Pak Klong Market is located in the "Old City", close to the Chao Phraya River, with Wat Pho not far away to the north and the Memorial Bridge to the south. The main market is located on Chak Phet Street and spills over to several side-streets on both sides. From home, I have the choice of two direct buses, whose journey can take as little as 45 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the time of the day.... Another option is to take the Chao Phraya River Bus,which is fun too, but means a journey on the MRT and Skytrain as well.......
The market has a long history. During the reign of Rama I (1782–1809), a floating market took place on the site of the modern Pak Khlong Talat By the reign of Rama V (1868–1910),this had changed to being a fish market. This, in turn, was eventually converted to today's produce market, existing for over 60 years. 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 wholesale produce.
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 come from as far away as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Taking the ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Pak Klong Talat
Yours truly on board the ferry
Chak Phet Street
Coming from the Memorial Bridge, the first part of the Market is devoted to stall holders stringing and selling phuang malai, flower garlands, surrounded by sacks of jasmine and marigold blossoms. These are given as offerings when visiting a temple or kept for receiving gold luck
An over flowering bucket of jasmine buds
A bag of red clover blooms
A poster in the Market showing marigold blooms,
a reminder that October is the month that celebrates
the End of Buddhist Lent and the 'Retreat of the Rains'.
Admiring Marigold garlands
Lotus Lilies buds destined for a Temple
Pink Lotus Lily Buds wrapped in leaves
Bowls of Lotus Lilies used for 'offerings'
Admiring some exotic flowers
Proud of her roses.....
A wonderful array of 'newspaper wrapped' roses
Good looking Market cat.......
and cute little puppy......
Lilac coloured orchids .........
and a happy stall holder with yours truly.....
Balloon creation......
and this funny fellow.....
Vase of orchids in my apartment.......
Many thanks again to Bruce for taking many of the photographs
Khob Khun maak I mah noy
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