Street markets have existed for centuries. These casual retail spaces, usually filled with small, independent vendors, have continued to thrive in some parts of the world, especially Asia.
Today, these colourful markets are more popular than ever. This is because meticulous travellers are moving away from glitzy malls in favor of more traditional shopping.
But why shouldn’t they? A typical street market has excellent local food, a fun and lively atmosphere, lots of local cultures, and a considerable value for your buck, all in one spot.
Also, these native markets are where locals shop. It gives you a better taste of what the area is like. And, of course, you get to enjoy the authentic local flavors.
This blog post will discuss the world’s best street markets in Asia that should be included in everyone’s itinerary when visiting the continent. Continue reading UFOsadventure to keep exploring.
Top 10 Street Markets in Asia
If you are a tourist in Asia, below are the world’s best street markets in the continent you can visit to get in touch with the culture of the locals.
1. Rot Fai Market, Bangkok, Tailand
Rod Fai Night Market, also called Talad Rod Fai Train Night Market, is a real open-air bazaar in Bangkok that sells many old collectables. It has unique and vintage items like used clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, old household items, old electronics, etc.
Where else in Thailand could you find a perfect 1950s Cadillac next to vintage leather jackets, French chandeliers, and Japanese action figures from the 1960s?
This is in addition to the restaurants, bars, and food stands. You can have a fun night from sunset to midnight on Thursday through Sunday.
The prices of items are low, and bargaining is expected in the market. You can walk around the market while stopping to try tasty snacks.
The best part is that the vendors are friendly without being pushy, so you can look around at your own pace without feeling like you’re in a tourist trap.
2. Kampung Baru Night Market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Kampung Baru Night Market began in 1899. It is also referred to as the Kampung Baru Sunday Market because it is open from Saturday night until early Sunday morning.
The site was set up to serve the Malay people who live in the city. It is a great place to shop for traditional Malay clothes like sarong, songkok, baju kurung, traditional jewelry, and handicrafts.
There are also rows of stalls selling books, clothes, and household items at reasonable prices and vendors selling Malay specialities like rojak, satay, nasi lemak, and colorful kuih (Malay desserts).
So when next you are in this city, remember to stop at the Kampung Baru street market.
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3. Shilin Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan
The Shilin Night Market in Taipei is one of Taiwan’s biggest and most famous food markets. The maze of alleyways is full of local, traditional, and international items that attract locals and tourists.
The night market consists of general goods and local cuisine. Many of Taiwan’s traditional foods can be bought at reasonable prices. These locals are friendly and are eager to let you try the unique flavors of their traditional dishes like Giant Fried Chicken Steak, Tempura, Bubble Tea, Oyster Vermicelli Oyster Omelet, Fried Buns, and of course, the most famous Taiwanese food, Stinky Tofu.
The market is usually busy from late evening until midnight every day. This street market shows off Taiwan’s culture with its bright colors. It is a favorite spot for tourists in Taipei. The sights and aroma of delicious dishes make you want to revisit the town.
4. Hoi An Night Market, Vietnam
People who travel to Quang Nam often go to the Hoi An night market. The Hoi An night market is one of the most impressive and fun tourist spots. This market is located in the center of Hoi An Ancient Town. You need to be at this night market to witness colorful lanterns.
Even though the Hoi An night market is always busy with many vendors and their customers, it has a unique atmosphere of tranquility. Many items are sold here, such as clothes, shoes, handicrafts, trinkets, accessories, etc. The presence of two rows of food stands shows you should brace up to eat a lot of tasty food.
The Hoi An night market is open every day from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., but the best time to go is between 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. It is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the culture of Vietnam by observing the daily lives of the locals.
5. Angkor Night Market, Cambodia
The Angkor Night Market is the most famous place to shop in Siem Reap. It has over 200 bamboo huts where local communities sell a wide range of clothes and handicrafts. This outdoor market opened in 2007 in Siem Reap to preserve the traditional Khmer crafts.
This market is known for unique items like stone carvings with silver or brass accents, silk paintings, and shadow puppets.
The “Angkor Recycled” stall is a good choice for buying eco-friendly items if you are a green consumer. This is because it has many bags, wallets, purses, and pouches made from recycled materials.
After walking around the market, you should soothe your feet with a foot or body massage. A traditional Khmer massage uses a combination of local herbs and a white wine compress to ease tired muscles.
And if you’re hungry, there are market restaurants where you can enjoy live music, local and Western specialities, cocktails, smoothies, and beers at reasonable prices.
6. Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
This is one of the biggest and busiest places to shop in Hong Kong. Temple Street Market is in Kowloon, about 300 meters northwest of the Jordan MTR Station.
It is one of the most well-known places in Hong Kong to buy cheap clothes, delicious food, watches, CDs, and DVDs. You can also buy sports shoes, cooking utensils, and household items from open-air street stalls.
You should consider price tags on items as suggestions since it’s a bargaining place. Although prices of commodities are higher than in other Hong Kong night markets, you should still visit to have an overall spectacle.
There are also a lot of fortune tellers and herbalists, and sometimes you can see free Cantonese opera in the open air.
Near the market, you will see various restaurants serving Cantonese seafood, Japanese and Indian, and Italian pizza. There are also many snack stalls where you can eat while you shop.
The market is most lively between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. when it turns into a colorful, noisy show typical of a Hong Kong market. It is one of the world’s best street markets in Asia you should surely visit on your next trip.
7. Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea
Namdaemun Market is a traditional Korean market that started in the 15th century when people traded fish and a few other things during the Joseon Dynasty. It is the largest traditional market in Korea.
At the end of the 19th century, it gave Seoul the first permanent market in the country. But sadly, it was destroyed by fire during the Korean War. Over the years, it has been rebuilt into what it is now.
On the street level, there is a maze of stalls where people sell all kinds of things, such as clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, outdoor gear, fishing gear, stationery, fine arts, accessories, hats, carpets, flowers, ginseng, etc., and of course food.
Most stores here produce their goods, so the prices are fair and of excellent quality. This is another reason why so many people like Namdaemun Market.
8. Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur are all along Jalan Alor, which is lined with seafood restaurants and hawker stalls. It is a favorite spot for foodies and cultural enthusiasts.
It is believed to be one of the busiest food streets in the world, where you can try a wide range of tasty treats at a reasonable price.
The street has a unique history. What used to be called a “red-light district” is now the most popular place for cheap local food and is loved for its traditional vibe.
The street vendors line both sides of this 500-meter-long street, giving the evenings a unique atmosphere. There are also massage parlours and bars, which make people want to come here even more.
Tourists are bound to have a surreal experience because of the loud vendors and the happy, talking crowd. The sounds of the street vendors, the aroma coming from every direction, and the grills give this place a unique vibe.
9. Bugis Street Market, Singapore
Bugis Street Market is one of Singapore’s most extensive, cheapest, and most popular shopping places. Before it became famous as a shopping area, it was known more for its seedy nightlife.
Bugis has long since gotten rid of this “bad” reputation and is now a lively center for shopping, fine dining, and hip cafés and bars that open late at night.
It is well-known as one of the cheapest places in Singapore to buy souvenirs, accessories, clothes, electronics, home goods, and cosmetics.
After being fixed up, the vast market is now covered so shoppers can enjoy the deals no matter the weather. Most stands open early (around 11 a.m.) till 10 or 11 p.m. on weekends.
And as with most of Singapore’s famous shopping areas, Bugis Street Market has a lot of places to eat to keep hungry shoppers happy. You can get bananas, coconut, pineapple, fried snacks, satays, and the occasional noodle stall.
10. Linjiang Street Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan
After watching the sunset from the observation deck of Taipei 101, many foreigners and tourists walk to this nearby night market to eat dinner.
It still does an excellent job of showing how locals live in this highly developed city. You can find several things in this market, like clothes, cell phones, etc., but one thing you will notice is the food.
After you choose your vegetables, it is mixed with chicken, scallions, and seasonings before handing the mixture in a plastic bag to you. Trust us; this tasty mix makes eating out of a plastic bag a memorable experience.
Bottom line on the Best Street Markets In Asia
No matter the part of the world you are in, you should plan a visit to the world’s best street markets in Asia for memorable experiences. They are places where you can buy unique items and local cuisine.
Immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere, and enjoy every bit of your stay as you walk around these markets.
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