and ripe otherwise you do not pay for it. I had two small fruits by the roadside in Perak for about RM10(for 2 fruits) and they were all good (sweet and slightly bitter). This is the best taste for a good durian.

    I must say the famous durian such as red prawn, Mausan King, black needles are over-priced. Recently I bought a durian called red yolk for RM18 (USD4.5)/kg in Bukit Mertajam, Penang and it was very good, (creamy, sweet and bitter).

    Only gullible tourists from Taiwan, Singapore and China are paying for these expensive durians, such as Red prawn, Mausang King and black needle.

    Enjoy the king of fruits,

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hi Chris, awesome to hear from you, thank you for sharing your experience. I’m also a big fan of the village durians as well, I’ve especially enjoyed them so far in southern Thailand. Thanks for sharing!

  • mustafa

    8 years ago

    hi mark. the best time to taste a durian is just after it drop from the tree. after a few hours the smell n freshness n also the taste will be different. u must try this

  • mustafa

    8 years ago

    hi mark. the best time to taste a durian is just after it drop from the three. after a few hours the smell n freshness n also the taste will be different. u must try this

  • Zamri

    8 years ago

    Nice adventure… glad that you”ve taste the best durian in the best enviroment. Your knowledge about durian has getting more that average local… I’m always facinated to know that nowadays wastener are liking this fruits very much more than the local itself. I always follow Lindsay blog…

  • Zamri

    8 years ago

    Very nice experiance… very glad that you’ve taste the best durian in the best enviroment. Your knowledge in durian has gett

  • Tracy Huang

    8 years ago

    Can you share the directions to get to the Suan Toorien Padoi Farm (สวนทุเรียนป้าต้อย) from Bangkok? Ill be visiting in Jan 2016.

    Is there a season for durians?

    Thank you!!

  • James

    9 years ago

    I agree that Durian is the most delicious fruit in the world.
    I live in Indonesia, and we often eating Durian in here.

    My kids and my whole family also like to eat Durian, once we eat durian 1 person eat 1 whole fruit just in a few minutes hahaha…, because it is really very delicious.

    you can find Durian very easy in Indonesia, almost in all supermarkets are selling Durian.
    I usually buy Durian in a high quality store like Ranch Market in Galaxy Mall Surabaya or in Hokky Buah Supermarket (in Surabaya city, located in the center city: Panglima Sudirman street).
    But if you visit to Medan City in Indonesia, they are also have a very delicious Durian but different taste and cheaper.

    By the way, very nice article to introduce Durian to the world 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi James, thank you for the message and glad you love to eat durian as well. Thank you for the brief intro to durian in Indonesia. I hope to visit again in the future. Hope you’re doing well.

  • Michael Cote’

    9 years ago

    Hey I love durian and jackfruit. Do you sell your seeds? I have a nice size back yard and would like to plant a few durian and jackfruit trees.

    thank you,

    Michael Cote’

  • Arif

    9 years ago

    This post is awesome Mark! Good job.
    have you tried drinking water from the shell? if not, you really have to!!
    it’s good for the body~ and soothing

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you Arif, yes I remember doing that in Malaysia before. I’ll remember to try it again next time.

  • Danny

    9 years ago

    Awesome post Mark, love to see your passion for Durian, since its not quite natural that people like it!
    Personally I’ve tried Durian a few times so far, but you have get used to the consistency 😛

    By the way, may I ask what kind of camera + lens you are using? The pictures are so enjoyable to look at!

    Greetings from Germany

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hi Danny, great to hear from you, thank you for reading. I use a Canon 70D with a Tamron 17-50 mm lens. Hope you’re doing well.

  • Cristina de Lima

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark, I’m from Brasil and I also love to travel to taste differents kinds of food.I think it’s a good way to know pelople and culture. Congratulations for your blog!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Cristina, thank you very much, glad that you love to travel and eat as well. I would love to visit Brazil in the future, to eat!

  • Anna @ AnnaEverywhere

    10 years ago

    Wow, I’m pretty sure I’ve been to the same place to see durians 😀

  • yehu

    10 years ago

    Dear Mark and Lindsay,
    You can come to the city of Medan in North Sumatera Indonesia … in Medan looking for Ucok Durian Stores, Durian fruit which provide all year round. You can feel the taste of Durian like Durian Cannabis and Durian Coffee there is even a scent and taste incredible …
    Do not miss out … in Indonesia is rich in all of the varieties of Durian in each province by a variety of different aromas and flavors and you will get new sensations and experiences.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Yehu, wow, thank you for sharing. I visited Medan a few years ago, and really loved it, but I think it wasn’t season when I was there – so next time will hope to visit when it’s durian season.

  • Veg Italy Guide

    10 years ago

    Hello Mark, great article and your pictures are always awesome!! Even if we are vegans we love your website and your style, keep it up!!

    Lenny and Stacie

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thank you very much Lenny and Stacie, really appreciate it.

  • lindsay

    10 years ago

    Hey Mark!
    Thank you so much for this post!! It’s incredible!
    My boyfriend and I are going to Thailand in November and I would love to visit Suan Toorien Padoi Farm. WE LOVVVVE DURIAN! I cant seem to find any information on the farm online other than your post. Any information you can pass to me on how to contact them would be extremely helpful. We really hope to be able to visit a durian farm. It’s one of the main reasons we’re heading to Thailand! 🙂
    Thank you

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Lindsay, thank you very much for checking this out, good to hear you love durian. This place is only open from June – July, I think, only during a few months of the peak of the season. You might try Suan Supatra: http://migrationology.com/2012/05/fruit-buffet-suan-supatra-land-thailand/ but not sure if it will be open due to the season again. Otherwise Or Tor Kor market is a great place in Bangkok to get good durian during off season. Hope this helps.

    • Lindsay

      10 years ago

      Hi Lindsay,

      This particular farm isn’t open to casual visitors, but there are lots of other farms you can check out. In November you’ll want to be in Southern Thailand, as it’s the season there. Northern Thailand (Rayong, Chanthaburi, etc) has a short season between April and July.

      If you have any more questions feel free to hit me up at [email protected] – I’ve also written an entire guidebook on the subject of traveling to eat durian, so that might answer your questions as well 🙂

  • David B.

    10 years ago

    My first sample of durian probably wasn’t very ripe because it didn’t have much flavor or for that matter odor. So I sort of wrote it off as overhyped (neither super-tasty nor revolting), but years later I found myself just craving the sort of oniony zing it had towards the end of each bite and the next sample I had was both very pungent and I loved it. Maybe someday I’ll travel to Asia and try it fresh, which has got to be way better than frozen (the only kind you can get in the USA).

    Buying durian in an Asian market here is almost always amusing for me because the sales clerks typically have a hard time believing that a white guy likes it and is buying it.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey David, thank you for sharing your story about durian, that’s awesome that you love it too. Hope you can visit Asia to taste some fresh durian in the future.

    • Lindsay

      10 years ago

      Hi David,

      Fresh durian is much, much better than frozen! Not only is the texture better (it can be quite slimy and rubbery at the same time when frozen) but you can get other, more delicious types than Monthong. I hope you get a chance to travel to Asia someday!

  • Ray

    10 years ago

    Thanks for the awesome content – I have always wanted to try Durian and this has now inspired me to take the decisive step. I love the food in Asia, and particularly in Vietnam. I have just written about my experiences with Vietnamese cooking after I did a 12 course cooking class in Hoi An. Fantastically complex flavours that are done in such a simple way…I can’t wait to get to Thailand to see how it compares. From reading your blog, it seems like I will be blown away!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Ray, it’s great to hear from you, glad you love Asian food so much too. Awesome about a 12 course cooking class, that sounds wonderful. Hope you enjoy durian.

  • Alec

    10 years ago

    Mark you are one lucky person! So much durian .. And straight from the farm too! That’s as fresh as it’s going to get! Awesome post!

  • Suvro

    10 years ago

    “When the durian falls, the skirts go up”
    Is there any truth to the saying?

  • Clay

    10 years ago

    That fruit looks deadly! I would love to try it though!!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Clay, it can be used as weapon, ha! Hope you can try it.

  • christian beetz

    10 years ago

    hi mark,

    another great article about one of the best fruits i ever tried.
    my first durian experience happened last November at or tor kor market in Bangkok, where my friend from Thailand said – if i havn#t tried durian i havn#t been to Thailand..so..we bought some nice pieces..and..i was from one Moment to another absolutely amazed about the texture, taste and Beauty of this fruit – we also bought some mangosteen to go with it.
    love your article and the great picutes.
    unfortunately i will visit Bangkok this years November…some months after durian season…

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Christian, thank you for sharing your experience about eating durian. Glad that you loved it your first bite as well – so unique and so incredibly delicious. Even during off season, you should be able to get some durian at Or Tor Kor.

    • Lindsay

      10 years ago

      Hi Christian,

      In November it is durian season in Southern Thailand. Mark’s recommendation is good. You can also always find durian on Yaowarat road in chinatown, or at Siam Paragon or Emporium Malls.

  • Ahmed Noman

    10 years ago

    This fruit seems really amazing. It is not found in our part of world. How it tastes like?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Ahmed, thank you for reading. It’s mostly sweet, and creamy, and sometimes a little bit bitter.

  • Thilina Makavita

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark!

    These days can buy a large single durian for 2-3 USD(200-300LKR) in Sri Lanka near Rathnapura,Horana,Awissawella,Galle.Sri Lanka have large harvest of durian on May to August.Come and tast durian in Sri Lanka.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Great, thanks for sharing Thilina, would love to eat durian in Sri Lanka.

  • Anh

    10 years ago

    Thank you for this article and the gorgeous pictures. My mouth was watering as I scrolled through photos of durian, jackfruit and mangosteens. I grew up in Vietnam and Thailand for 18 years and absolutely love durians! So glad to read an article about someone who was willing to try durians and then actually fell in love with the taste. I cannot convince my husband to give it a shot. His reasoning is if Adam Richman of “Man vs. Food” (the guy who will eat anything) think it’s disgusting, then it must be really, really bad.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Anh, great to hear from you, and glad you love durian too!

  • Frank

    10 years ago

    For such an intimidating fruit, durian sure has a great payoff … I may have to pay this place (or another like it) a visit soon!

  • Mark

    10 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    I have passed many vendors in Bali selling Durian and was curious about the taste; I have heard good and bad comments from people who have tried it. From how you have described it I think I would like it as I like most of the food you like, it is on my bucket list for next trip.

    Kind Regards
    Mark

    Australia

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Mark, glad you’re open to tasting some durian. I think you’ll love it too. Make sure it’s quite ripe when you try it, but not too overripe.

  • Bama

    10 years ago

    Growing up in Indonesia means I’ve got familiar with the smell and taste of durian since I was little. Then as I grew up I learned the fact that most foreigners couldn’t stand the pungent smell of the fruit, an idea I couldn’t really fathom back then. But then there are a handful of people like you who genuinely love durian. Your photos remind me that I haven’t had the fruit for quite a long time, and it’s about time to have it again soon. 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Bama, thanks for reading, and hope you enjoyed that durian!

  • Candice @ The Let’s Go Ladies

    10 years ago

    Oh wow, what an incredible adventure! Going all that way and spending all that money on a single piece of fruit. As someone who lives for food, I love the whole idea! I’ve heard some terrible things about durian fruit, but maybe I’ve been mislead all these years. If given the chance, I think I’d have to try it now, Thanks for opening my eyes. 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Candice, thank you so much for reading. Glad that you’d be willing to try durian, I think you’ll love it.

  • Joel Bruner

    10 years ago

    Dude. What a trip! Each bite made me jealous and man I forgot you told me bout the jackfruit too! Must have been a treat to just be in that place, such a famous place for the best fruit on earth.
    I should start a savings account right now for a future 20,000 baht-er…

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey man, thanks for checking this out, yah that jackfruit was fantastic as well.

  • Amélie

    10 years ago

    What an incredible adventure! I’m a little jealous! I love durian, but I’m not sure I would be ready to dish out this amount of money on it though haha! So cool to see Linsday in motion as well 😉 I’m currently in Penang, Malaysia and I will be going to Bao Sheng Farm to sample their durians, have you been? I cannot wait!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Amelie, great to hear from you and glad you love durian too, yah it’s a pretty steep price tag. I have eaten durian in Malaysia, but never gone to the Bao Sheng Farm. Hope you have a great time, sounds wonderful.

    • ameer

      10 years ago

      Hi Amelie,

      The best durians are from Penang.Most of the farms are in Balik Pulau.Buying from the farm directly shud be much cheaper.
      Here is a tip for durian lovers:
      After eating the durians,you can pour some water into the inner skin and drink it from there,it is said to cool ur body from the heatiness of consuming durians.

  • Ian

    10 years ago

    Hey Mark, another great post. so did you have to pay for the Ganyao that wasn’t ripe enough? Also have you tried the infamous Musang King of Pahang?

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Ian, thank you for reading. Lindsay, who invited me on this trip, paid for the Ganyao, but she took it with her because it wasn’t ripe… so didn’t get to try it. No, have never tried the Musang King of Pahang, is it amazing? Would love to try it.

  • Aloi

    10 years ago

    This post just makes me so happy! I ADORE durian and cannot for the life of me figure out why some people say it stinks! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your Nonthaburi adventure, Mark!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Aloi, great to hear from you, glad you love durian too. Thanks for reading.

  • ameer

    10 years ago

    Glad u enjoyed my country national fruit.
    Just to share with you and other,Durian is a Malaysian word which means “thorns”. ( no wonder )
    There are many types of durian,many names to it,however will share with you one so called DURIAN GAJAH. (elephant durian)
    This rare durian gajah can be found in the wild,deep in the jungle.
    To get this durian,aborogines would go hunt for them and its not easily to locate the trees thus its quite expensive to buy.
    Whats so special about it?
    Believe it or not,this particular durian is so sweet,full orange/yellow is colour,its so rich that by just having one piece of it,you wouldnt want to eat for hours!! Yes,its that heavy in the belly.

    Bye!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Haha, Ameer that is an awesome story, thank you for sharing. Are they available for purchase now? Or do you still have to go hunt for them. Hunting for them in the jungle sounds fantastic.

    • ameer

      10 years ago

      Yes,they are available at the right price and if you do know who

    • Lindsay

      10 years ago

      Dear Ameer,

      I’ve been looking for the durian tahi gajah for years! Do you have any more information about it? If so, please email me at [email protected]. Thanks!!

    • Suvro

      10 years ago

      Gaja is Sanskrit for elephant!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Thanks for sharing Suvro.

  • pierantonio

    10 years ago

    I am agree with u: it is a wonderful fruit , no words to describe its taste! In september i will be in ko samui to taste durian every day ( with my tshirt ” eat more tom yum ” of course) many greetings from me , Pier ; like u i love food everywhere inthe world and i hope to meet u in future 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Pier, glad you love to eat durian too. Awesome, eating durian in the Eat More Tom Yum t-shirt, thank you. Have a great visit to Koh Samui. How long will you be in Thailand?

  • fernando

    10 years ago

    very nice post Mark, congrats! Durian is an amazing and tasteful fruit, the best so far I had eaten in Asia. I just love this fruit. unfortunately I cannot eat more than 2 small pieces, what I take an hour to taste. ;D

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Fernando, thank you for reading, glad you love it too. That’s alright, I think eating durian in moderation is a good thing.

  • Mal

    10 years ago

    Great article and the pictures gave me a real understanding of durian. I’ve always been turned off by the smell of these but I recently tried one in a fruit shake in Chinatown NYC. It was excellent. Sorry I waited so long to try them. Yeah it’s interesting the prices they command all over asia. Like Kobe beef and the top tuna.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Mal, than you very much, and good to hear you enjoyed the durian shake. Yes, the demand and quality is similar to that of Kobe beef – good comparison.

  • Ashley @ Ashley Wanders

    10 years ago

    This was so interesting, and I can’t believe some people would pay $300 to $600 for a single Durian?! I have a serious craving for some Durian now, and I regret not trying Mangosteen and Jackfruit while I was in SEA.

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Ashley, yah I agree, it’s pretty crazy price. Most of the people who buy them are really rich businessmen and bosses. Mangosteen and jackfruit are both wonderful too, hope you can try them in the future.

  • Hank .mirtl

    10 years ago

    Again you’ve done a great job with the outrageous and delectable durian. We have a similar durian here in the Philippines that is grown in Davao. It has similar appearance but the taste is nowhere near the Thai or Malaysian fruits. Regarding price I have paid over 30 dollars for a single fruit in Malaysia and was rewarded for every cent spent. Keep up the good work. I envy you your passion.
    Hank

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hi Hank, I would love to try the durian in the Philippines, I really hope to visit again in the future. Yup, I think a $30 durian can be well worth it. How’s everything at the Vesuvios Pizzeria?