If you’re visiting Bangkok, even for just a day, one of the must see attractions is most definitely the Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Klong Talat), the largest wholesale and fresh flower market in the city. Located in the heart of Bangkok city, guide yourself through the maze of streets lined with a heady mixture of dazzling colours and sweet fragrances coming from the wide variety of fresh blooms on display.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying at one of the nearby hotels, such as the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, then the best time to visit the market is at dawn, when the suppliers are bringing in fresh flowers from every part of the country and retailers are setting up in their respective areas. However, this is the peak time when most of the trade takes place so it can be extremely chaotic to a visitor.
The market is open 24 hours, every day, so you can drop by at whatever time is convenient. During the day, the market is rather quiet, so it’s the best time for shoppers to walk around and take in the beauty. The stalls are filled with an endless variety of freshly cut flowers ranging from roses in every colour, to delicate arrangements and garlands of lilies, jasmine and wild orchids; it’s an overwhelming feast for the senses. Both local and foreign varieties of flowers can be found here but the best sellers amongst locals are the orchids, and jasmines due to their use in Buddhist offerings and traditions.
The flowers at the market are very affordable and but like in any city, prices can more than triple during specific occasions. While fresh flowers don’t make the best souvenirs, a trip to Pak Khlong flower market is truly an unforgettable one.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
