Thailand in Flower: Orchids, Pak Khlong Market and the Chiang Mai Festival

Thailand is one of Asia’s great flower countries. It is among the largest exporters of cut orchids, Bangkok’s markets sell flowers around the clock, and jasmine garlands hang at every street shrine. Here is where to see Thai flora at its best.

A touch of the exotic at home: potted plants and flowers in a box.

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Where to see flowers

• Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok. The country’s largest flower market is open almost around the clock. The best time is at night and early morning, when fresh orchids, roses and marigolds arrive.
• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. A huge park near Pattaya with collections of palms, cacti and orchids and themed gardens.
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Held in early February, with a parade of flower-covered floats, exhibitions and fairs.
• Royal Park Rajapruek, Chiang Mai. A large botanical park with gardens from different countries and orchid houses.

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Flowers in Thai culture

• Orchids. Hundreds of wild species grow in Thailand, and nurseries raise hybrids for export, above all Dendrobium.
• Lotus. The sacred flower of Buddhism; lotus buds are brought to temples as offerings.
• Phuang malai garlands. Woven from jasmine buds, marigolds and roses, they hang on shrines and in cars and are given on special occasions.
• Ratchaphruek. The national flower, a tree with hanging clusters of yellow blossoms (Cassia fistula) that blooms in spring.

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Thai orchids adapt well to life indoors. For more flower travel, see flower parks and plantations and flower etiquette around the world.

FAQ

When is the Chiang Mai Flower Festival?

Usually on the first weekend of February, when northern Thailand is cool and dry.

Can I take orchids home from Thailand?

Live plants need a phytosanitary certificate, and rare species are protected. It is easier to buy dried flowers or seeds from official shops.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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