Asia’s top markets

The market is a place buzzing with energy and excitement, and a great place to mingle with the local people, whether they are selling their wares or shopping alongside you. Below is a list of some of Asia’s biggest and brashest markets; our favourites in fact. While they don’t offer the authentic local experience that some prefer, they are certainly lots of fun and are a great place to pick up souvenirs and taste the local flavours.

Chatuchuk Weekend Market, Bangkok
The largest market in Thailand, with some suggesting it is one of the largest in the world, Chatuchuk Weekend Market is open on Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday. This market sells pretty much everything, from wooden Buddhas to food processors, a kitchen sink or two and every souvenir you could imagine. Handily it is split into a number of sections which are (deep breath) – plants, antiques, pets, food and drinks, fresh & dry food, ceramics, furniture, clothes and books. As large as it is, the market is set out in a way that makes it easy to browse, you could spend all day doing that if you wanted, and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Keep the food and drink section in sight for a constant supply of drinks and snacks whilst you shop.

Luang Prabang Night Market
Spreading along the Sisavangvong Road at the heart of the city, Luang Prabang’s night market kicks off at about 5pm every evening, closing at about 11pm. Many of the several hundred stalls are run by hill-tribe traders, who bring hand crafted wares from their villages to sell. These items, such as blankets, scarves and ceramics, are wonderfully and unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to try and friendly bit of haggling, though you’ll find here that the prices are much more reasonably to start with. There are some great food stalls selling delicious local snacks (please try the sweet rice balls!) and barbequed meats, so tuck in, grab a Beer Laos and browse.

Wangfujing Street, Beijing
One of China’s most famous shopping streets, Wangfujing is always buzzing of an evening, full of locals and tourists alike. The area is probably best known for its snack street, where you can buy and consume all sorts of both regular and exotic snacks. But before we come to that, the street is flanked by large shopping malls and lined with boutiques, chain stores and little shops selling traditional Chinese arts & crafts – excellent souvenirs. Back on snack street, there are dishes from all over China, including all the favourites – noodles, spicy soups and pancakes to name just a few. For those feeling slightly more adventurous, exotic treats include tarantulas, scorpions and deep-fried starfish. One of the Wendy Wu team tasted griddled snake there and wasn’t impressed – “it was really rubbery and sort of just slipped down my throat”, he said. Maybe not then.

Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
Jaipur’s bazaars are consistently lively, with a fantastic range of handicrafts, many of which are produced by artisans in and around the city. Johari Bazaar is particularly famous for jewellery, its length lined with shops selling traditional Rajasthani jewellery as well as precious and semi-precious stones for which the city is famous. Even if you aren’t in the market for gems, just go and admire the sparkle! Some of the smaller alleys that branch off from the main bazaar are still home to the workshops of the craftsmen who make these elaborate creations. As well as necklaces and bracelets galore, keep an eye out for gorgeous saris in a rainbow of vibrant colours.

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur
Housed in an imposing Art Deco building in the centre of the city, Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market is a souvenir emporium. Packed with stalls selling handicrafts, art, batik, bags, authentic Malaysian crafts and so on and so on, all of your shopping needs can be taken care of in one fell swoop. The market is spacious enough to not feel too crowded and has a food court of the second floor for any of those post-shopping hunger pangs – the fact that Malaysia’s street food scene is fantastic means you should head up there hungry or not! The market has also become the home of the local arts scene and you’ll find plenty of street artists and performers around to keep you entertained.

For more information on visiting any or all of these markets on your tailormade Asia adventure, call the Asia Inspirations team now! 

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