Myitkyina 13: Planon Tong Myitkyina morning market

Myitkyina 13: Planon Tong Myitkyina morning market

When talking about the most charming and lively morning market in Myitkyina, a small town located in Kachin State of Myanmar but deeply connected with Chinese culture, Planon Tong market or Myitkyina morning market is a destination that mr.hotsia never misses when visiting here.

One morning at Planon Tong market, I wandered along the rows of stalls lining both sides of the street. The fresh scent of various fish filled the air. It was an atmosphere that made me feel like stepping into the world of locals who still firmly preserve their traditional way of life. Most of the fish seen were freshwater fish from the Irrawaddy River and nearby basins, including both small and large fish. Some I saw for the first time in my life, such as Planon Tong fish, which is long-bodied and firm-fleshed, perfect for making local dishes.

This market does not only have fresh fish but also other fresh items like local vegetables, Chinese herbs, and spices that villagers bring to sell from early dawn. I stopped to look at a stall selling stir-fried eel noodles, which reminded me of the satisfying eel dishes in Tanghua province, China.Satisfying eel dishes in Tanghua provinceAlthough rare, the taste is equally outstanding.

At Planon Tong, I tried home-style seasoned eel stir-fried with rice noodles fragrant with Chinese spices and local herbs. This rich flavor reminded me of Suphanburi morning market in Thailand, which also offers a wide variety of fermented fish and fresh fish.Suphanburi morning marketAnother market that mr.hotsia admires for its fresh ingredients and variety of local foods.

While walking through the market, I met a vendor preparing fresh Planon Tong fish in a traditional clay pot, similar to the Beggar's chicken or 叫化鸡 dish I mentioned in a previous article (see more inBeggar's chicken video). Using a clay pot or wrapping with banana leaves helps lock in the flavor and moisture of the fish perfectly. This is the secret of local cuisine not to be missed when visiting Myitkyina.

The atmosphere at Planon Tong market is filled with lively conversations between vendors and customers, mostly Han Chinese and Kachin ethnic minorities, blending harmoniously. I spoke with a vendor who said this market is a center for water and land trade between the China-Myanmar border, making the ingredients and food always diverse and fresh.

Besides fresh produce, the market also has authentic Chinese breakfast stalls such as gyoza, Chinese herbal boiled eggs, and steamed dumplings that mr.hotsia never misses to try. Every bite is full of rich and balanced flavors, making it a perfect breakfast for a new day in Myitkyina.

Traveling to Planon Tong market is not complicated as it is located in the heart of Myitkyina city, with many nearby accommodations such as hotels I have recommended in articles.Myitkyina 2: Hotel recommendations in MyitkyinaThat are conveniently within walking distance to the market.

If you enjoy tasting local food and experiencing authentic local life, Planon Tong market is a destination that mr.hotsia sincerely recommends. Although a small market, it is full of stories and unforgettable flavors.

Before we part, I would like to share a videoMyitkyina 13: Planon Tong Myitkyina morning marketThat captures the real atmosphere of this market, allowing everyone to see the life and diversity of ingredients here clearly.

For those interested in in-depth travel to China or Myanmar, don't forget to check out other stories collected by mr.hotsia such asIndawgyi Lake, Kachin State, MyanmarOrChina snorkeling tour at Koh KhaiThat will surely enrich your travel experience.