Locals explore lucky Buddhist charms at the world's biggest amulet market in Bangkok, Thailand.

The maze of alleys lined with stalls selling religious items is found next to the city's Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River.

It is popular with local antique collectors, who study the small stone carvings to check their authenticity and age. Others buy the talisman as they hold superstitious beliefs that the items will protect them.

The most rare amulets can sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

However, the market has also become a popular attraction with tourists who can wander the tiny streets and buy inexpensive, authentic mementos from their trip.

One holidaymaker wrote online: ''Hundreds and thousands of Buddhas, all shapes and sizes, jewels and talismans, old men peering through loupes, monks giving out bracelets for donations, this place has all the color and charm that you could ever want in a mercantile district. I can hang out here for hours just soaking up the ambiance. My favorite out of the way stop in Bangkok.''

Another visitor added: ''The amulet market is more than a bit of a rabbit warren and if there is something you think you like the look of I would recommend you buy it, as its unlikely that you’ll be able to find that stall again. There are some nice things to be bought in the area, including a stamped metal plaque of Buddha which costs us ฿200 (£5.50).''

Locals explore lucky Buddhist charms at the world's biggest amulet market in Bangkok, Thailand.

The maze of alleys lined with stalls selling religious items is found next to the city's Grand Palace and the Chao Phraya River.

It is popular with local antique collectors, who study the small stone carvings to check their authenticity and age. Others buy the talisman as they hold superstitious beliefs that the items will protect them.

The most rare amulets can sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

However, the market has also become a popular attraction with tourists who can wander the tiny streets and buy inexpensive, authentic mementos from their trip.

One holidaymaker wrote online: ''Hundreds and thousands of Buddhas, all shapes and sizes, jewels and talismans, old men peering through loupes, monks giving out bracelets for donations, this place has all the color and charm that you could ever want in a mercantile district. I can hang out here for hours just soaking up the ambience. My favorite out of the way stop in Bangkok.''

Another visitor added: ''The amulet market is more than a bit of a rabbit warren and if there is something you think you like the look of I would recommend you buy it, as its unlikely that you’ll be able to find that stall again. There are some nice things to be bought in the area, including a stamped metal plaque of Buddha which costs us ฿200 (£5.50).''