Flowers are an important part of Thai culture. They’re used in making offerings to sacred figures and spirits as an expression of generosity and kindness.
In Thailand, the Pak Khong Talaat is the biggest flower market in the capital. It is here where tourists can drown themselves in a rainbow of colors round the clock, every day of the week throughout the year.
This busy market situated near the Memorial Bridge has been in operation since the middle 1700s but was only turned into a flower market in the mid 1900s. Its name (Pak Khong Talaat) literally means market of the mouth of the canal.
Numerous vendors are now in place selling a wide variety of flowers including tulips and orchids. Most are wholesalers which means you can purchase bundles of flowers at a very low price.
The flowers sold at this famous market are grown in the provinces near Bangkok while the rarer varieties are grown in the northern mountains of Chiang Rai.
Other than the stemmed flowers, though, many here are woven into the so-called phuang malai garlands which are then used as offerings. These woven fowers are offered to Buddha images inside temples or in private homes. They are also seen hanging from the mirrors of taxi cabs and cars and placed near Buddhist amulets and spiritual items on dashboards. Using them is believed to protect people or bring them good fortune.
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