TAKAEW Morning Market, Takaew Province Morning Market, Piglet Market

TAKAEW Morning Market: The Chillest Morning Market in Takaew Province

When talking about Takaew Province in Cambodia, many might not be familiar with the name, but for me, mr.hotsia, this is a very interesting destination, especiallyTAKAEW Morning Market, locally known as “Piglet Market”A market with charm and a lifestyle distinctly different from elsewhere

I arrived at Takaew’s morning market before dawn, walking past the roundabout with the statue of Takaew and his wife holding golden staffs standing prominently in the town center, which was my landmark to find the market early in the morning. Although Takaew is a small and quiet town, the morning market is truly the heart of the locals’ life and trade.

Piglet Market: A Rare Highlight

The Piglet Market, or the pig-selling zone in Takaew market, is something I’ve never seen anywhere else. Here, small piglets are placed in hand-sized baskets, 3-4 piglets per basket, and sold straightforwardly without decoration or middlemen. It’s the real villagers selling pigs themselves. I even saw some carrying piglets in sacks. This atmosphere made me feel the essence of a “real market,” not just a place for passing trade.

This pig market is not in the center of the main market but in a separate zone adjacent to it, which I consider a key highlight of Takaew town. Besides piglets, they also sell fish, though the fish here are not very notable. What I liked most and brought back to Thailand as a souvenir was the world-famous “Kampot Pepper.” Black pepper here sells for only 20 baht per bag, very cheap compared to Phnom Penh where it sells for 5 dollars per bag. I once mentioned inthe article about Takaew Morning Marketthat shipping pepper back to Thailand by post is very expensive, about 400 baht per kilogram, so I recommend bringing it back yourself for better value.

Market Atmosphere and Lifestyle

Walking around Takaew morning market, I felt the simplicity and connection to the traditional lifestyle of the locals. The aroma of breakfast food filled the area, with delicious curry rice stalls lined up in front of the market. I have tried it inlocal food in TAKAEW: Takaew Curry Ricewhich tastes just like home. The curry is not too spicy but flavorful and goes well with hot steamed rice. They ladle the curry directly over the rice, not separately. Tom Yum fish, grilled pork, and ginger stir-fry here are quite tasty. For a food-loving traveler like me, it was a very satisfying and fulfilling breakfast.

Additionally, the market has interesting local desserts, such as sweet and refreshing iced Bua Loy. Most sellers here are young women from Takaew Province who can speak some Thai. However, when visiting, don’t try to speak too much Thai to them because although many Cambodians understand Thai, they might not want to respond. I have written inthe article about Takaew Province’s local foodthat this feeling is common in many local areas.

Travel and Accommodation Near the Market

Takaew town is not very big. I walked from the town roundabout to the morning market in less than 10 minutes. Walking is the best way to experience the surrounding atmosphere. For accommodation, I recommend checking outHouy Meyly Guest Housewhere I stayed. It is a new, clean guesthouse with free WIFI and cool air conditioning, perfect for Takaew’s hot weather.

Regarding transportation in Takaew, I noticed horse carts are used to carry heavy goods like bricks, stones, and sand for construction shops, unlike horse carts for tourists in other towns. This is another image that tells the hardworking lifestyle of Takaew villagers well. (Read more atHorse Carts in Takaew Province)

Summary of Impressions from Takaew Morning Market

For me, mr.hotsia, TAKAEW morning market is a vibrant and naturally authentic market that is hard to find elsewhere. At the Piglet Market, I witnessed traditional trade, got close to the locals, and experienced the true lifestyle atmosphere. At the same time, I tasted delicious local food at affordable prices. Visiting this morning market is not just a regular market walk but a journey that truly touches the heart of Takaew town.

If you plan to travel to Cambodia, don’t forget to visit Takaew morning market and try the delicious curry rice with cute piglets at the Piglet Market. I guarantee you will have lively and heartwarming experiences just like I, mr.hotsia, have had.

Watch the morning market atmosphere video atTAKAEW Morning Market, Takaew Province Morning Market, Piglet Market