If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I couldn’t have even dreamed of the kalidiscope of color and the intoxicating fragrances I encountered one morning in Bangkok at the incredible Pak Khlong Talat {flower market}.

There were rows and rows of these hanging marigold garlands, called Malai Song Chai which are traditionally used to drape around the necks of brides and grooms for weddings. I bought one and brought it home and it was so amazing to wear… so luxuriously thick, with delicate petals tickling my neck and that fabulous marigold scent.

Pak Khlong Talat is the largest wholesale and retail flower market in Bangkok, it is open 24 hours a day and it receives floral goods from every growing region in the country.

Bags, bushels and enormous baskets of loose flowers come to this market from all of the growing regions many come by boat, since the market is situated near the Chao Phraya River.

Retail and Wholesale customers can buy bulk flowers or traditional Thai Malai’s and other pieces created by local artisans in the market stalls that are used as offerings, almsgivings, loving gifts or held onto for good luck charms.

Thailand is the top exporter of orchids around the world. Here’s one of the giant baskets used to transport the flowers from the fields to the vendor stands.

If you make it to Bangkok, I would definitely recommend visiting this market. Most commercial traffic happens in the wee hours of the morning {2 – 5 am!!} I went around 9:00 am when it had calmed down a bit.