From wearing a shawl with jeans and holding lotus flowers for photos to the latest viral trend, “Malai Rad Klao” hair garlands have become a new expression of Thai culture that helps stimulate the economy. Both Thai and foreign visitors flock to Pak Khlong Talat for hairstyling and photos, with prices starting at 120-150 baht.
The year 2026 is marked by Thai cultural pride, evolving from the trend of wearing a shawl with jeans to holding lotus flowers for photos, and now a new trend has emerged. “Malai Rad Klao” This involves tying flower garlands into hair buns. The trend began when a Gen Z female influencer bought fresh flower garlands from Pak Khlong Talat for about 80 baht, asked a vendor to tie them into her hair bun, then posted a video online that went viral, inspiring many to follow suit—including celebrities like Mai Davika, Yoshi Rinrada, and Grace Kanjklao.
Most recently, Thairath Online special news team visited Pak Khlong Talat to speak with vendors and customers. “Malai Rad Klao” The atmosphere was lively, with shops busy styling hair and tying garlands, full of colorful flowers and varied fashion styles of tourists.
Vendors said the initial popular style was tying with a “flat garland” —a garland without a decorative base, mostly in pink. Many visitors come specifically for this trend, so shops have trained to provide hairstyling services based on customer demand.
Vendors hand-string garlands from jasmine, ixora, gardenia, lotus, and rose petals. Styles include the “flat garland,” which wraps around the hair bun by weaving flowers into a flat sheet, and the “Khun Ying garland,” which features hanging flowers, with customers choosing between rose or lotus blossoms.
Recently, more colors have been added—red, pink, yellow, purple, blue—to match customers’ fashion or preferences. Prices started at 120 baht but have risen to 150 baht due to increased flower costs. Other styles vary in price depending on custom orders.
The news team asked customers at Pak Khlong Talat about their feelings regarding the trend. Nattthiyan Sriyotpong said she noticed the trend on TikTok over the past two weeks, with many celebrities and influencers participating. Finding it interesting, she tried it herself and felt the lively atmosphere was enjoyable. She sees the trend of taking photos with lotus flowers and hair garlands, as well as emerging trends, as something worth supporting and encouraging for both Thai and foreign visitors.
Wanida Panwong shared that she felt very excited seeing many people beautify themselves. She discovered the trend on TikTok and Instagram and liked that the garlands evoke an old-fashioned charm while also supporting local vendors.
Anucha Yamjeen said he noticed the trend early on but only recently found time to try it. He chose a pink garland as he is entering a “loving” phase. He was glad to see people enjoying themselves and supporting the local market economy. Flower prices may fluctuate over time, and new trends continue to emerge.
Besides people following the trend, some have decorated their pets—cats and dogs—with garlands. The pets’ cuteness attracts much attention and adds a new dimension to the garland trend, reflecting young people's desire to preserve culture.
