See that up there? ^^^^ It’s Mr Neil, hanging on for dear life as we make our way to the Thandwe market, near Ngapali Beach on our last morning in Burma. We left behind the picturesque beach setting (that’s a whole other post!) for a few hours to check out one last local market. Thandwe town is located about 4 miles inland to the north-east of Ngapali Beach and we decided to get the local transport there – shuttle jalopy-type vehicles (that fit between 8 and up to 16 at one point!) run along the main road where the Ngapali Beach resorts are located every 20 or so minutes for a couple of dollars return fare. Definitely an experience – we were the only non-locals on both trips and were greeted with some curiosity.
I guess most visitors can’t tear themselves away from the tranquil, gorgeous beach scene but I was determined. A 30-40 minute trip (or more like 60 if you get the milk run on the way back like we did – stopping to pick up chickens, drop off fish to restaurants, collect snacks and drinks for the driver and seemingly more passengers than you could possibly imagine would fit in the vehicle!), it’s a great way to get out and see the “real life” outside the beach resorts.
The market itself is located in a former British jail and is open daily from 6am to 4pm (not sure there would still be a lot of produce left in the afternoons…). It’s a much smaller market than some we visited but it was a nice change of pace. Leisurely and very local. We only saw two other tourists when we were there! I am sure there are probably times and days when it sees more tourist action but the locals still seem a little bemused at camera-toting folks like me!
Unsurprisingly, it was a feast for the eyes…
Apart from the produce, there was the ubiquitous rice…
And noodles. To buy and to eat…
And fish… Dry and fresh…
(also chickens!)
And a range of other intriguing-looking goodies!
Because you never know when you might need those garden tools, rubber boots and badminton shuttlecocks… (!)
And for when you are a little peckish, there’s the Burmese market equivalent of a food court…
Truly, something for everyone…
And yes, one of those pans made its way home in my luggage – my carry-on luggage which caused MUCH interest during our 41 hour trip home.. It made its way – in one piece – through security checks (some more rigourous than others) at Thandwe, Yangon, Bangkok and Frankfurt airports….
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Beautiful photos! Nothing beats fresh markets.
For sure!
Mardi, I would have been disappointed if one of those pans DIDN’T make their way home with you 🙂
Beautiful!
😉 You know me too well!
Outdoor markets are a must when I travel, as well. As important as a visit to the museums and art galleries… I poured over your photos and could imagine the bustle and aroma… It is a little frustrating to see such amazing and foreign produce without being able to taste sometimes…
🙂
V
Thanks Valerie – glad you enjoyed!
Yay, cauliflower. And origami fish. Shame I was not so well that day. The beach was lovely though!! Cx
Well you can live vicariously through the pics 🙂
What a fantastic place!
It was!
I’m rather in awe of these photos and the variety of colours and textures – I love the cauliflower shot with the splash of purple in the background. I also love the food court shot – slice of life! Please tell me you’re getting some of these printed!
I might just…. 😉
That sounded an incredible adventure, Mardi. Great, colourful shots! Can just imagine your story at customs each time with that pan. Bet you’re dying to cook with it now…
I am indeed!