Flowers, Fruits, Food

These are the 3 F’s that I love about Thailand. In my recent trip to Bangkok, I had the opportunity to go to the flower market called Pak Klong Talat. In contrast to the monotonous and poorly organized flower market in Manila, the flower market in Bangkok is delighful place to go to. In fact, it is a tourist attraction by itself and is open 24 hours 7 days a week. The best time to go is late evening or very early morning to avoid traffic if one is staying distant from Chinatown.

The market at 7 in the morning. It could be very crowded in the evening.

Common and ordinary ready-made floral arrangements are on sale.

Masses of orchids selling for 70 cents per bunch.

Purple and white globe amaranth are made into Thai style garlands. They dry well and I use them for interior decoration.

Folded lotuses for sale to those who do'nt have inclination to fold the petals of the flower.

Another style of folding the petals of the lotus.

Bunches of pink lotuses wrapped in lotus leaves.

Ordinary Bai Sri or floral offering made from banana leaves and marigolds.

There is a great demand for marigolds as they are the primary flower used in religious garlands and offerings. The saffron or orange color is asociated with Buddhism.

An alley leading to the vegetable market where I buy my supply of fresh kafir leaves .

Masses of dried corn in a cob used in floral decorations.

Bunches of multi-colored mini roses wrapped in banana leaves.

Different varieties of vanda orchid for Baht50 per bunch.

Aslepias physocarpa also known as 'Balloon plant' is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like fruit. The plant is native to southeast Africa, but it has been widely naturalized and used in modern floral arrangements.

Sometimes, when I plan to stay in Bangkok for a few days, the flower market is first in my agenda. Gardenia is available all year round so I buy a few bunches to scent my hotel room.

Although it is generally known as the flower market, there is also a section of the market where they sell fruits.

Luscious rose apple in season are sold for Baht40 per kilo.