Embark on a sensory journey through the vibrant and bustling street markets of Asia, where the kaleidoscope of colours, enticing aromas, and the hum of lively chatter create an unforgettable experience. These markets not only showcase the rich tapestry of Asian culture but also offer a delightful array of local flavours and unique finds. Here's a curated list of the best Asian street markets that beckon every avid traveller and food enthusiast.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand
As one of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak offers a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to handcrafted souvenirs. The aroma of sizzling street food wafts through the air, drawing you to savory delights like Pad Thai, grilled satay, and exotic fruit smoothies. Navigate through the maze of narrow alleys and discover hidden gems that reflect the essence of Thai culture.​

Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo, Japan
Renowned for its fresh seafood, Tsukiji Outer Market is a haven for sushi aficionados. Indulge in the finest cuts of sashimi, sample delectable street snacks, and explore the stalls offering traditional Japanese ingredients. The market's lively atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings provide a glimpse into the heart of Tokyo's culinary scene.
 
Donghuamen Night Market, Beijing, China
When the sun sets, Donghuamen Night Market comes alive with a myriad of street food stalls. Adventurous eaters can savour unique delicacies like scorpion skewers, crispy starfish, and silk larvae. The market is a sensory overload, with vibrant lights, sizzling woks, and the hustle and bustle of both locals and tourists immersing themselves in the culinary adventure.
 
Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, Petaling Street, is a treasure trove of culture, history, and gastronomic delights. Sample the diverse Malaysian cuisine, from fragrant satay to mouth-watering Hainanese chicken rice. Don't forget to haggle your way through the vibrant stalls offering everything from trinkets to traditional batik clothing.​

Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea
Namdaemun Market, the oldest and largest traditional market in South Korea, invites you to experience the country's rich culinary heritage. Taste popular street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), or explore the market's diverse range of textiles, electronics, and traditional crafts.
 
Little India, Singapore
Immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and fragrances of Little India in Singapore. The bustling streets are adorned with stalls offering an array of spices, textiles, and traditional Indian street food. Indulge in flavoursome curries, dosas, and sweet treats like jalebi as you navigate the lively atmosphere of this cultural enclave.​

Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A melting pot of Vietnamese culture, Ben Thanh Market captivates visitors with its diverse offerings. From traditional Ao Dai (Vietnamese silk dresses) to aromatic coffee beans, the market is a reflection of the country's rich history. Don't miss the chance to savour local specialties like banh mi and pho from the bustling food stalls.
 
Embarking on a journey through these enchanting Asian street markets is a passport to a world of diverse cultures, tantalizing flavory, and vibrant traditions. Each market has its own unique charm, providing an authentic and immersive experience for those eager to explore the heart and soul of Asia's street life. So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover the enchanting world of Asian street markets. ​

However you are travelling and whoever you are travelling with, Cairns is a destination which really delivers. There is so much variety – rainforests, beaches, tropical islands, green tablelands and of course The Great Barrier Reef – your biggest dilemma will be trying to fit everything in. Here are our five “must do’s” for visiting Cairns.
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1. Hang Out Downtown – just wander around this tropical city and take in the relaxed vibe. Visit Rusty’s Market and pick up some tasty local produce or a unique souvenir, take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade and stop off for something to eat at one of the many bars or restaurants, or explore the boutique shopping on offer – everything is close and easy to get to. ​

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4. Port Douglas – Need we say more! A beautiful destination in itself, Port Douglas is only an hour or so north of Cairns and offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed tropical resort town vibe. Drive yourself and stop off at the many amazing beaches along the way including Palm Cove, Trinity Beach and Ellis Beach. Fantastic scenery and a wonderful place to beach/bar hop!​

5. The Great Barrier Reef – You can’t come this close to the Great Barrier Reef and not visit Australia’s own natural wonder of the world. There are a multitude of options here, whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, sail, hot air balloon, helicopter or take a glass bottom boat there is a tour and price point for everyone. Make sure you choose a high standard tourism operator and explore this amazing area – you will not be disappointed. 

Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon) is a vibrant place to visit. Full of all the things that make travelling in South East Asia so exciting, this city is full of interesting places, friendly people and fantastic food. Ho Chi Minh is also a great place to launch a visit to the rest of Vietnam from – but if you are spending a few days in this bustling city here are a few of our favourite things to do:
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Explore Ben Thanh Market 

​This is a destination with everything! Get a local souvenir, buy branded clothing or pick up something to eat. A great selection for those who love to shop – be prepared to bargain.

 If you google “must have travel accessories” a multitude of options are presented – fluffy pillows that pack down to the size of a fingernail, expandable luggage that will fit all your holiday impulse buys with ease. But being the practical travellers we are here at The Inspired Travel Guide we have condensed these options to 4 practical must haves for your next trip. Check these out below.

Bluetooth Enabled Trackers
There are a few options here – but one of the most popular would have to be the Tile Bluetooth tracker. Coming in a few different versions – Tile is a small Bluetooth tracker which combines with an app that allows you to locate items. Place one on your luggage and never lose it again! Easy to buy at your local electronics store – surely a must have. If you are a die hard Apple fan then the Apple AirTag provides an option which will work with your “Find My” app – allowing Siri to do search for you!

Luggage Scale
Have you ever been the traveller unpacking their luggage at the check in counter – putting on 7 layers of clothing and stuffing your pockets in an effort to make the luggage weight restriction? With a compact luggage scale you can check your bags weight before you get to the airport. The Korjo Digital Luggage Scale is compact and light – easily slipping into your luggage or handbag to allow you to avoid the embarrassment and cost of overweight luggage at check in.

Whether you are taking your first trip with a child, or have taken many with several children – travelling with children can fill you with anxiety. Our recommendation is always say yes to travel – but maybe with some extra planning. So read on to check out our top tips for travelling with kids below:
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Research
A little time spent researching your destination up front will make a huge difference to your ability to enjoy things when you arrive. It isn’t worth packing a stroller if there aren’t good paved sidewalks at your destination. Does your child need any vaccinations before they travel? Does the villa you have booked have a pool fence? Does your baby need a Visa? Research your destination well before you begin to pack to save yourself time and unnecessary drama when you arrive.

Pack something new for the plane / train / car
An oldy but a goody – pack a new toy, snack, book etc to distract your child whilst travelling to your destination. For babies this could be a new teething ring or toy, for older children this could be a new book, a game or movie downloaded onto the iPad. Save this to be pulled out just when they are getting bored and unsettled – the ultimate distraction for them and sanity saver for you.
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Consider an apartment rather than a hotel room
As great as hotels are for getting away, it is nice to know that when you get to your destination you can stock up a fridge and make some of your own meals, or do some clothes washing mid trip. For this reason, a hotel suite with a kitchenette and laundry or an apartment might be better suited. It doesn’t sound as glamorous, but when you have baby vomit all over every outfit you have brought with you two days into your holiday you will be thankful for the washing machine. Having an apartment or a suite with a bedroom door you can close will also mean that the whole family doesn’t need to go to bed when it is lights out for the 5 year old.

Take enough nappies and baby food
Whilst usually we would always advise not to overpack - this is one exception. Pack all the baby milk formula, baby food and nappies you may need to take with you. Don’t rely on picking some up at your destination – its never fun to run around at 2am in a strange city looking for the right sized nappies. You can always pick up other items at your destination – but you don’t want to mess with these essentials. If you are travelling overseas you may also want to take sterilizing tablets and any basic medication your child may need during the trip.

Give Yourself Time!
Don’t make things more stressful than they need to be by not giving yourself plenty of time to get places. Toddlers (and more often than not – teenagers) will always need to go to the bathroom right as you are ready to leave. Sure, you can rush everyone along, but it is just going to increase the stress levels for everyone. Give yourself enough time to get places, for transit and enough downtime in between sightseeing to relax.
 
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