Heaps of flowers
Marigolds, roses, jasmine and orchids.
Sry85 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Deror Avi — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Deror Avi — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Deror Avi — CC BY-SA 3.0
Bangkok's main flower market, along Chak Phet Road and side streets near Memorial Bridge on the Chao Phraya River, and a place of symbolic value in the city's memory. Huge heaps of fresh flowers in every colour: orange marigolds, roses, jasmine and orchids, alongside fruit and vegetables. The finest sight is the vendors threading traditional flower garlands, offered at temples and on special occasions, with quick, skilled fingers, colours piled in every corner and scent filling the air. It is a real market for locals before it is a tourist sight. The market is open around the clock and free to walk, of course, but it peaks before dawn, when boats and trucks arrive with flowers from nearby provinces, and at night it is at its prettiest and coolest. It is about ten minutes' walk from Wat Pho, so you can pass through in the morning or evening. Take photographs politely without getting in the vendors' way, and wear suitable shoes, as the ground is often wet.
Marigolds, roses, jasmine and orchids.
Vendors make them before your eyes.
For locals before tourists.
Chak Phet Road, near Memorial Bridge and the river
Museum SiamA modern interactive museum opened in 2007 in the old Ministry of Commerce build5 minutes walk
Chao Phraya Sky ParkAn elevated park over the Chao Phraya, opened in 2020 on an unfinished concrete 5 minutes walk
Santa Cruz Church and Kudi ChinA pink-domed Catholic church on the Thonburi bank, at the heart of Kudi Chin, on5 minutes walk
Wat PrayurawongsawatA temple on the Thonburi bank at Memorial Bridge, built in 1828 by the minister 6 minutes walk
Wat KalayanamitA large temple on the Thonburi bank at the mouth of the Bangkok Yai canal, built7 minutes walkIn the evening or at night, when it is cooler, lit and bustling, or before dawn to see the flowers arrive. Midday is quieter and hotter.