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
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)One of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples, directly south of the Grand Palace 8 minutes walk
Bang Luang Mosque (Kudi Khao)A unique mosque described as the only Thai-style mosque in the world, in the old11 minutes walk
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)The Temple of Dawn, one of Bangkok's best-known symbols, on the west bank of the11 minutes walk
Grand Palace and the Emerald BuddhaThailand's most famous landmark: a lavish royal complex of palaces, halls and te13 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.