Travel Tip #3: Enjoy the Market Place

Whether it's a night market in Taipi or going to the mall in Florida, any market place is a great way to take in the culture. Sometimes it's down right exciting!

Market in Taipei

Some of my favorite markets from around the world are the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, The Dongdaemun Night Market in Seoul, South Korea, The "Old Market" in Antigua Guatemala, The Sunday Market in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, The Night Market in Chaing Mai, Thailand. To see products, food, shoppers, prices and how they all vary country to country I find fascinating.

In Bangkok's Chatuchak Market you can buy a monkey. In Vilcabamba, Ecuador a 5 lb bag of red onions is a dollar. In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala a pound of macadamia nuts is 4.50 cents. In Seoul, South Korea it's fake hand bags to live logger head turtles. In Thailand, buffets of cheap and awesome street food can be found randomly in markets throughout the country.

Night Market in Koh Samui, Thailand

If you like to people watch, this is also a great place to see the locals in their element. In Vietnam I recall being at a market that was like taking a step back in time. Between the rickshaws, no refrigeration, Vietnamese style hats, and abundance of live animals for sale or trade, it was like nothing has changed in a hundred years.

Market in Vietnam

Fish markets around the world are a real trip. The Asians do it the best, but maybe that's only because they seem to eat everything under the sea. Go to the fish markets in Korea or Japan and you will see things you did not know exist.

The markets are one of my favorite places when exploring a new location. Taking in the culture, finding incredible deals, trying the food. It's really a fun time!

Market in Cuenca, Ecuador