Yangon Morning Market 2016

Yangon Morning Market 2016: A unique early morning experience with mr.hotsia

Early morning in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, which, although no longer the capital, still retains the vibrant community life and fascinating lifestyle. One experience I, mr.hotsia, never miss when visiting is exploring the morning market, or Yangon morning market, a fresh market that opens before dawn. This is not a typical tourist market but a place where locals shop for daily food and necessities. I want to share why the Yangon morning market leaves such a lasting impression on travelers like me.

Atmosphere and variety of goods at Yangon morning market

Along the path through Yangon morning market, I saw many people from housewives, vendors, to workers just off their shifts buying things to take home. The market is filled with the sounds of Burmese conversations mixed with the scent of fresh food like small fish, colorful fresh vegetables, and local fruits such as ripe mangoes, papayas, or toddy palm fruits that are rare to find at home.

I, mr.hotsia, enjoy watching the fish stalls lined up on the concrete floor, including Hilsa fish, a famous fish from the Bay of Bengal, highly favored by Myanmar people, similar to what is seen in Bangladesh and India (if interested in this topic, check outHilsa fish clipfrom Bangladesh that I studied). These fresh fish are caught and sold from early dawn. The lively market reminds me of the traditional lifestyle of Burmese people that is well preserved.

Morning market and its connection to Yangon lifestyle

Besides fresh food, Yangon morning market also offers daily necessities, clothing, kitchenware, and even fresh flowers used in religious ceremonies. I once saw a vendor arranging flowers to offer at Shwedagon Pagoda, an important site in Yangon. Visiting this morning market helps me understand Myanmar people better, seeing the simplicity yet full of life energy in their daily routine.

Compared to nearby city Bago, which I wrote about in the articleSelf-guided trip to BagoYangon markets are more diverse and larger, but both cities show the deep connection of Myanmar people with nature and religion.

Travel and preparation for Yangon morning market

For travelers like me, mr.hotsia, going to Yangon morning market is easy, especially if you just arrived at Yangon International Airport, about 15 kilometers from downtown. I recommend taking a taxi with a fixed fare of about 8 USD or approximately 8,000 kyats, which is convenient and safe (for more details seeTravel from Yangon Airport to City)

The market opens very early, so don't forget to wake up early and wear comfortable shoes as the market floor may be wet or slightly dirty. Also, carry cash in kyats because most shops do not accept credit cards.

Yangon morning market and learning about lifestyle and culture

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to talk with some vendors at the market. They said the morning market is the heart of the community, a place to meet, exchange news, and an important trading hub. I witnessed exchanges of goods with smiles and friendliness rarely seen in many big cities worldwide.

If you have tried the Yangon circle line train that I wrote about in the articleRiding the Yangon Circle Line TrainYou will see houses and small markets along the railway, but Yangon morning market gives a closer and more intimate feeling with Yangon city life because it is where people truly start their day.

Closing remarks from mr.hotsia

Yangon morning market is one of the experiences I, mr.hotsia, invite everyone to see for themselves. Feel the real life of Myanmar people through conversations, colorful food, and the lively fresh market that retains its unique character strongly. Whether traveling alone or after visiting other important cities like BagoSelf-guided trip to Bagoor MandalaySelf-guided trip to MandalayWalking through Yangon morning market will complete your picture of Myanmar life and culture that you will never forget.

Finally, I recommend this videoYangon Morning Market 2016to see the real atmosphere I encountered at this morning market.