Shopping at malls is classy, cultured, and chic. But shopping at a market (be it a street market or a flea market) is fun, fascinating, and full of surprises. Sure, they can get crowded, tiring, and clammy but the atmosphere and vibrancy are unmatchable.
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As gateways to new cultures and traditions, there’s nothing better than shopping like a local at these markets! That’s why Singaporeans have been flocking to street markets like Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market for years.
And now, it’s been announced that the famous night market will be heading to our shores from Feburary 4 to May 3 in 2020! Boasting over 200 stalls and a rotation of 1,000 vendors who will fly in from Thailand every week, the bazaar will take place at The Grandstand in Bukit Timah, from Tuesdays to Sundays.
However, if you’re travelling and want to experience a market in its place of origin, put on your walking shoes (because you haven’t really shopped at a market if you don’t see what every single store has) and brush up on your bargaining skills. You’ll need both of them while at these markets in Asia that give budget shopping a whole new meaning:
A vibrant outdoor market with stalls set in front of the Shinta Mani Resort in Siem Reap, the Made in Cambodia Market is where you should go if you are looking for good quality and unique souvenirs. Most of the products sold in this market are made by well known local artisans.
From clothes, jewellery, toys, paintings, cosmetics and more, you can find almost everything that is unique to Cambodia here. And if you tire yourself from all the shopping, you can treat your taste buds to some mouth-watering local cuisine at the many food stalls that dot the market.
A few tips:
- It might seem that some stuff is slightly pricier than at the Old Market, but in fact, we found blankets that were even cheaper here. The quality is good and the shopkeepers don’t mark up the prices for tourists.
- Don’t forget to try the famous Sombai infused rice spirits. These spirits are infused with cinnamon, star anise, red chillies, and mangoes.
- Even if you don’t plan to buy something from a stall but are curious about an artisan’s work, you can always ask them to explain the process to you. Most of the stall owners and artisans are more than willing to explain their art and aren’t aggressive or pushy.
Timings: Every day from 12 pm to 10 pm
How to get there: Made in Cambodia Market is conveniently located along Street 27 at King’s Road Angkor, less than 5 min walk from the Old Market.
Live music, friendly atmosphere, delicious street food, and funky shops – sounds like the perfect evening, doesn’t it? Head to North Goa’s colourful retro-style Saturday night market and treat yourself to quirky bags, designer clothes, hippy jewellery, and exotic shawls from all around the world. Most stall owners speak fluent English, Hindi, and foreign languages such as Russian to suit the crowd.
And if you are in Goa, not having a drink in your hand is kind of frowned upon (we’re kidding)! So, grab your favourite beer, cocktail, or wine from the bars at the market.
A few tips:
- Most stall owners will quote prices which are way too high, so make sure you haggle and then haggle some more.
- While parking is free, finding parking can be quite a challenge, especially if you plan to visit the market during peak hours.
Timings: Saturday – 6 pm to midnight (only operational between November and April).
How to get there: Go towards Siolim Road, Xim Waddo, Arpora and leave the rest to traffic. Finding the market isn’t very difficult since it is a short ride from most beaches in North Goa.
Undoubtedly, one of the largest gatherings of sportswear shops and shoes, Fa Yuen Street is where Hong Kong’s youth have thronged to in order to look fashionable since the 1980s. You don’t find just shoe shops on this 1.2-kilometre stretch, but there are a great many clothing stores as well. And if you are looking for a bargain buy, you will be sure to find it at one of these stalls here.
More importantly, though, there is no better place to come to for the latest shoes as well as limited release editions from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, and more.
And if you aren’t convinced that this is indeed sneaker paradise, then here’s something that will change your mind. Professional athletes such as Lebron James have been known to shop here!
A few tips:
- While you can bargain for clothes and unbranded shoes, all other shoes have fixed prices. You could always ask for a discount, though!
- Walk around and take a good look at all the stalls before you make a decision since you could find the same item at a lower price in a different stall.
Timings:
- Street market: 10:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Shops along sneaker street: 11 am to 10 pm
How to get there: Take the MTR and go to Mong Kok station to get to sneaker street and to Prince Edward Station to get to the street market.
READ MORE: 7 Places In Singapore That Are Almost As Good As Flying To Hong Kong
Originally a black market that sold sugar and sweet potatoes after World War II, today, Ameya-Yokochō still has a connection to its past because its abbreviation Ameyoko translates to ‘Candy Sellers’ Alley’. More than candy, though, it is probably because of the bright colours of the stalls around.
At Ameyoko, you can buy almost anything from shoes and clothes to fish and even golfing equipment! You are bound to get a good bargain for whatever you decide to buy.
A few tips:
- If you are looking for something relaxing, this market isn’t it. The market is crowded and loud but well worth any discomfort they may cause!
- There are plenty of restaurants and bars around as well. So, you can always take a break from all of the shopping by indulging in some authentic Japanese cuisine.
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm daily.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to the market is by taking a train to Ueno station. The journey shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes. From the station exit, the market is close by. You could also take a taxi, but be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
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From original branded items to export rejects, you name it and you can find it at Sarojini Nagar Market. In fact, the market is known for always staying ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion. Every nook and cranny of the market houses a stall that probably sells clothes, shoes, bags, kitchenware, home furnishing, and the like.
The initial quoted price is always high, so be prepared to do some of the hardest bargaining yet!
And once you are done with your shopping spree, you can indulge in some great traditional food that Delhi has to offer.
A few tips:
- Weekends are the busiest days, so if you want to escape the crowds, go on a weekday.
- Be wary of your belongings since crowds are a haven for pickpockets.
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm, closed on Mondays.
How to get there: The easiest and cheapest way to get to the market is by the Metro. You could also take an auto, but the ride could turn out to be more expensive than what you end up buying!
Step out of the Dongdaemun subway station and step right into one of Seoul’s best parties! WIth neon lights, music, a stage for concerts and a dance competition or two, and Korean brands and labels everywhere, this night market is a must-visit if you are in Seoul.
So, what do you get at this yellow-tented open market?
Well, absolutely everything! From clothes, shoes, accessories, toys, stationery, and more! Which is why the market is constantly buzzing with people.
Whether you are going here to check out the sights or for the atmosphere, the one thing we can guarantee is that you won’t be leaving this market empty handed.
A few tips:
- If you are looking for food, stop by any of the restaurants that sell seafood and Korean delicacies such as hotteok or gyeran bbang.
- The prices are discounted but you can still bargain to see if you can get a lower price.
Timings:
- Monday to Friday: 6:45 am to 3:15 am
- Saturday: open 24 hours
- Closed on Sundays
How to get there: You can take subway line 1 or 4 and get down at the Dongdaemun station exit. Alternatively, you can also take subway lines 2, 4, or 5 and exit at the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station. The street market is just walking distance from both of these exits.
If you are looking for authentic Thai food, ingredients, and souvenirs, the Pattaya Floating Market is the place to be. Not only will you find stalls here, but you can also hire a boat and see what it’s like to live life by the riverside.
The market also has attractions apart from shopping such as museums and free cultural performances!
A few tips:
- If you are vacationing with your partner, then don’t forget to go to the Bridge of Love and add a lock to the bridge.
- If you do want to go for a boat ride, contact the ticket sales office at the entrance to the market.
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm daily
How to get there: The cheapest way to get here is by bus. Alternatively, you could take a Grab taxi.
Situated in the heart of Yangon in a beautiful building from the colonial era, is Bogyoke Aung San Market. Known by its British name, Scott Market, at times, it has around 2,000 shops that sell everything from luxury goods to handicrafts. It’s a great place to find a souvenir or two such as traditional lacquerware products and Shan shoulder bags.
If you are looking for rare gems such as jade and rubies, you will find plenty of stores selling stones that come straight from Myanmar’s mines here.
Once you are done shopping you can grab a bite from stalls selling traditional food.
A few tips:
- If you visit Myanmar in April, don’t forget to go to the market for the pre-Thingyan or water festival celebrations.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you can easily spend around half a day going from shop to shop at this market.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am to 500 pm. Closed on public holidays.
How to get there: Since the market is located at the heart of Yangon, it isn’t difficult to find. You can take a taxi to get here easily.
Around 20 kilometres from the tourism hub in Bali is the Sukawati Art Market. Established some time in the 80’s, this market houses beautiful paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, and wooden figurines. As opposed to most other souvenir stores and markets that cater to tourists, this market will add some local flavour to your shopping.
It isn’t just art that you find here but on the main floor, you can even find sarongs, fabric, and aromatherapy products.
A few tips:
- While prices are cheaper here in comparison to other markets in Bali, you can still ask bargain and request for a lower price.
- You will find many peddlers actively selling their ware, so it is important to be patient and not get overwhelmed.
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm daily
How to get there: Take a taxi to get there easily and comfortably since the market is around a two and a half hour drive from Bali.
Capturing the essence of a bygone era and close to the Ruins of St. Paul’s is the Rua De Tercena Flea Market. The market comes alive only after lunch with shop owners showcasing beautiful antiques, crockery, carved figurines, historical memorabilia and more.
Shopping here is akin to a treasure hunt because you may never know what you may find hidden among the usual bric-a-brac. This market is a must visit if you are looking to buy handicrafts.
Since the market is located in the historic centre of Macau, walking along these lanes are sure to take you to a bygone era.
A few tips:
- Prices quoted are always high so remember to bargain.
- If you are a coin collector or just love history in general, don’t forget to check out the selection of old Macanese coins at the market.
Timings: Shops tend to open post lunch and each shop tends to have its own shopping hours.
How to get there: Rua da Tercena is just a short walk away from the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
See next for a bonus pick!
Straddling the continents of Asia and Europe (Eurasia) is Turkey’s Cukurcuma (one of the many street markets in Turkey).
Instead of looking for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, we recommend this market. Located in Istanbul’s antique district, the entire area is winding roads dotted with antique and vintage stores. Old black and white photos, furniture, old lamps, postcards, books, and posters are just a few of the things you are likely to find in shops that are brimming with finds!
A few tips:
- If you are looking for vintage clothing, check out Pied de Poule. For Ottoman art and antiques, don’t forget to visit A la Turca.
- If you want to bargain, brush up on your Turkish or take a local along with you!
Must do: Make sure you also take time to visit Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence to see via pictures a chronicle of Istanbul at a time of great upheaval and change.
Timings: Shops open at different hours, but most shops are open between 10 am and 7 pm.
How to get there: You can get there by bus, cable car, or metro. The closest metro station to Cukurcuma is Galatasaray. From the stop, the antique district is a seven-minute walk.
What are you waiting for? Get that shopping list ready!
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This article first appeared on BankBazaar.sg. a leading online marketplace in Singapore that helps consumers compare and apply for financial products such as credit cards and loans.
Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew
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