Wandering the floral fun at Hua Takhe Market, Bangkok.

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It was like a weird form of time travel going to the old waterside community of Hua Takhe Market. ⁣

On one hand, things hadn’t changed for donkey’s years. We really enjoyed checking out the old stores that line the narrow, wobbly wooden alleyways. Everywhere you looked there was something of interest, something that pointed to a community who still embraced its heritage.

On the other, we were struggling to social distance (isn’t that so 2020?) through a bevy of ????? Q????? and their photographic entourages. ⁣

Everyone was having a marvellous time. This area is a rabbit warren to explore. It’s packed with art galleries and gift shops, street art cafes and of course floral decorations. ⁣
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Photo credit Ruth Gerson

As the Festival Director had the plan to set up several photographic corners for visitors to post on social media, here goes! ⁣I hope these beautiful ladies don’t mind?

Thailand has one of the biggest usages of Facebook in the world. There is nothing the women of Thailand like more than a photo shoot!

What is Rakdok Floral Week(s)?

Rakdok Floral week(s) is the brainchild of one of Bangkok’s most talented floral creatives, Chanyawat Panjaphakdee. Originally he set out to decorate a newly opened cafe and got carried away into decorating the whole market.

As the floral extravaganza runs over a number of weeks, much of the decorations involve dried flowers which fit well in the rustic setting of the historic market place.

The organisers have set up a sightseeing tour for visitors to wander. One of the highlights are decorations inside a two-story wooden house. Each floral installation evokes different feelings.

In How U Remind Me visitors can sit inside an old wooden boat floating on a canal of purple statice flowers and imagine they are cruising back to a past era.

Part of what the organisers are attempting is to highlight creativity with flowers. Thailand is one of the world’s biggest flower sources and users – not only as decoration but they are also used for praying. However, with Covid-19 flower farmers have been severely affected by the pandemic with flower prices dropping substantially.

Top Tips For Visiting:

What to Wear and What to bring:

You are not properly attired for this excursion without a long floaty dress, a battery-operated fan, so your already carefully applied make-up stays exquisite and don’t forget your lippy. Oh and preferably arrive with a camera crew or at the least a very patient photographer!

Bring your best Thai Zen – if you want to be photographed amongst the vibrant flower installations you will need hours of patience!

WHEN TO ARRIVE:

The market opens at 10 am and I suggest to be there at this time, we arrived at 10.30 and the crowds were building.

As you enter the Hua Takhe Market take the bridge over the Klong and turn left to get a ticket upon arrival which gets you an entry time.

We were told because of a big queue to turn right and enjoy the less popular area which was lovely, but by the time we got to collect a ticket, the waiting time for entry was 90 mins.

WHAT TO SEE :

The main area will be ticketed to keep entry numbers limited, but there is more than enough to enjoy throughout.

MEET THE LOCALS
Take time to wander off into the back alleys and talk to the locals, We met a man who was sweeping out his rooms for rent.  He showed us around, you can stay at the market (in a very, very basic room) for 1000 Baht a month USD 30 definitely no ensuite for this, actually no bed either come to think about it!

I bought a Thai dress for 80 Baht (2.50 US) and a top being made by these lovely ladies who were sewing out the back. It has already become my favourite lazying around the house frock!

PEOPLE WATCHING
The local villagers keep a simple life and are all extremely friendly. They seem rather bemused by their sudden fame. This community has been in existence for 100 years and you get the impression they feel like they have never seen anything like it!

As perhaps as we were, by the younger generation, so enthralled by having their photos taken at each of the dozen or so vibrant floral installations.

FESTIVAL DETAILS
The festival runs until ?????? ??? and is found at the ??? ????? ????????? on ??? ??????? ??. Open daily 10am- 6pm.

For further details check out their Facebook page here as there are some rumours that they may have to close it earlier if the crowds get too much, or the flowers are over.

I hope you have enjoyed this post where ever you are in the world. If you are here in Thailand Floral Week is worth checking out. If you have enjoyed this post you might also enjoy Wandering Baan Silipan Artists House in Bangkok.

Happy Wanderings!