Get your shopping fix at Bogyoke Aung San Market

Story by Amy Baker | Contributing Writer

If you are a girl, no matter where you are in the world, your irrepressible urge to indulge your inner shopaholic, browse the shops and snap up some bargains will still prevail. Who are we to fight human nature? I had heard a lot of great things about the Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon and was advised that it was the perfect place to go for travelers on the hunt for perfect reminders of their Burma holidays. So one afternoon I set off there for an afternoon of exploration and retail therapy.

Photo by antwerpenR via Flickr.

The colonial market, found in the cobbled streets of the Padeban Township in downtown Yangon was built back in 1926, late into the British rule of Myanmar. It was originally named “Scott Market” after James George Scott – the Civil Servant who introduced the country to football. After Burmese independence in 1948, it was renamed after the nation’s much-loved General Bogyoke Aung San.

I have to confess – my heartbeat did quicken a little when I was informed by another eager shopper that the market is home to over 2000 shops. I was sure that I wouldn’t get around to them all but I was prepared to give it my best shot.

The ground floor and first floor of the shopping mecca is where you will find all of the small antique shops. These are a historians delight as you can snap up old coins and banknotes for your collections and even stamps and war medals.

Photo by Azmill77 via Flickr.

The middle of the market, and perhaps the most famous part is where all of the jewelery shops are. The market is most famous for its Burmese jade and rubies in various shapes and sizes which are a bargain and a great take home reminder of this beautiful country.

The rest of the market is full of handicraft shops where you can pick up anything from lacquer-ware to puppets, slippers to shoulder-bags. You will also find things specifically designed to entice backpackers like replacement backpacks and travel gear – all at bargain prices. You can also stop for delicious food, explore a number of independent art galleries showcasing the work of local artists and take a load off over a cup of coffee before taking on the next row of shops.

Photo by mckaysavage via Flickr.

The market is a bustling meeting place for traders, locals and shoppers and is a great opportunity for you to laugh, smile and haggle alongside local shoppers out picking up groceries or dropping off some food to their loved-ones. I particularly enjoyed the looks of bemusement on the traders faces when they realized that I was willing to haggle.

As well as coming away with more than my flight allowance’s weight in jewelery, I came away with a smile on my face. The market has retained much of the charm that many markets in Asia just haven’t held on to. It’s a meeting place for locals and travelers and undeniably it’s a great place to shop but most of all it is a true glimpse into Burmese life and the country’s friendly people.

*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!