Pak Khlong Talat flower markets

Today's adventure was heading to the Pak Khlong Talat flower market (means, market at the mouth of the canal).  Its vendors sell flowers, fruits, and vegetables.  It is the primary flower market in Bangkok.  Its is located on Chak Phet Road, close to the Memorial bridge.  The market is open 24 hours, but is cited to be busiest in the morning, when the flowers arrive from the surrounding provinces and countryside.

As usual, I had problems getting to my destination this morning.  I thought I would be smart and take a cab to the water boat taxi (should have only cost 55THB/$1.80… but eventually ended up at 75THB/$2.50), rather than getting lost on foot trying to find the pier.  My driver did not understand my directions; which consisted of pointing to a little boat on my map, (which is the symbol for the pier I wanted) and saying in my best Thai -pronunciation “Pinklao” pier. Apparently you don’t say the “l” in Thai, it is silent.  Pinklao sounds like “pink-ao.   He seemed to understand, he nodded, and off we drove.  Next thing I know we are driving over the bridge to the wrong side of the river, and we arrive at the Grand Palace.  Agh.  So I said no “Pinkloa pier”.  So I then pointed to the next closest pier, and said that would be fine.  He seemed to understand, nodded, and off we drove.  This time we arrived at the first pier I had wanted: Pinklao.  Good enough for me.  I was already thinking this isn’t a good start to my day, but oh well. 

From Pinklao Pier I took the river taxi down to my destination, Memorial bridge, and started to walk.  At first I thought I was lost again, as I was in some back alleyway that did not look like a market, rather the dropping point for the vegetable market.  According to my map I was heading in the right direction…. But with my current track record, my navigation skills are not something I can rely on.    But then around the next corner what did I see? Flowers, flowers, and even more flowers.  It was so incredible.  The colors and smells were amazing.  And the prices were unbelievable; 50 THB/$1.50 for what looked like 24 roses, 240 THB/$8.50 for a huge bunch of orchids, 5THB/20cents for a large bunch of daisies, etc.  I tried to resist temptation, but I couldn’t.  The orchids were out of this world.  So I bought a bunch.    They are now sitting in my apartment; greeting me as I get home at the end of the day.  I still can get over the price for the amount of orchids I received.  There has to be at least 30 or 40 steams in the bunch.  

Orchids by the dozens

  Phuang Malia (flower garlands) of marigolds, with orchids and jasmine flowers

Pak Khlong Vegetable market

My boutique of beautiful orchids, which greets me in my apartment