Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

About Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market)

Pak Khlong Talat is Bangkok's main flower market, on Chak Phet Road near Memorial Bridge in Phra Nakhon, where the old city canal meets the Chao Phraya. It began as a floating market under Rama I and later became a fish market, then a produce market, before settling on flowers. The halls are crowded and chaotic, with rows of roses, orchids, carnations and heaps of marigolds.

It is open 24 hours. Florists and garland makers buy in bulk, and you can watch them threading jasmine phuang malai and building cone-shaped baisri offerings. Prices are low: one Tripadvisor reviewer found a big bunch of cut orchids for under $2. There are also herbs, chillies and street snacks. Next door, Yodpiman River Walk has restaurants and a riverside terrace.

It makes a colourful, low-cost date where you can buy each other flowers and snack as you walk. For the full scene, go before dawn, from about 3am to 6am, when the deliveries arrive. For a calmer visit, go in the evening, then walk to Yodpiman for dinner by the river. MRT Sanam Chai is nearby.

Why it works for a date

• Huge variety of flowers
• Very cheap orchids and roses
• Garland makers at work
• Never closes

Good to be aware of

• Cramped, wet and chaotic walkways
• Busiest wholesale hours are before dawn
• Mind delivery carts and traders at peak times

Don't miss

Flower halls Cut orchids under $2 a bunch (Tripadvisor review)Hundreds of stalls selling bunches of orchids, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and marigolds at wholesale prices.