Tip #6 Going local

Find a city's true colors by going to the market. Being in the midst of the daily life of locals allows you an insider view to the country you are visiting. In the video below, I took travelers from one of my Thailand tours to Warowat market. Everything from mango's and papayas, slithering fish and beheaded pigs to mounds of fresh rice noodles and steaming pots of soy milk line the walkways. And the vendors are thrilled that you are there. When we lived in Thailand, we would often be given whatever we were looking at to try (grasshoppers, rambutan, egg larvae....).
Markets are also an excellent place to find unusual souvenirs. In Thailand, you can buy bamboo noodle scoops, coconut spoons, gorgeous hand thrown pottery, sarongs to name a few. You can even get a plastic tub of bamboo worms to bring home to your nephews for a truly unique gift!

And stepping into the busy world of a market at meal time takes a great expereince and turns it into an unforgettable WOW memory. See what the locals are eating, sit down and order a plate for yourself.

It is here that you will taste the truest of the country's flavours. In Warowat market, I find the utlimate Thai coffee (no longer found on street corners as it once was because of all the coffee shops that dominate the landscape), wonton soup, donuts with steamed soy.

I make a trip to the local market one of the first things on our itinerary when I bring a group to Thailand. http://www.stressescapetours.com/thailandstressescape.html