For plant lovers, collectors, and hobbyists, the Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show has become one of the most anticipated events in Southeast Asia. Known for its wide selection of rare aroids, orchids, terrarium plants, and decorative exotics, this event attracts international vendors, serious collectors, and thousands of visitors each year. The 2026 edition is now confirmed for 23–25 January, making it one of the first major plant events on the global calendar.
- Dates: 23–25 January 2026
- Location: Central Chaengwattana Hall, Level 5.5 – Bangkok, Thailand
- Official Website / Main Channel:
- Most official announcements are released through Central Chaengwattana’s Facebook page and the organizer’s updates under “Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show & Sale”.
This guide brings together everything you need to know before attending—how to plan your visit, what plants you’ll see, how to buy responsibly, and practical travel tips for navigating Bangkok during event week.
What Is the Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show ?
The Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show & Sale is one of Thailand’s signature plant events, hosted multiple times per year at CentralPlaza Chaengwattana. The January edition is typically the largest “season opener,” featuring exhibitions, plant competitions, and a bustling market filled with rare exotics from Thailand and overseas.
The event has gained fame for its strong representation of:
- Rare aroids (Anthurium, Philodendron, Monstera)
- High-end orchids from local and international growers
- Terrarium species such as jewel orchids, miniature aroids, mosses, and ferns
- Staghorn ferns and mounted epiphytes
- Decorative plants, bonsai-style displays, and collectible cultivars
Visitors describe the show as a mix of competitive displays, curated exhibitions, and a vibrant plant marketplace. It sits at the intersection of plant hobby culture and tourism—making it perfect for international visitors planning a plant-focused trip.
Outline Summary
- January 23–25, 2026 confirmed
- Held at Central Chaengwattana Hall 5.5
- Known for exotic plants, competitions, and rare species
- Very popular with collectors and international hobbyists
Key Details for Plants Show 2026 (Dates, Venue, Access)
Dates & Venue
23–25 January 2026
Central Chaengwattana Hall (Level 5.5)
Nonthaburi, Bangkok Metropolitan Area
Central Chaengwattana is a modern shopping mall approximately 30–45 minutes from central Bangkok. The event is held in a large indoor hall on the 5.5th floor, typically with additional restaurants and cafés available throughout the mall—making it very comfortable for longer visiting hours.
How to Get There
1. MRT Pink Line
The Pink Line now connects directly to Chaeng Watthana – Pak Kret 28 (PK08) station, located next to CentralPlaza Chaengwattana. This is the easiest way for most visitors.
2. Taxi or Grab Car
From downtown Bangkok (Siam, Asok, Ari), taxis typically cost 150–250 THB depending on traffic. Afternoon hours can be crowded, so morning travel is recommended.
3. Public Bus
Several local bus routes pass the mall, though this option is best for local residents, not first-time visitors.
Opening Hours & Tickets
Exact 2026 hours have not been officially posted, but in previous editions:
- Opening hours average 10:00–21:00
- Entry is often free
- Some years include a small entry fee (usually under 200 THB)
Outline Summary
- Easy access via MRT Pink Line
- Typical hours 10 am–9 pm
- Usually free or low-cost entrance
- Venue located in a major shopping mall
What You Will See Inside the Exhibition
The exhibition hall features a combination of display areas and plant sales. Many visitors begin with the exhibition because it hosts the most impressive and rare specimen plants.
1. Competitive Displays & Show Plants
The show often includes:
- “Best in Show” winners
- Large specimen plants
- Rare cultivars (especially aroids and orchids)
- Artfully mounted ferns and epiphytes
These displays are curated, beautifully presented, and excellent for photography.
2. Plant Vendors
Dozens of vendors line the hall, including:
- International sellers (Ecuagenera participated in past editions)
- Thai orchid nurseries
- Terrarium specialists
- Aroid hobby nurseries
- Decorative plant merchants
- Rare plant growers who release limited stock
Expect to see:
- Monstera variegata cultivars
- Velvet-leaf Anthuriums (crystallinum, forgetii, warocqueanum, hybrids)
- High-end orchids (Catasetum, Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Jewel orchids)
- Terrarium gems like Lepanthes, Ludisia, mini ferns, and Begonia species
- Platycerium (staghorn fern) mounts
- Hoya, carnivorous plants, philodendrons, bromeliads, and seasonal exotics
3. Auctions & Workshops
Some editions also include:
- Rare plant auctions, usually in the afternoon or evening
- Terrarium-building workshops
- Repotting demonstrations
- Farm showcase presentations
These add value not only for buyers but also for visitors who simply want to learn and observe.
Outline Summary
- Competition displays with rare specimens
- Vendors selling a wide range of plants
- Aroids, orchids, terrarium plants heavily featured
- Auctions and workshops may be scheduled
Buying Plants at the Show (Especially for International Visitors)
Buying plants in Thailand is exciting, but international visitors need to understand local regulations. Many plants sold at the show are intended for the Thai domestic market and do not include export documents.
Phytosanitary Certificates
To legally export plants, you may need:
- A phytosanitary certificate from Thai authorities
- CITES permits for protected orchids or other listed species
- Permits required by your home country
Large exporters, like Ecuagenera, sometimes offer pre-order pickup at the event. These orders usually come pre-packaged with paperwork for international transport.
Pre-ordering is Best
If you plan to export plants:
- Visit the vendor website
- Look for their “Bangkok Event” pre-order page
- Submit your order weeks in advance
- Pick up at the show with full paperwork
This is the safest way to bring plants home.
If You Don’t Have Paperwork
Then you must avoid purchasing plants for export. Instead, consider:
- Plant pots and planters
- Wooden mounts
- Plant accessories
- Stickers, labels, and tools
- Non-living souvenirs
Practical Buying Tips
- Bring cash (many vendors prefer it)
- Carry a foldable shopping bag
- Note vendor social media to follow up later
- Walk the entire show before buying anything
- Check for pests using a small flashlight or phone light
Outline Summary
- Export requires phytosanitary/CITES documents
- Pre-order pickup is the safest option
- Without paperwork, avoid taking plants across borders
- Buy accessories or souvenirs instead
How to Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Arrive
Arrive during:
- 10:00–12:00 for lower crowds
- Weekdays, if available
- Early afternoon for workshops and displays
The busiest time is always 14:00–18:00.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
10:00 – Enter the hall, walk through all booths once
12:00 – Coffee or lunch at the mall
13:00–15:00 – Return to selected vendors and make purchases
15:00–17:00 – Attend workshops, photography, contests
17:00–19:00 – Watch auctions if scheduled
19:00 – Dinner and return to hotel
Where to Stay
Option A: Near the Pink Line
Ideal if your main purpose is visiting the plant show. Areas around Nonthaburi Civic Center are convenient and quieter.
Option B: City Center (Siam, Asok, Ari, Phrom Phong)
Perfect for sightseeing, cafés, and nightlife. Commute is slightly longer but convenient.
What to Bring
- Backpack or crossbody bag
- Water bottle
- Cash + card
- Phone with Thai eSIM
- Comfortable shoes
- List of target plants
Outline Summary
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Suggested itinerary included
- Stay near Pink Line for convenience
- Bring essentials for comfort and safe shopping
Final Thoughts
The Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show 2026 is one of the most exciting plant events on the global calendar. Its combination of collector plants, vendor diversity, educational workshops, and the convenience of being located inside a modern shopping mall makes it ideal for both new hobbyists and serious collectors.
The confirmed dates—23–25 January 2026—give plant travelers plenty of time to plan a Southeast Asia trip around the show. Whether you are looking for rare aroids, stunning orchids, terrarium plants, or simply want to immerse yourself in Bangkok’s plant culture, this event is a must-visit.
Further Reading & Sources
Below are the sources used to verify 2026 event information:
- TAGTHAi (Thai Tourism App) — Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show 2026 https://tagthai.com (Event article confirming Jan 23–25, 2026)
- Central Chaengwattana (Official Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/CentralPlazaChaengwattana/
- Ecuagenera Events Calendar https://www.ecuagenera.com
- Ecuagenera California Events https://ecuageneraca.com
- Sappasiri (Event Organizer) Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/sappasiri/
- Bangkok Pink Line (MRT) Bangkok Mass Transit / Pink Line Route Information
- Bangkok International Orchids, Terrarium & Exotic Plants Show 2025 Event posts (August 2025) confirming the repeating format
Show 17: Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show & Sale
It’s worth revisiting the most recent show—
Show 17: Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show & Sale, held from 2–4 December 2025 at Central Chaengwattana Hall, Level 5.5.
Although positioned at the end of the year, this winter edition drew an impressive amount of attention from collectors, vendors, and plant enthusiasts. Show 17 stood out as one of the most energetic and well-attended plant markets of 2025, delivering a tight but high-quality exhibitor lineup with strong international presence.
Exhibitor Highlights: Local × International Vendors
One of the defining characteristics of Show 17 was the balance between Thailand’s local specialty growers and internationally recognized plant suppliers. The exhibitor mix showcased the diversity and depth of the region’s plant hobbyist community.
• Ecuagenera (Ecuador) – Confirmed International Exhibitor
A major highlight of Show 17 was the confirmed participation of Ecuagenera, one of the world’s most respected growers of collector-grade aroids and orchids.
Their presence was announced through multiple event listings, and they brought a curated selection of:
- High-end Anthuriums (crystallinum, warocqueanum, regale, hybrids)
- Rare Philodendrons, including variegated and climbing forms
- Premium orchids, both mature plants and flask seedlings
- Ready-packed export-friendly plants for international customers
Ecuagenera’s booth quickly became one of the most visited areas of the show. For many local buyers, this was one of the few opportunities to purchase Ecuador-grown stock directly without international shipping.
Show Floor Overview: Diverse Plants, Excellent Condition
Despite being a smaller year-end edition, Show 17 offered an impressive range of plants, and many visitors noted the high quality and freshness of the stock.
• Aroids Remained the Centerpiece
As expected, aroids dominated the show floor. Exhibitors brought selections ranging from affordable beginner plants to premium collector pieces.
Common highlights included:
- Velvet-leaf Anthuriums
- Variegated Monstera forms
- Popular Philodendron cultivars, including climbing and creeping varieties
- Locally bred hybrids exclusive to Thai sellers
• Orchid Enthusiasts Had Plenty to Explore
Although the orchid-focused show is typically held in August, Show 17 still delivered a strong orchid presence:
- Vandas, Catasetums, Phalaenopsis, Oncidiums
- Native Thai orchids and specialty miniatures
- Flask seedlings for hobbyists interested in propagation
Some vendors showcased flowering specimen plants, which became highlights for photography and social media posts.
• Terrarium & Miniature Plants Were Popular Among Younger Visitors
The December show also featured a notable number of terrarium-friendly plants:
- Jewel orchids
- Tiny aroid species
- Miniature begonias
- Mosses and live terrarium sets
These micro plants appealed to apartment growers, students, and visitors who preferred compact, easy-to-keep species.
• Decorative & Mounted Plants Added Variety
Show 17 also included a healthy selection of:
- Platycerium (staghorn ferns)
- Mounted epiphytes
- Hoya and Dischidia
- Bromeliads and air plants
This added dimension beyond standard houseplants and gave the show a more diverse botanical aesthetic.
Visitor Experience: A Relaxed but Well-Curated Year-End Market
While mid-year editions tend to be more crowded, the December timing of Show 17 resulted in a more relaxed, enjoyable pace. Many visitors commented that the December edition felt:
- Less rushed, easier to browse
- Ideal for photography and plant selection
- Well-balanced in terms of booth spacing
- More curated, with fewer but more serious vendors
The layout allowed for comfortable movement and deeper conversations with sellers, especially during midday and late afternoon hours.
Buying was also easier—vendors were more willing to negotiate, and many offered good end-of-year deals on stock they wanted to clear before 2026.
What Show 17 Tells Us About the 2026 Edition
Even though the full exhibitor list for January 2026 is not yet published, Show 17 provides strong clues about what visitors can expect:
- Ecuagenera and other international vendors are highly likely to return, as they participated in multiple 2024–2025 editions.
- The organiser SW LAB THAI continues to deliver stable event management and clear communications.
- The variety of plants—aroids, orchids, terrarium species, mounted ferns—should remain a core feature in 2026.
- The overall presentation quality, booth layout, and visitor flow seen in Show 17 suggest a well-polished experience for future editions.
Show 17 successfully closed out the 2025 event cycle, reinforcing the Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and influential plant fairs.
