Top 5 markets in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is a city filled with marketplaces – from shopping arcades to flea markets. They are open all year round, giving you a chance to explore some good finds from local shops, fresh food and a range of quirky souvenirs. If you’re in Osaka, be sure to visit some of these markets on your journey.

Shintennoji Temple Market

Antique flea market in an idyllic setting The Shintenno-ji Temple is officially the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and was built by Prince Shōtoku in 593 A.D. The temple hosts an antique market on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Around 100 sale tents are erected, offering goods from handbags, pottery and handicrafts all for incredibly low prices. Among the craft stores are food stalls serving delicious, warm local street food with authentic tastes. Admission to both the market and temple is free, so be sure to check out this beautiful sight.

Kuromon Ichiba

Fresh local food market The Kuromon Ichibamarket, previously known as the Emmeiji market, is named after the black gate, which is situated north-east of the Emmeiji temple. The market is close to 600 meters long with 170 shops. The vast majority of shops specialize in the most fresh and best quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other ingredients used around the country. Most of the sales are made to businesses and professional chefs, but Kuromon Ichiba also caters to the public. Established for over 170 years, everyone has been drawn in by the taste, freshness and range of products.

Shinsaibashi-suji

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s most popular shopping districts and like many places in Osaka, gets its name from the many bridges that are built around it. The street is home to hundreds of shops and restaurants, including well-known foreign brands such as Zara, H&M, Bershka and Forever 21. The shopping arcade ends at Dōtonbori Bridge and the famous neon lights of the Glico running man and the giant crab. Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, the area has a lot to offer on insight into the local fashion and food.

Sennichimae Doguya-Suji

Famous shopping area Sennichimae Doguya-Suji is a well-known shopping arcade in Osaka. Within it is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where you can dress in a kimono and experience a village in the Edo period. Many shops in the arcade sell famous Japanese snacks, from the huge variety of Kitkat flavors to the Glico brand. They sell souvenirs at a cheaper price than most tourist locations too. The arcade is also renowned for its sushi and you can get an assorted plate for just 500 yen, but there will be a queue.

Korea Town Osaka

Situated near Namba, Korea Town is the dwelling and working place for many Koreans. The town has been developed with local Korean shops selling food, daily goods and even Korean-style clothing. The restaurants are mainly of the Yakiniku style, which is a cuisine of grilled meat over charcoal. The town has only been around for about 15 years and welcomes visitors and newcomers to come along and try the incredibly tasty foods and Korean cuisine.

See more: Where to visit in Changwon, the city of art

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Things to do in Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Mong Kok, which in Cantonese means ‘crowded corner’, is true to its name – it’s one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong. From seeking out antiques to trying stinky tofu, here is list of the best things to do in Mong Kok.

Discover emerging artists at the Hong Kong Wall of Fame

Hidden in a quiet corner of Mong Kok is a wall of ever-changing street art. This stretch of wall between Argyle and Bute Street is vibrantly adorned with works by both international and local graffiti artists, with new works constantly appearing. Beginning by the Mong Kok East Rail station and extending for over two blocks, the Hong Kong Wall of Fame should be on the to-do list of any art lovers visiting Mong Kok. Be sure to take a picture of your favorite piece – they may not be there by the time you next visit.

Score a bargain at Mong Kok’s best markets

Ladies' Market

As well as being a vital part of everyday life for many Hong Kongers, markets are at the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong. You’ve come to the right place – Mong Kok is home to many of Hong Kong’s most popular markets. If you are looking to buy some classic Hong Kong souvenirs or perhaps some designer knock offs, then the Ladies’ Market is a must-visit. Though located a little outside of Mong Kok, the Temple Street Night Market is just a short walk away and a shopping hotspot after sundown. Along with having your fortune told, here you can find authentic souvenirs: antiques, jade, clothes, tea-ware, and electronic gadgets are all up for grabs.

Sample street food

Stinky Tofu

Pineapple Bun

Trying local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai. Nowadays, you will also find pizza, Thai tea, and even poutine, all at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling intrepid, be sure to try a food trend taking Hong Kong by storm – cheese cap tea. This intriguing sweet-savoury drink sees cold tea topped with a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese, finished off with a sprinkle of salt.

Catch a glimpse of the Goldfish Market

At Tung Choi Street North, also known as the Goldfish Market, you can buy any type of fish your heart desires. Its speciality, however, is (unsurprisingly) goldfish, who stare out from the plastic pouches that hang from the many stalls and store fronts lining the street. Regular pet stores are now beginning to crowd out the goldfish stalls – bringing cats, dogs and rabbits and other pets onto the scene – so swing by and see this curious sight before it disappears.

Wander along Sai Yeung Choi Street

Sai Yeung Choi is a long, bustling pedestrian street, home to an abundance of shops, malls and restaurants. You will be able to find almost anything you want, from international cosmetics and skin care brands such as Innisfree from Korea and NYX from the USA, to high-tech electronics. Local chain stores Fortress and Broadway sell the latest gadgets, but these can also be found at a fraction of the price at the smaller shops hidden within the labyrinth of office buildings. Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the restaurants and street stalls selling local delicacies like Taiwanese fried chicken and Hong Kong stir-fried noodles.

Read more: A day to explore amazing Hong Kong

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A guide to Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market is certainly an assault on all five senses. Food stalls will bombard you with wafting aromas of seafood and sweets. Techno music blasts from trendy clothing stalls. Herds of people shove their way through the market, one stall at a time. That being said, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one destination you cannot miss visiting. Being that Chatuchak is the largest market in Asia, navigating it can be confusing. That is why we’re here to offer you a guide on Bangkok’s massive market.

Can you barter?

Bartering is a must. That being said, everything is already cheap, so don’t feel as though you must fight with a vendor to get a certain discount. One great way to get the best deals is to arm yourself with some Thai, for example, knowing a few numbers or two. Otherwise, brush up on your calculator skills. You can also ask a vendor, thao rai (how much). The more Thai you use, the less likely you are to be ripped off.

What to buy?

You can buy anything and everything your heart desires at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Are you on the hunt for a rare, one of a kind piece of art? There is a section for that (section 7, to be exact). Do you need a new wardrobe before returning home? There’s a section for that. One of the best ways to approach exploring this massive market is to venture in not knowing what it is that you want. If you go in with hopes of purchasing jewelry, odds are you won’t be able to find the clothing and accessory section. Getting lost is easy to do here, so arm yourself with one of the free maps from one of the information kiosks. These maps break down where the sections are, as well as what you can buy there.

When should you go?

Chatuchak Weekend Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The market opens Friday night at 6PM and closes at midnight. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s open all day from 9AM to 6PM. Many of the stalls disregard these hours and stay open much later. The best time to go shopping is in the morning, or when the market first opens. Many shopkeepers believe that the first sale of the day is good luck. Because of this, they’re more than happy to bring the price down more than usual!

Desserts

If shopping isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the endless stalls of food throughout the entire market. Chatuchak Weekend Market has a wide array of dessert options. Some of these desserts include chocolate-dipped bananas, crepes and brownies. The market is also well-known for its many coconut ice cream stands, served in its own coconut. You can also add an array of toppings, including nuts or strawberry syrup. If you don’t like ice cream but like coconuts, be sure to find the man with the machete selling them. He can be found near the main entrance. If you don’t see him, just listen for his booming voice, screaming, “coconuts!”

There are many different ways to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Take the BTS Skytrain to Mochit and follow the signs or the crowd. You can also take the MRT Subway to Chatuchak Park. A taxi driver should also know where this is. If a driver seems to have trouble understanding, pronounce Chatuchak like Jatujak.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Read more: Must-visit art museums in Bangkok, Thailand

Source Kelly Iversion/ The Culture Trip

Top markets in Nha Trang, Vietnam

Nha Trang is no different from other cities of Vietnam that has got a great selection of local markets for travelers to explore and try their luck at bargaining. Here is some info on Nha Trang’s best markets.

Dam Market

Dam Market (Cho Dam) is the largest and most popular one of all. With three floors full of stalls and boutique shops to explore, Dam Market is a bit of an overwhelming experience, but nevertheless a must-do. It is part tourist souvenir market and part local market. You will find all sorts of merch, from clothes, shoes and bags to tourist trinkets, art, designer knockoffs, electronics, dried and packaged foods and food stalls. The dried seafood section is worth your time, because you will find some of Nha Trang’s most famous local specialties such as dried shrimp, squid and cuttlefish.

Since this is a very popular destination for most tourists, prices may be a little inflated when quoted to you. Get your bargaining skills ready. However, do try not to haggle too much. Remember that a dollar to us may be worth a meal to the locals. To avoid tourists and get a more local experience, visit early in the morning. Early hours are when Nha Trang’s residents go shopping. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the midday heat.

Xom Moi Market

For a more raw, local experience, head to Xoi Moi Market (Cho Xom Moi). Locals come here to shop for their groceries, household equipment and whatever else they need in their everyday life. Xom Moi Market is situated a little further away from the center of the city, so you’re gonna have to wake up a little early to get there around 7 a.m. which is when the market comes to life. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast here from the array of Vietnamese dishes the vendors sell in their stalls. These include pho, the de-facto national dish of Vietnam, and a local specialty called ‘bun ca’, a fish soup with rice vermicelli and fish balls. Don’t forget to buy some delicious fruits such as mangosteen (seasonal), milkfruit, rambutan and mango. If you do not like the smell of durian, you should probably avoid the food section or just hold your nose as you walk past.

Vinh Hai Market

While other markets are great if you enjoy being surrounded by locals going about their day, Vinh Hai Market (Cho Vinh Hai) serves those who prefer to steer clear of the crowds. Vinh Hai Market is not only smaller, but it is also more local than the other two mentioned above. Perhaps you may even be the sole foreigner around. Don’t be afraid if curious locals come up and talk to you. Since the market is not touristy, you won’t find as much merch as you might you find in typical tourist markets, like souvenirs or fake branded items. You will get the real authentic stuff, and for a much cheaper price.

Nha Trang Night Market

Of course, as with any other city in Vietnam, Nha Trang has a night market. What’s a little odd though is that it opens at 9 a.m., however it is most lively after the sun goes down. If during the day you were busy exploring all the beach that Nha Trang has to offer, and forgot to do some shopping, then the night market will be your chance. Like Dam Market, souvenirs, cheap clothes and all kinds of novelty items are sold in the stalls that line up and down the street. The night market will certainly be a great walk after a filling seafood dinner on the way to your next venue – possibly a pub to spend the night away.

See more: A day trip in Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang

Source: Internet

Where to go shopping in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin has all sorts of shopping experiences lined up for visitors. Local markets like the Day or Night Markets offer a diverse array of merchandise, while Cicada Market epitomizes Hua Hin’s artistic heritage with its lineup of boutique craft shops, live music entertainment and a hip, next-gen crowd as its patrons.

If you are looking for unique handicrafts, vintage items or antiques then you are in the right place because Hua Hin has an abundance of such items readily available. Also, beachwear and summer accessories are readily available if you are planning on hitting the beach. Cha-Am and Pranburi are a little more on the quiet side on the shopping front, so for variety and choice you’d be better off exploring in Hua Hin town.

Cicada Market

Cicada Market’s art-inspired concept is the first of its kind around here. Divided into four sections, the market offers mainly everything art-related, such as paintings, sculptures, home accessories and handicrafts. The landscaped garden features live music and dance performances most Friday and Saturday evenings, starting 19:00. Cicada Market is as chilled out as lounging on the beach but with a bit of colour and festivity thrown in.

Plearn Wan

Plearn Wan is like a living museum where you can experience a slice of life in 1950s Hua Hin. The two-storey courtyard building houses a community of period-style shops, a food court, an outdoor cinema screen and a 20-room guesthouse. The collection of one-off souvenirs and fashion accessories is quite impressive – even if you don’t buy anything, it makes for quite a pleasurable look around.

Cha-Am Night Market

Known as ‘talat nad’, the market is popular mainly with locals, who come here to check out new clothes, DVDs, CDs and cutesy accessories. Other than this, there is a few food stalls. Fridays are usually the busiest when more traders turn up. This market is not necessarily loaded with things that you would want to buy, but it has a great atmosphere and is a good way to gain an insight into the Cha-Am market experience.

Read more: The amazing day trips from Bangkok

Cha-Am Premium Outlet Mall 

If you are looking to buy authentic brand-name clothes at discounted prices then Cha-Am Premium Outlet Mall should be your first port of call. Stocking brands such as Naf Naf, Lacoste, and Jaspal, G200 you should expect to find a few steals here. Some items are discounted as much as half of what you would usually pay. Some stuff even competes with the prices you would pay for counterfeit brand-name goods in Thailand’s markets.

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A guide to the Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok

While Talad Rod Fai boasts of being Bangkok’s first train market, it is nowhere even near it; this market was moved in 2013 after it became too large for its previous location. There is one market, however, that actually sits atop train tracks. As the train comes charging down, the market is transformed to allow it to pass. If you are in Bangkok and have an entire day without plans, head to the Maeklong Railway Market — here is everything you need to know before you visit.

History

The Maeklong Railway Market has been around since 1905. It is found in the province of Samut Songkhram, located on the Gulf of Thailand. Fishing was (and still is) one of the main livelihoods of the people who lived here, and the market was another way in which to sell their goods. Officials decided to build a railway in order to better deliver these goods to provinces around Thailand, including the capital. The market remained, however, despite the new tracks that cut through it.

You will hear the train long before you actually see it. Vendors and merchants collectively begin to coolly move their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train barrels forward, laying on its horn every now and then to warn people of its inevitable passing; this is why the market is also known as the ‘umbrella pulldown’ market.

Baskets of goods are dragged away from the tracks, the overhead tents are drawn back and the tracks are cleared, making way for the train. Those hoping to capture a photo are waved back by those who suspect they are a little too close for comfort to the tracks. You will be able to spot those who work at the market and those who do not almost instantly; visitors of the market, whether they are Thai or foreigners, will have cell phones in hand, smiles on their faces, and will be shifting back and forth to position themselves for the perfect photo. Those who work there, however, watch this train go by up to eight times a day and get little to no thrill of its passing.

Watch as the food you are about to devour is literally run over by the train as it passes. The train is so close you can reach out and touch it as it zooms by, though we do not recommend doing this.

What To Buy

The quality of this market lies in its novelty and the train that passes through … not necessarily its goods. It is here where you will find mainly food for sale. While there will certainly be some clothing and accessories available, the bulk of this market is made up of Thai sweets, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and drinks. If you were expecting a plethora of souvenirs, think again.

How To Get There

You will find the Maeklong Railway Market about 80 kilometers outside of the city, located in the Samut Songkhram region. Depending on Bangkok’s traffic, it takes just over an hour to get there. There are a few ways you can get to this market — the first and certainly one of the most convenient ways is to take the BTS Skytrain to station Victory Monument and grab a minibus. These buses leave as soon as one is filled, so you never know when your departure time will be. Be sure to look up the train timetable before heading out so that you do not miss it. Be aware, however, that these times are subject to change, and the trains are oftentimes late.

You can also book private tours to visit the market. These tours usually include a stop at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market as well, as they are only about 25 minutes away from one another. These tours range from ฿1,500-2,000.

See more: What to buy in Bangkok, Thailand

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Must-visit markets in Goa, India

Goa is a thriving city in India. Therefore, its markets are must-visit sights that cannot be ignored once you step a foot onto this colourful destination.

Saturday Night Bazaar at Arpora

Open every Saturday from 6 pm until late night, the Saturday Night Bazaar is located at Arpora. This bazaar is divided into three zones: the Lower Field is peppered with kiosks featuring local and international clothes, accessories and knick-knacks; the Central Field houses an array of food stalls serving heavenly food from around the world; and the Upper Field features designer stalls and boutiques.

Calangute Market Square

Located in Calangute town, the Calangute Market Square feeds swarms of visitors every Saturday from 6:30 am until 12 pm. It is lined with food stalls and restaurants that sell delicious seafood snacks and other cuisines. You can get all kinds of seafood items along with chilled beer and other beverages. You can also buy fresh seafood, fish and meat from here. Not only food, this market is home to a variety of shopping stalls selling everything from textiles, carpet to accessories, leather items and souvenirs.

Mapusa Friday Market

The Mapusa Friday Market is a weekly market held in Mapusa, open from 8:00 am until 6:30 pm. This market sells fresh local produce, clothes, accessories, pottery and handicrafts. The Mapusa Friday Market also features food stalls serving up authentic Goan food. Chorizos (also known as pork sausages) are a must try!

Alankar Food Street

Located right in front of Alankar Theatre, the Alankar Food Street is a buzzing street featuring an array of vendors selling everything that is related to food. Its open from 6pm every evening. From mouth-watering Goan food to tandoori and Chinese, along with milkshakes and juices, you will find it all here. Wondering about the prices? Fret not, the food served here will definitely not burn a hole in your pocket and if you’re on a budget, the prices will really bring a smile to your face.

Anjuna Flea Market

Open every Wednesday from 9 am until 6 pm, October-April, Anjuna Market is always bustling with tourists. Though it is popular for shopping, but it also houses numerous food stalls that sell some of the delicious street food. Grab a bite while enjoying people-watching and then wrap up your evening with a walk along the beachside.

See more: Visit India's most spiritual cities

Source: Internet

5 markets in Shanghai you must visit once in your life

In this flourishing and prosperous city Shanghai, you’ll not only find modernly furnished shopping centers featuring designer labels, but markets devoted to traditional Chinese culture. Here’s the five best markets in Shanghai where you can experience Shanghainese culture.

1. Tian Zi Fang

In the Old French Concession quarter of Shanghai lies the arts and crafts enclave Tian Zi Fang. There are three distinguishing features about Tian Zi Fang. Firstly, the 50-year-old archaic bungalows reflect the primitive simplicity of the early republican era in China. Secondly, the buildings have been revitalized to become a creative market where you can find hilarious kungfu esoterica, nostalgic art pieces or coins from the Qing Dynasty. Thirdly, Tian Zi Fang is a place where coffeehouses converge within its stone-ringed architecture, and these serve roast coffee and Western cuisine in an open-air terrace. Strolling around, you’re transported back to the beginning of civilization on these lanes, filled with an Old Shanghai ambiance.

Lane 210, Taikang Road, Hangpu, Shanghai, China

2. Dong Tai Lu Antique Market

There are two world-renowned antique markets in China, one is the Liulichang, located in Beijing, and the other is the Dong Tai Road Antique Market. With over 200 stores arranged in close rows in this 500-meter-long walking zone, you’ll get dazzled by the endless array of antiques and grotesque stuff. Classic antiques, like sculptures, porcelain, jadeware, the ancient stationeries ‘scholar’s four jewels’, and embroideries, are just tip of the iceberg. Don’t let your jaws dropped if you find shops bragging about their crusted three-inch golden lotus shoes and baskets, used scholars during the Ming Dynasty to carry their books. Without any state-owned brands nor unified pricing, you can bargain with the dealer for a more reasonable price.

168 Dongmen Road, Shanghai, China

3. Duolun Road

Dated back to the 1930s, Duolun Road is the rallying point for the Chinese literary giants Lu Xun, Mao Dun, and Guo Mo, where they discussed political issues. Back in modern Shanghai, Duolun Road plays a paramount role in contemporary literary development, with the remains of historical relics including the Fitch Memorial Church and the Celebrity Tea House. Duolun Road consists of small houses along a path displaying mahogany sculptures, scripts, and calligraphy. On this short and wriggly lane, you’ll find various galleries selling exotic stones, chopsticks from all over the world as well as ancient clocks from Nanjing. What’s so special about Duolun Road is that there’s a chessboard café offering Chinese Weiqi chess – play for RMB$10 an hour with supplies of coffee and tea.

Duo Lun Lu Wen Hua Ming Ren Jie, SiChuan BeiLu, Hongkou Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

4. Tianshan Tea City

Curious about the Chinese tea industry and its history? You should not miss the Tianshan Tea City, pioneered by the masters of the Chinese tea industry Su Jinping and Lu Ling. Converging tea leaves from all provinces of China, herbal tea, tea artworks, and the aesthetic performance of tea making, tea connoisseurs can find everything related to tea culture. Drop by any of the 300 tea stores in this giant three-storey complex, and you can have a rapport with knowledgeable tea dealers and learn essential skills, including tea tasting, tea making, and even how to sort good tea leaves. You can find famous premium dragon well tea and red-robe tea here too.

518-520 Zhongshan W Rd, Changning, Shanghai, China

5. Chang Li Lu Food Market

To experience the authentic street food culture in Shanghai, make a visit to Chang Li Lu Food Market to enjoy local tidbits in Shanghai. At night, Chang Li Lu is crammed with pedestrians making their way through the crowd. Adjoining stalls are packed together, with stools and tables spreading on the street, and folks get carried away by serving dishes. While multifarious yet bizarre choices of dishesare rampant here, from the meat of cats and dogs to Hong-Kong-style fermented bean curd, the delectable yakitori cooked over charcoal with smoky aromas emanating throughout the street are the most popular option among diners.

Chang Li Lu, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China

See more: Don’t forget to try signature dishes from Shanghai

Source: theculturetrip