Sombutburi Market: A Treasure Trove For Lovers of Plants, Shrubs

Nida Tunsuttiwong

Nonthaburi province's Bang Bua Thong and Bang Yai neighborhoods have experienced significant expansion since the turn of the century as property developers have responded to increasing demand for homes, particularly after Rama V Bridge was officially opened in 2002.

The increase in the number of detached homes and town houses in the area fueled strong demand among residents for products to decorate their homes with, as well as plants and shrubs for their gardens. Having played a significant role in satisfying this demand, Sombutburi Market has now become one of the province's most popular markets of its kind.

A haven for horticulturists
Since Sombutburi literally means 'treasure town', let me take you on a tour of the site to explore its horticultural highlights.

The first thing I notice on arrival is scores of stalls selling all manner of plants and decorative items, including fountains and pottery. You may get the feeling as you make your way towards the market that it resembles Chatuchak weekend market, although the approach road here is wider, providing a more spacious feel.

There is a small food court and fresh market near the entrance, but since I'm principally here to check out the plants and other goods, I decide to give them a miss and instead head deeper inside the market.













Stunning shrubs and flora
The majority of plants on sale are shrubs, including lotuses, orchids and roses, as well as some rather unique varieties, such as Wan Nam Thong (Ludisia discolor), or Jewel Orchid, a small plant with intricately-patterned leaves, which is usually found in lowland rain forest.

Another plant that caught my eye is called the Lipstick Vine, a small plant that's usually cultivated in a hanging basket. The vendor recommends checking for signs of new growth, which is usually glossier and of a lighter color, before buying a Lipstick Vine.

One outstanding aspect of Sombutburi Market is that every store here that sells decorative items for the garden seems to be competing intensely with the others in terms of presentation, so I really have a great time going from store to store, seeking out new ideas.

Bargains to be had
Lots of stores here sell a variety of water pumps, starting from as little as 100 baht (US$3), including small PVC pumps that can be used for fish bowls or aquariums, right up luxurious fountains based on decorative ceramic vases.

One of the most interesting stores I came across selling fountains is Tawan Kaew, which offers many different kinds of systems, including a tabletop version costing 1,000 baht. It also has much larger forms that include three or four vases. These come with a water pump and a large bowl-like base and cost anything from 8,000 to more than 10,000 baht ($239-299), depending on the size and design.

What's so great about this store is that you can 'mix and match', or even by a set without a pump should you already have one at home.

Next I head to a large store selling decorative items made from mock sandstone. This substance looks just like sandstone, but is considerably cheaper to buy. A Balinese-style statue, for example, costs just 1,800 baht, which is a real bargain, while a 60-centimeter-tall, Japanese-style garden lamp is priced at 350-500 baht, depending on the specific model (there are five to choose from).

My next stop is a store called Suan Soradee, which sells lots of plants suitable for gardens that have large shaded areas. Along a narrow path I found some ceramic chickens, doves, some lovely terracotta, along with lots of ferns and butterfly palms. I fell in love with a pair of chubby ceramic chickens, which I managed to pick up for just 280 baht.

Many of the stores at Sombutburi Market offer landscaping services. You can even bring along your own designs of a garden chair, a waterfall, or even a large wooden pavilion and the stores offering these services will attempt – for a price – to bring your ideas to life.

On the weekend, fans of radio controlled plans and helicopters often gather on some wasteland behind the market to show off their flying abilities, while every second and last Sunday, competitions are held to find the most impressive Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), a passerine bird native to Asia.

There is little to determine formal opening hours at the market, although, in general, stores open at about 9-10 am in the morning, and tend to close around sunset.

Transport connections:
Car: From Bangkok’s Pinklao area, take Boromaratchachonnani Road before switching to Phutthamonthon Sai 1 Road. Take the next major road on your left, which will lead you to a bridge. Cross the bridge and you will arrive at Kanjanapisek Road in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai area. Continue along the Kanjanapisek Road (also called Taling Chan-Bang Bua Thong Road) until you pass Bang Kruai – Sai Noi Road and prepare to make a U-turn under a bridge that crosses a small canal. The U-turn will lead you directly into the market.

If you miss the U-turn, simply make a U-turn further down the road. Then prepare to enter the inside lane. You'll soon find the entrance to the market and the Dusit Buri village near a Mitsubishi showroom.

Bus: Air-conditioned bus numbers 134, 680 and 516 all pass in front of Sombutburi Market.

I took a 516 from Bangkok’s Thewet area and the journey took me about 45 minutes. I recommend disembarking at the bus stop right after Ban Kruai – Sai Noi Road. From there you can cross the pedestrian bridge, which will lead you to Sombutburi.





source: tannetwork.tv