The World's Most Colorful Outdoor

Bazaars- and What to Buy in Each

Adrienne Jordan Contributor; Travel At the Indian-influenced Durban, South Africa, the Victoria Street Market gives way to barrels

of Indian spices, curry powders, and incense. As you can imagine, the spectrum of colors is

endless as men in their traditional kurtas and women in saris sell their wares to locals and

international visitors. From the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to the Kalimpong, India Haat Bazar,

the world's busy markets come with sensory overloads in many little-known enclaves.

Victoria Street Market SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM

1. Durban, South Africa’s Victoria Street Market

Durban’s famous 1910 Indian Market caught fire after sixty years, but like a phoenix from ashes,

the 1980’s birthed a new fragrant bazaar. The city’s rich African and Indian influence can be

seen at the Victoria Street Market while you browse dozens of Indian spices pouring from

barrels, curry powders, and incense. Also, stock up on colorful umbrellas and locally woven

baskets. Hungry? There is also a food market with fresh fish and seafood, fresh meat, fruit, and

vegetables.

Chiang Mai Night BazaarADRIENNE JORDAN

2. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s Night Bazaar

At the weekend Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, the old walled city comes alive with half a mile of

vendors selling handmade goods and very affordable Thai street food. Be sure to try local

favorites like pad thai and Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry) being cooked and steamed up in front of

you. For fulfilling your shopping desires, souvenirs like wood carvings are made into furniture

and decorative items; there are high-quality lacquerware with golden designs; and Sa paper

products, derived from the mulberry plant, which are used for delicate stationary, lanterns, and

umbrellas. Be sure to stick around for exciting night parades that flow through the bazaar at

certain times of the year, like during the Loy Krathong holiday in December.

Haat BazaarTRAWELL.IN

3. Kalimpong, India’s Haat Bazaar

Kalimpong, India is packed with historic sites like the Durpin Gompa monastery, St. Teresa’s

church, and the birding haven, Neora Valley National Park. But of course, the village at 4,000

feet elevation is also known as a “bustling bazaar town”. Located in the West Bengal state of

India along Rishi Road, the Haat Bazaar is a weekly spectacle on Wednesdays and Saturdays

between 7am to 6.30pm. Villagers from nearby areas come in their colorful dress, set up stalls

and sell a plethora of goods including vegetables, farming products, spices, clothes, umbrellas,

and bags. The location is also a coup for tea lovers: Kalimpong is very close to Darjeeling; so

you can easily find quality leaves at the bazaar.

Mercado Libertad GUADELAJARA TOURISM

4. Guadalajara’s Mercado Libertad

the indoor portion to the market-actually, the largest enclosed market in Mexico, with three

themed floors and over 2,800 vendors. The first floor is outlined with outdoor vendors The fir If

local ingredients are on the list, the best starting point is the first floor, where vendors sell fresh

produce, sweets, and a variety of spices. Keep a close eye out for Garapiñados, a sweetened nut

covered in rich caramel, a traditional dessert that is the perfect combination of sweet and

salty. If you need a bit of relief, take a food break on the second floor, which features small

restaurants. The third level is the market’s most recent addition, where vendors sell items such as

hand painted masks, colorful blankets (the ultimate picnic accessory for loved ones who like to

dine al fresco!), terra cotta bowls that are great for serving guacamole. The market is open from

7am until 8pm daily.

Exposure Africa ANDY MACDONALD

5. Kampala, Uganda’s Exposure Africa Arts & Crafts Market

The largest of the capital city’s craft ‘villages’, featuring woodcarvings, drums, sandals, batiks,

basketry, beaded jewelry and more. Some items have price tags, but everything is negotiable.

Wooden serving spoons with delicate bone inlay are some of the most popular gifts.

Kashgar Bazaar JOSH SUMMERS

6. Xinjiang, China’s Kashgar Bazaar

Kashgar, located in the central Asian region of Xinjiang was a stop on the ancient Silk Road,

with a history dating back 2,000 years. Like the merchants and traders of yesteryear who used to

trade horses, camels, and silk, visitors to the market can explore the excitement of the frenzy

Kashgar bazaar. You can find housewares sold alongside camels, cloth, silk and clothing. Atlas,

the most famous Uyghur pattern in the region, is widespread and less as well as miniature dutars

(local musical instruments), and Uyghur knives. Don’t forget to purchase a couple bags of local

nuts & dried fruits.