Pak Khlong Talat (Bangkok Flower Market)

Pak Khlong Talat is Bangkok's primary flower market, a wholesale and retail market on Chak Phet Road beside the Chao Phraya near Memorial Bridge in Phra Nakhon District. The site was a floating market in the late 18th century and a fish market by the late 19th century; the later produce market shifted to flowers from the late 1950s. Traders sell roses, lilies, gerberas, orchids, marigolds and jasmine by the sack, garlands strung on the spot, fruit and vegetables, with religious supplies in the alleys around Chak Phet and Wang Burapha; florists and garland sellers stock up before dawn, when trucks and boats arrive from Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. MRT Sanam Chai Exit 4 or 5 is about 400 m away, and the Chao Phraya Express Boat calls at Yodpiman (N6/1), Memorial Bridge (N6) and Rajinee (N7) piers. The market never closes and entry is free; the government visitor guide suggests 05:00-08:00 for the freshest flowers and warns that floors are wet and slippery during deliveries.