Thailand Tops List Of Asian Countries For Best Street Markets, India And Vietnam Come Next

Thailand comes first on the list of Asian countries for the region's best street markets, followed by India and Vietnam with three diverse street markets each, according to a guide released by TripAdvisor, a travel website. The list also includes markets that operate through the night and floating markets, all of which are an integral part of Thailand’s culture.

“Street markets are an integral part of Thai culture and are popular with both locals and foreigners alike,” Jean Ow-Yeong, a TripAdvisor spokesperson, was quoted as saying by Travel Daily Media in August, when TripAdvisor released its list of top 10 Thai street markets. “For that authentic and unique Thai shopping experience, TripAdvisor’s global community of travelers have uncovered the best street markets in the nation.”

In India, Dilli Haat and Chandni Chowk in the capital city of New Delhi, and Goa's Arpora night market topped the list of street markets. The Dilli Haat is modeled on the lines of a village market and travelers can find a wide range of products from traditional clothing and accessories to handicrafts.

Chandni Chowk, built in the seventeenth century, is one of the busiest markets in the capital and it remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets where locals and visitors can buy a whole range of goods including home appliances, jewelry, and clothes. It is also one of the best places to try out street food.

Arpora, in the tourist magnet state of Goa on India's west coast, is a village close to the North Goa beach belt, and it is popular for its night market where people from across the nation come together to sell clothes, shoes, handicrafts, jewelry, home decor and spices.

"Shopping is an important part of a travel itinerary and the fact that there are a number of diverse and unusual markets in Asia for a global traveller to choose from, makes her journey a lot more fascinating," Nikhil Ganju, country manager for TripAdvisor India, told Press Trust of India.

He added: "Markets reflect the culture and tradition in a region and for a tourist they are not just places to buy interesting merchandise but also a gateway to get acquainted with the region's people and their varied attitudes towards life in general."