Pak Klong Talad Flower Market

Location: Jakkrapet Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Reason to visit: the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok, a visual and smell feast

Our ratings: ★★★★★

Entrance fee: free

Opening Hours: 24/7

Pak Klong Talad Flower Market is one of Bangkok's oldest and most beautiful flower markets. The Bangkok trip wouldn't be complete unless you go and visit the wonderful Pak Klong Talad Flower Market. The market is massive, and the flowers are all stacked up high. Florists make the best arrangement of flowers to fight for buyers' attention. You may happily but also overwhelmingly choose your favorites. What may fascinate you the most is that the flowers are reasonably cheap but unreasonably charming. With a large variety of flowers, a visual and smell feast awaits right ahead of you!

Flowers range from local species (jasmine, chrysanthemum, gerbera, orchids, lilies, roses) to imported species such as tulips, snapdragons, iris, lisianthus, delphinium and more. Pak Klong Talad is open 24/7, but the busiest hours are around 4am – 7am when boats and trucks arrive with flowers mostly from nearby towns, some are from farther provinces such as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. The market's produce selection is extensive and it delivered from across the country.

History of Pak Klong Talad Flower Market 

The market has a long history. During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), a floating market took place on the site of the modern Pak Klong Talat. By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910), it had changed to a fish market. The fish market was eventually converted to today's produce market, which has existed for over 60 years. The market's focus has shifted from produce to flowers as the Talat Thai market on the outskirts of Bangkok has become a more attractive site for produce wholesaling.

Flowers in Thai culture 

Flowers have great significance in Thailand, often be given as offerings and loving gifts as well as being used as lucky charms and decoration. Flower garlands are particular prevalent - you’ll spot them in temples, hanging from taxi rearview mirrors, at shrines, at weddings, and used in a wide variety of situations. Floral arrangements, simple or elaborate, are common in hotels and restaurants.

Visiting Pak Klong Talad Flower Market in the Early Morning

It is quite a chaotic scene, and the florists may be less enthusiastic and patient to deal with visitors. Just obverse and experience the unique atmosphere. That's the way they start their day, just watch the day unfold in front of you without intruding, and patiently wait for a late morning. You may have new perspective on the market and the florists work here. If you love photography, time to shoot some memorable clicks!

Visiting Pak Klong Talad Flower Market in the Late Morning

As the late morning comes, time to start buying! The golden marigold may probably be the predominant flower. Purple orchids, green and pink lotus, tiny white jasmine, clover, roses, mums, and peonies are also common. It would be a great choice to casually talk to the vendors and buy some flowers from them. I don't recommend you to bargain since the flowers are already super cheap, if you think the price is expensive to you, feel free to compare with other florists. I know it is hard to resist to take photos, but don't forget to ask permission first.

Visiting Pak Klong Talad Flower Market at Night 

It is quieter and less crowded than in the morning. After a busy long day, the florists are finally able to sit there to unwind a little bit. Feel free to start a light conversation with them by giving them encouragement and complimenting their flowers. That will make their day, I promise! In return, they would probably teach you how to fold lotus flowers into the pretty arrangements you see in temples all around the country, or how to make the beautiful garlands you may be given in the hotel.

Compared with stunning temples, modern shopping malls, and other attractions, Pak Klong Talad Flower Market, the floral world, are more low-key. However, if you really want to understand a culture or so, Pak Klong Talad Flower Market is one angle of Thailand you won't miss. 

How to get to Pak Klong Talad Flower Market

Bangkok flower market is located on Chak Phet Road near the Memorial Bridge and South of Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha). It is accessible by boat as the river pier is close by. Bangkok flower market is a great stopover after visiting Wat Pho, or it is a great place to visit after a food tour in Chinatown. There are no Skytrain or metro stations nearby and if you visit the market late at night when there are no river boats, it's easier to take a taxi.

To find out more, please visit our Bangkok section.