Markets can be great places to people watch, gain an insight into local culture, try local delicacies, and, with any luck, find something evocative of your trip to bring back home. We’ve selected six of what we consider the best street markets in the world – from the largest open-air market in Africa to the relaxing experience of Kashmir’s floating vegetable market. We can arrange tailor-made holidays incorporating all of these markets, and we have suggested a group tour which visits each of them.
1. Luang Prabang Night Market, Laos
Located in the small town of Luang Prabang is a night market, which takes place at the end of the main street. Whilst it could be said to be a tourist market, it sells a wonderful array of handicrafts, artwork, textiles and pretty lightshades, all of which make great souvenirs. It’s also possible to watch the locals at work as they create quilts, paintings, jewellery, scarves and other items to sell. The market itself is atmospheric, colourful and full of delicious smells from nearby food stalls. It takes place daily from sundown and is a must-see on a visit to Laos as it's one of the best markets in the world.
The Tour: Laos Unlocked, 14 Days, £2095
2. Khotan Market, China
China’s Khotan market is almost as big as the better-known Sunday market in Kashgar, but is far more chaotic and bustling. Don’t anticipate seeing tourists; instead punch-ups and bartering like you’ve never seen before are the norm! It’s open every day of the week and is at its busiest after lunch and on Sundays. Expect to see locals selling animals such as horses, goats, camels and donkeys, along with farming equipment and knife sharpening tools. Other signature wares include chicken’s feet, lumps of raw jade and furnishings such as curtains. Avoid the ‘International Bazaar’ near to the bus station as it’s actually more of a mall than a market.
3. Altyn Asyr Bazaar, Turkmenistan
The largest market in Turkmenistan is another that we consider one of the best markets in the world. The Altyn Asyr bazaar is located just outside the capital of Ashgabat. Built to resemble a Turkmen carpet from the air, the market covers an area of 154 hectares and has a total of 2155 shops. This open air market is particularly popular on a Sunday and sells a huge variety of goods, including traditional Turkmen hats, jewellery, local handicrafts, carpets and bales of rice. For motorcycling enthusiasts, you can even buy lovely old motorbikes. Other highlights include the camel market, where you can buy your very own camel (if you so wish!)
The Tour: Cities of the Silk Road, 14 Days, £2,545
4. Otavalo Market, Ecuador
Otavalo has held one of the most important markets in the Andes for hundreds of years. Selling a multitude of handmade crafts as well as ever more imported goods, expect to see the market traders still wearing traditional clothing; typically embroidered white blouses, full length wool skirts and canvas shoes, whilst the men wear blue ponchos, mid-length trousers and felt hats. The market itself dates back to pre-Incan times and, although it is quite a tourist attraction these days, it retains its friendly and relaxed feel and is located in a beautiful setting amongst the surrounding mountains. On sale are traditional Andean artefacts, such as woven blankets, wooden ornaments, colourful paintings, Panama hats, alpaca knitwear and other typical Andean souvenirs.
The Tour: Darwin's Ecuador: Andes to the Galapagos, 16 Days, £3295
5. Merkato, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Thought to be the largest open-air market in Africa, a visit to Merkato is extraordinary, but not for the faint hearted. It’s certainly not a pretty market and you may well not find anything you want to buy, but it’s a great human spectacle with a huge array of people and a real assault on the senses, particularly in terms of the smells and sounds you’re likely to encounter. It’s very much a local African market, selling vegetables, spices, live chickens and goats and cheap Chinese goods like blankets, teapots, torches and radios. More desirable items (depending on your tastes) include clay coffee pots and wicker stools and chairs. Be warned – if you go after it’s been raining, it will be very muddy and messy – but we think that just adds to the experience!
The Tour: Ethiopia: Northern Explorer, 14 Days, £2895
6. Floating Vegetable Market, Srinagar, India
One of the world’s only floating vegetable markets, this takes place every day on Dal Lake. It’s a very relaxed affair, and whilst you do need to get up early it’s well worth the crack of dawn start. Typically, you will paddle the short distance from your houseboat to the floating vegetable market in a shikara. Once there you’ll sit in the comfort of your boat watching the locals bartering over the buying and selling of their goods, from lotus roots to cauliflowers and aubergines. You can even buy your own if you wish. All of the vegetables being sold are grown on floating allotments, also located on Dal Lake. One of our highlights is enjoying breakfast from local character Mr Delicious who paddles up with an array of baked goods for tourists to enjoy – a must after the early start!
The Tour: High Road to Kashmir, 16 Days, £2395
