Ton Lam Yai Market

The Ton Lam Yai Market is Chiang Mai’s famous flower market. This place will delight the senses with all the textures, colours, and aromas of the incredible flowers.

Located next to the equally famous Warorot Market, this market is open 24 hours a day but the best time to come and visit is during the early morning when you can witness first-hand the bustling activity of the market vendors.

The early hours of the day are also the ideal time to see the suppliers arriving and filling the stalls with fresh bouquets of just about every kind of ornamental flower in Thailand. These include vivid freshly-cut orchids, bright red roses, lotus flowers, and so much more.

It’s the only place you can get fresh flowers in the town centre of Chiang Mai, so it’s no surprise to see it buzzing with activity from locals, Bangkokians, and even travellers who come to take photos or revel in the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

Flowers are such an important aspect of Buddhist culture. This is why the market is important to the locals, who get flowers to give as offerings to temples and shrines. Aside from bouquets and freshly cut flowers, there are also garlands being sold here. Known locally as phuang malai, the garlands are said to offer protection from harm, and this is why many local taxi drivers often pass by the market to get a few of them before heading home.

Chiang Mai’s cool weather makes it the perfect place to grow all kinds of blooms. For this reason, the sheer variety of flowers you’ll find at the Ton Lam Yai Market is nothing short of impressive.

If you visit during a special occasion or festival, such as Valentine’s Day or certain Buddhist holidays, the market will be even busier than usual. During Loy Krathong, for example, floral rafts flow downstream to thank the river spirits. But festival or not, the vendors at the market take pride in making these stellar floral creations which makes it worth the visit.