5 Markets in Asia to Shop Like a Local (And Why a Guided Tour is Worth It)

Tunex Travels
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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

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

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

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

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!


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