Pak Khlong Talat

Pak Khlong Talat (Thai: ปากคลองตลาด, pronounced [pàːk kʰlɔ̄ːŋ tā.làːt];) is a market in Wang Burapha Phirom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand, that sells flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It is the primary flower market of Bangkok[1][2] and has been cited as a "place of symbolic value" to Bangkok residents.[3] It is on Chak Phet Road and adjacent side-streets, close to Memorial Bridge.[2] Though the market is open 24 hours, it is busiest before dawn, when boats and trucks arrive with flowers from nearby provinces.[4][5] Its location by Chao Phraya River near mouth of canal Khlong Lot, hence the name 'Pak Khlong Talat', literally meaning "the mouth of the canal of the market".

Stalls in Pak Khlong Talat selling phuang malai.
Roses for sale, Pak Khlong Talat

History

During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), the site was a floating market. By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910), it had become a fish market.[2] The fish market was eventually converted to today's produce market, which has existed for over 60 years.[1][2] The market's focus has shifted from produce to flowers as the Talat Thai market on the outskirts of Bangkok has become a more attractive site for produce wholesaling.[1]

Most of the flowers sold in the market are delivered from Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram Provinces, though flowers that require cooler growing temperatures may come from as far away as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.[2] The market's produce selection is extensive and is delivered from across the country.[1]

The market accommodates both consumers and wholesalers and has a wide variety of customers. Many local florists visit the market in the early morning hours to stock their shops for the coming day.[6] The urban poor who make a living stringing and selling phuang malai (flower garlands) buy sacks of jasmine and marigold blossoms.[6] Though the market is documented in guidebooks,[7] it receives few foreign tourists.[6]

In 2016, outdoor vendors at Pak Khlong Talat were forced to move indoors.[8][9][10]

Transportation

The market is served by BMTA bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 7ก, 8, 9, 12, 33, 42, 47, 53, 60, 73, 73ก, 82

It is close to Sanam Chai Station on the MRT's Blue Line, as well as having access to three piers of the Chao Phraya Express Boat: Memorial Bridge (N6), Yodpiman (N6/1), and Rajini (N7)

References
  1. Sukphisit, Suthon. "A Tale of Two Markets". Bangkok Post (11 November 2006).
  2. "Night Shopping"Bangkok Post (20 April 2006) Archived 15 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Kongrut, Anchalee. "More space for culture, arts sought". Bangkok Post (24 June 2004).
  4. Evans, Christopher and Lindsay Evans. Thailand. Hunter Publishing (2006), p 89. ISBN 1-58843-518-0.
  5. Warren, William. Bangkok. Reaktion (2002), p 127. ISBN 1-86189-129-6.
  6. Kazmin, Amy. "A night of scented breezes". Financial Times (1 May 2004).
  7. Cummings, Joe. Thailand. Lonely Planet (2005), p178. ISBN 1-74059-697-8.
  8. Williams, Sarah. "Blooming Gorgeous: Inside Bangkok's Flower Market". Culture Trip. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  9. "Flower Market | Bangkok, Thailand Attractions". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  10. "Pak Khlong Talat: Bangkok's iconic 24-hour flower market". Experience Unique Bangkok. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2020.

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