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| Getty images |
Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant, colorful, and chaotic markets — places where ancient trading traditions meet modern-day bargain hunting. But for travelers, navigating these sensory-overload bazaars can feel overwhelming.
The solution? Shop like the locals—with the locals.
These five handpicked markets are best experienced with a guide who knows the language, the shortcuts, and how to score the best deals. Bonus: we’ve included Viator shopping experiences you can book instantly to make your market crawl seamless, safe, and unforgettable.
🛍️ 1. Chatuchak Market — Bangkok, Thailand
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| Getty images: Chatuchak market |
Why It’s Amazing:
With over 15,000 stalls and a weekend-only schedule, Chatuchak is the largest open-air market in the world. You’ll find everything from handmade soap and silk scarves to rare antiques and pet squirrels (yes, really).
Pro Tip: It's easy to get lost. Go with a local guide who knows how to bargain—and where to find the best mango sticky rice.
👜 Try This:
👉 Bangkok Weekend Market Tour with Local Guide
🧧 2. Dongdaemun Night Market — Seoul, South Korea
Why It’s Amazing:
Korea’s fashion capital, this market blends wholesale fashion outlets with street eats and quirky accessories. Numerous shops remain open until midnight, thereby transforming this market into a haven for nocturnal shoppers.
Pro Tip: Go with someone who can explain what’s high quality vs. tourist fluff. Additionally, it's acceptable to haggle, provided you know how.
👜 Try This:
👉 Seoul Fashion & Shopping Night Tour
🎐 3. Tsukiji Outer Market — Tokyo, Japan
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| Getty Images: Tsukiji Outer Market |
Why It’s Amazing:
Despite the relocation of the inner fish auction, Tokyo's outer market remains a hub for foodies and culinary enthusiasts. Sample fresh sashimi, Japanese knives, wasabi root, and sweet tamago.
Pro Tip: Don’t just snack — shop for artisanal kitchenware and ingredients like a Tokyo chef. Having a translator helps you score the best flavors.
👜 Try This:
👉 Tsukiji Market Food & Shopping Tour
🧺 4. Ben Thanh Market — Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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| Getty images: Ho Chi Minh city market |
Why It’s Amazing:
You haven’t truly shopped in Vietnam until you’ve bartered for embroidered bags or dragon-print shirts under fluorescent lights. Ben Thanh is legendary for its authentic local flavor.
Pro Tip: Learn the art of negotiation from someone who speaks Vietnamese—and knows which vendors are legitimate.
👜 Try This:
👉 Ho Chi Minh City Market Tour & Street Food Crawl
🪔 5. Chandni Chowk — Delhi, India
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| Viator: Old Delhi Spice Market Walking Tour |
Why It’s Amazing:
Chaotic, historical, and utterly magical, Chandni Chowk is a labyrinth of spice stalls, jewelry shops, fabric stores, and sweet shops. Chandni Chowk is a place where centuries-old shopping rituals continue to thrive.
Pro Tip: You’ll need a local to guide you through the back lanes—and make sure you’re paying fairly.
👜 Try This:
👉 Old Delhi Shopping & Spice Market Walking Tour
🎁 Final Thoughts: Why Book a Market Tour?
Shopping in Asia isn’t just about what you buy — it’s about the experience. However, navigating through language barriers, cultural nuances, and aggressive crowds can result in missed opportunities.
Booking a Viator shopping tour means
✅ Stress-free navigation
✅ Real local insights
✅ Authentic, high-quality finds
✅ No tourist traps
Also check out: Try Filipino Cuisine for a Taste of the Philippines A Gastronomic Extravaganza Spanning the Globe
📌 Are you prepared to shop like a local?
Tap into the real heart of Asia — through its markets, flavors, and artisans.
👉 Browse all Asia shopping tours on Viator!
