Bangkok’s old city is so full of things to do that it can be overwhelming. This is especially true if it’s your first visit. I’ve been coming here for almost 20 years, and I still haven’t seen everything.
One strategy for discovering its charms is that once you’ve ticked the “big ones” off your list—Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Chinatown—you can dig deeper based on your interests. About 10 years ago I informed a local associate, in passing, that I love flowers.
It was then that I discovered the existence of the Bangkok flower market, Pak Khlong Talat. If this sounds as delightful to you now as it did to me then, I encourage you to keep reading.
How I Discovered Pak Khlong Talat
As I hinted in the intro, my first visit to the Bangkok flower market wasn’t especially orchestrated. I was in the Kingdom on a press trip (back when those still took place for ordinary content creators like myself), and had a free day in Bangkok. The local guide they paired me with asked me what I wanted to do and, arrogant as I was back then (I thought I’d seen it all) told her I had no real inclination either way.
If I’m honest, I’m not sure whether I mentioned flowers to her, or whether she somehow found a way to get that information out of me. Regardless, when she told me not only that Bangkok had a flower market, but that it was open 24 hours, I was intrigued. (Spoiler alert: I didn’t go at nighttime and have actually never yet been at nighttime, but it’s still cool!)
5 Reasons to Visit Bangkok’s Flower Market
You’ll be in the area anyway
As I’ve referenced already, Pak Khlong Talat is super convenient. If you’re not already exploring Chinatown (Yaowarat) or the Old City (Rattanakosin), you can simply ride the MRT Blue Line to Sanam Chai and follow the signs from there. It’s one of the easiest places in Bangkok to visit!
It’s a photographer’s dream
Another reason to visit Pak Khlong Talat, even if you’re not a flower fan? The photo opportunities are endless, from the flowers themselves, to the people buying and selling them, to the old building itself. I sometimes like to come here early in a trip, simply to practice my photography skills before other shooting opportunities.
(And a foodie’s)
While there isn’t a food court within the actual flower market, there are plenty of places to eat nearby (this is Thailand after all). And because you’re in an interstitial space between extremely popular tourist districts, the food you find here is guaranteed to be authentic. There are also a few flower-themed coffee shops, which I highly recommend.
Every day is different
Locals come to the Bangkok flower market for all sorts of different reasons, with many more of them buying flowers here during holiday periods than at normal times of year. Because Thailand’s festive calendar tends to be nebulous to foreign visitors, you never know when you’re going to happen upon an amazing spectacle!
(And so is the night)
As I already admitted, I’ve actually never been to Pak Khlong Talat at night. (If you need to know, I’m just not really a night person in general). However, if you are (and especially if you’re staying in the area), this can be a great place to walk off your jet lag.
Other Amazing Markets in Bangkok
Don’t care about flowers or can’t fit Pak Khlong Talat into your Bangkok itinerary? Not to worry—there are plenty of other amazing markets in and near Bangkok:
- The famous Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Street food markets like Sala Daeng Market in Silom
- Floating markets just outside the city, including Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa
- The once-seedy (but now not so much) Patpong Night Market
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Other FAQ About Visiting the Bangkok Flower Market
What is the famous flower market in Thailand?
Thailand’s most famous flower market is Pak Khlong Talat, located roughly halfway between Bangkok’s Yaowarat Chinatown and Rattanakosin Old City. Open 24 hours per day, this is one of the most convenient markets in Bangkok, as you can go literally anytime you’re free.
Is the flower market in Bangkok worth visiting?
Bangkok’s flower market is absolutely worth visiting. It’s right in an area of the city where you’re likely to be anyway; it’s open all hours of the day; and you can see as much or as little of it as you like. Even if you don’t end up loving it, you’re not really out any time or trouble if you do choose to go.
What is the most popular market in Bangkok?
Although Pak Khlong Talat is by far the most popular flower market in Bangkok, there are other more popular markets in the city. Overall, I’d say that Chatuchak Weekend Market is the most popular of these, keeping in mind of course that it’s only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Bottom Line
Are you as excited now to visit the Bangkok flower market as I was when I first went years ago? The great news is that even if you’re not (yet) fully jazzed, Pak Khlong Talat is convenient enough (it’s just down the road from Wat Pho, and just up the road from Chinatown) that you can pop in without any prior commitment. The even better news? Although you probably don’t love flowers as much as I do, I have a feeling you’ll find Pak Khlong Talat to be just as delightful on the whole. Need personalized help putting your next Thailand trip together? Consider hiring me to plan it for you!
