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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsThe 9 Best Night Markets Around the World
For the best noodles and spices, go to the source.https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/best-night-markets-around-the-world
Asias night markets exemplify the true meaning of organized chaos. Just ask any traveler strolling down a packed street at primetime for the first timeall the crowds, humidity, and haggling can certainly make a new visitor feel like theyre in a scene from The Human Centipede. Yet, its an experience thats magnetic again and again. Night markets are a powerhouse potpourri of delicious smells, bright colors, and buzzing soundsand theyre a fascinating window into a destinations particular culture and history. These hubbub attractions are renowned for street food, shopping, and live entertainment.
What started in China during medieval times spread to other countries like Thailand and Taiwan, and especially grew after World War II. In the 80s and 90s, the bazaars became less like traditional wet markets and more bent on commerce (think pirated movies and luxury knockoffs, plus the typical street food). Thus, younger and more international crowds started being lured in and there you have it: a nighttime hullabaloo. These days, night markets across Asiaand other places around the worldare diverse cultural melting pots blending old and new, foreign and local, into a truly global cultural phenomenon. Here are some of the worlds most captivating Asian night markets.
China
China, believed to be the ancestral home of the night market thanks to a sudden lift of rules on nighttime activity during the Tang dynasty, China is still where youll still find plenty of happening ones. The capital city of Beijing lays claim to busy, flashy night markets like Nanluoguxiang, a lane (known locally as a hutong) lined with teeny, old-world shops and restaurants. Or theres Shuangan, where vendors wheel and deal everything from fresh seafood on ice to tripe. A centerpiece of trade is xiaochi, or small eats in Mandarin. These light meals, like soups or dumplings and rice dishes, are derived from traditional banquet dishes and served for gobbling to-go or at folding tables.
Thailand
Thailand is synonymous with some of the worlds loudest and showiest night bazaars. Bangkoks Patpong, a notorious night-market-cum-red-light-district, gets its name from the Chinese family who first purchased the property. In the 60s, it proliferated with bars and restaurants as a so-called R&R stop for U.S. military officers stationed during the Vietnam War. These days, its a pretty touristy market with counterfeits and souvenirs you can get for half the price in other places. Thailands nocturnal markets range from more traditional walking streets like those in places like Chiang Mai and Phuket to modern concepts like the Greenway Market in Hat Yai or Cicada in Hua Hin, where gourmet food and handmade pieces by young artists are respective focal points. Overall, youll get in-your-face grill smoke, loud twangy music, and shopping ranging from glittery Muay Thai shorts to handmade soaps and iPhone cases.
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