Thursday, November 6

Flower Power.

While in Bangkok, my friend Joni and I hit the plentiful flower market, Pak Khlong Talat (Talat means market). I've never seen such exquisite and inexpensive flowers all in one place at the same time. There are buckets upon buckets of flowers, and newspaper rolls of two dozen roses, all for about 40 Bhat, which translates to about $1.50 a bunch. I'd wished I only had somewhere to put them, but alas flowers do not transport well on a 21 hour flight. So we just soaked in all the sweet smells and the gorgeous range of colors and specimens.

Pak Khlong Talaat is known as a "place of symbolic values"
to Bangkok residents and is open 24 hours a day.

Mainly, a wholesale market for fruit and vegetables, but
Pak Khlong is also a consumer's flower market near the
Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's Chinatown. If there is one
market worth seeing, this is it. Pak Khlong is definitely
the prettiest and best-smelling market in Bangkok.

I loved the look of these roses wrapped in newspapers.

People are making flower garlands strung with golden marigolds,
called Phuang Malai are everywhere, and are said to symbolize the
beauty of Buddha's teachings and they are often given as offerings
or kept for good luck. All the cabbies and tuk tuk drivers have them
(which is a great idea, because traffic in Bangkok is insane!).


Exotic pod-like stems and beautiful orchids were abundant, too.


11 comments:

Anonymous said...

so what did manage to make it back with you?;) Any delicious colored silks hiding away in your suitcase?

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous flowers and gorgeous pictures. I've never been to a flower market- ever. I would love to go!

sfgirlbybay said...

moodboard - i brought back som silk fabric, an antique buddha and some prayer beads i found at the amulet market, and necklace. not too much, just some things i felt would remind me of the trip.

thrilled - of you should go! most are open to the public during certain hours, ever those for wholesalers. i go to the one in SF all the time! :)

You Are My Fave said...

This looks like heaven on earth. So lovely.

mayaluna said...

Thanks for bringing us along! This flower market looks incredible...intoxicating. I love the nespaper, too.

Courtney said...

This flower market looks beautiful, and the prices- oh, if only!!

Anonymous said...

wow, i would have been in heaven there! thanks for sharing photos of your trip. they are all so lovely! :)

Anonymous said...

Last year I spent almost four months in Thailand, and I think about it every single day. Such a magical place! It's so fun to see your photos and reminisce.

Traci said...

Fantastic photos!

My husband and I were in Thailand once during valentines day...he went to one of these flower markets and showered me with dozens and dozens of roses. And at a fraction of the price here. Then he treated me to one of those other great Thai splurges - a 3 hour massage and facial for like $30 US. Amazing.

Glad you had such a great time!

Minna Mercke Schmidt said...

Beeing a flower girl and seeing all those lovely flowers my fingers itc...bad! Just discovered your blog - fantastic to have a whole new blog to travel through. Best regards from Sweden, Minna :)

Leah said...

how amazing they sell for so cheap. I can smell them just looking at your beautiful photos, thanks!