Introducing the charm of flower markets in two cities

Let's take a moment to compare and analyze the flower markets, one of the attractive landscapes of the two cities, Bangkok and Hanoi. The flower markets of the two cities representing Southeast Asia contain their own cultures and histories, and are vibrant spaces filled with colorful flowers.


I discovered something special about the flower market in Hanoi, and when I traveled to Thailand, I also visited a flower market, so I found something special here as well, so I decided to write an article.


In this article, I will compare the types of flowers sold in the flower markets in Bangkok and Hanoi, the flowers sold on religious days or national events, and the overall atmosphere of the two markets to provide readers with vivid information.


Comparison of types of flowers

The common point is that both cities grow various types of flowers due to their tropical climates, and chrysanthemums, roses, and orchids are especially popular. In addition, many tropical flowers that grow locally are also sold.


When I was staying in Hanoi, whenever I passed by the flower market, I thought that yellow flowers were sold especially a lot, but I found out that these flowers were used on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar. I found out that the flower shop sells yellow chrysanthemums, and that every household buys them, and that on this day in particular, the price is 2-3 times higher. People buy these flowers to offer ancestral rites to their deceased grandfathers, grandmothers, or ancestors, and that fruits are also sold at the same 2-3 times higher price.


In Thailand, too, I found a street where a large flower market used to be formed in the old days when crossing the bridge from Siam Old Town to Chinatown, and I also found out that yellow chrysanthemums are sold there. I heard from my Thai friends that they are used for religious purposes here as well.


As for differences, in Bangkok, you can see a lot of tropical flowers unique to Thailand, such as dahlias and bougainvilleas, and lotuses have an important meaning due to the influence of Buddhist culture. You can also easily find various flowers used in Western-style flower arrangements. On the other hand, Hanoi mainly sells traditional Vietnamese flowers, such as lotuses, balsams, and orchids, and chrysanthemums and lilies used in temples and ancestral rites. And in Bangkok, we could see that French-style chrysanthemums and flowers were consumed a lot, and in Hanoi, French-style chrysanthemums and flowers were also consumed. I guess that the cultures of that time were naturally mixed under the French colonial rule and have remained until now.


Comparison of flowers sold on religious days or national events

In Bangkok Buddhism, lotus flowers symbolize Buddha and are widely used in Buddhist ceremonies. For example, during the Songkran water festival, coconut flowers and jackfruit flowers are often used as decorations.

On the other hand, in Hanoi Buddhism, in addition to lotus flowers, balsam flowers and chrysanthemums are used in Buddhist ceremonies. And during Tet, the Lunar New Year, peach blossoms and plum blossoms are used to wish for good luck. Therefore, since consumption is high during this time, the flowers used a lot in each country are expensive.

And since the flowers used in Bangkok and Hanoi are located at the same latitude, the trees that grow there are similar. So we can see that similar flowers are consumed.


And even if it is not a national event, International Women's Day is a very important day in Hanoi, so if a man does not give a woman a flower on this day, it is thought that the man does not love the woman. It is also called Romantic Day, and on this day, a man must give a woman at least one flower, so it is a day when a lot of flower consumption occurs. We can see that flowers are consumed in various forms, not just for national or religious events.


Comparison of the overall atmosphere of the Bangkok and Hanoi flower markets


In Bangkok, there are large flower markets such as the 24-hour Pak Klong Talat Market, and modern flower arrangement culture is developed. You can also buy various types of flowers and related products, and it is characterized by a lively and colorful atmosphere. On the other hand, Hanoi has a strong traditional market atmosphere, and it often sells flowers grown by locals. Also, it mainly sells traditional Vietnamese flowers such as lotus and balsam, and the atmosphere is a little quieter and more static.


Conclusion

The flower markets in Bangkok and Hanoi each have different charms. Bangkok is a place where you can experience various types of flowers and modern flower arrangement culture, while Hanoi is a place where you can feel traditional flower culture and a quiet atmosphere. Visiting the flower markets of both cities and appreciating each country's culture and beautiful flowers will be an unforgettable experience.