Thailand | Bangkok | Bangkok Night Market

VISIT TWO OF BANGKOK’S BIGGEST NIGHT MARKETS

Bangkok is not only the capital of Thailand, but also the nation's centre of finance, education, transportation, tourism and, more importantly, commerce. As such, it is not surprising that this ancient city, which dates back more than two centuries, still boasts some of the biggest marketplaces in the country.

For flower lovers, a visit to Bangkok's most reputable wholesale flower market - Pak Khlong Talat.

The name Pak Khlong Talat literally means the area where Khlong Talat meets with the Chao Phraya River. KhIong Talat was first excavated during the Thonburi period to encircle the city. Built primarily to guard the eastern bank of the city, this canal passes three different areas of Bangkok.

During the reign of King Rama V, Pak Khlong Talat was one of the city's busiest markets and served as a quay for unloading fish. After the fish pier was moved, the area became rather quiet.

However, during World War 11, the markets of Wat Pho and Yaowarat were relocated to Pak Khlong Talat. The area, once again, became busy, with the trade of cloth, fruits and flowers.

Later as more and more markets began popping up all across the city, the trading district eventually came to specialise only in flowers.

Today, Pak Khlong Talat is a major tourist attraction and a place to view and buy a wide range of colourful flowers. The markets offer a rich array of tropical and cold-weather flowers (grown in the northern part of Thailand) and the prices are negotiable. The best time to drop by i's in the evening as this is when the flowers are delivered to the shops and are therefore at their freshest.You will undoubtedly be stupefied by the hordes of blooms available in a full palette of vibrant shades along both sides of the road. Open daily, Pak Khlong Talat is as its busiest form the early evening until around midnight.

At the same time when Pak Khlong Talat is bustling with throngs of shoppers and flower merchants, another nearby market is also engaging in some equally serious trading. Saphan Phut Market does not sell flowers but it is home to products almost as diverse as those at Chatuchalk Market. Despite having such a varied assortment on offer, this night market is especially famous for second hand clothes and goods. Saphan Phut Market is open daily (except Monday) from 7.00 p.m. until 2.00 a.m.

The main landmark of the area (which is also the name of the market) is Rama I bridge which was constructed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bangkok on 1932.

The middle of the bridge can be drawn up allowing a 60-metre wide gap for ferries to pass under. Even more noteworthy is that directly under the bridge is the site of the very first public toilet in Thailand.

Due to serious damage sustained from bombings during World War 11, the bridge was temporarily closed after the war and a substitute was used in its place. After undergoing a complete makeover, Saphan Phut was finally re-opened in 1949. Much later, another bridge t parallel to Saphan Phut, called Phra Pok Klao Bri( built to help alleviate traffic congestion.

Under Saphan Phut lays a lovely garden with th There is also a ferry pier with steps leading for s erbank up to the bridge. It is a great place for to drop by and enjoy the cool breezes after enjco dazzling array of flowers and tasty food.