Our Favorite Markets in Southeast Asia
Market culture is strong in Southeast Asia - and the best part? It’s all very affordable. A lot of the markets will feature the same sort of souvenir-y cheap tricks, but you can also find some real treasures. Most towns will have some sort of night market, and you can always rely on cheap food carts for some mid-shopping fuel.
Haggling is the foundation of the market culture in Asia. Vendors expect it, so have some fun and flex that bargaining muscle! Just remember, they have to make a profit - it’s their livelihood. So don’t get angry or worked up if you can’t get a price you want. Ultimately, it’s their decision whether they want to sell to you in the first place, and you’re the outsider here. Be polite but confident, be ok with walking away from a price you don’t want, and you’ll usually get a great price.
Here’s a pick of our favorite markets, some more conventional than others!
Chatuchak Sunday Market
Where: Next to Chatuchak Park, Bangkok, Thailand
When: Sundays from 9-6. Plan to spend the whole day digging through the back stalls.
Why: Handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, home decor, silverware, Nepalese purses, anything you can think of. Plus snacks in the food court.
How much: $-$$$
Chiang Mai Sunday Market
Where: Phae Walking Street in the Old Quarter
When: Sundays evenings
Why: Mainly handicrafts, art, jewelry, and Thai street food
How much: $$-$$$
Night Market in Hoi An
Where: Hoi An Old Town
When: Every night when the sun goes down
Why: Vietnamese art, souvenirs, lanterns, and crepes!
How much: $-$$
Luang Prabang night market
Where:
When: Every night when the sun goes down
Why: Beautiful textiles, art and handicrafts, snake juice for the boom boom, and other unique Laotian goods
How much: $-$$
Pai Night Market
Where:
When: Every night
Why: Unique art, beautiful jewelry, clothes, and hippie leather goods
How much: $$-$$$
Phnom Penh Central Market
Where: Big yellow art deco building downtown
When: Everyday 7AM - 6PM
Why: Unique Cambodian souvenirs, cool antiques, cheap knockoffs, textiles, lots and lots coconut bowls!
How much: $-$$
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