Myanmar Shopping Tips

It's a pleasant thing to shop in Myanmar, where bargain is acceptable and, in some regions, bartering is still in fashion. This mysterious country offers a peculiar peek at Southeast Asia, not as Thailand or Vietnam do, but in a more ancient way that is rarely found anywhere else.

Visitors find it irresistible doing shopping when cambering around Myanmar's attractions, where unique and beautiful items are touted all the way. Indochina Odyssey Tours suggests practical ideas regarding what to shop in Myanmar and useful tips for those want to make a nice deal.

What to Shop in Myanmar

Lacquerware

It's a popular purchase that can be made into the forms of cups, bowls and vases. Bagan is a good place to shop beautiful lacquerware with great variation and price. Just pay attention to the quality of the items you are going to buy for there might be fraudulent commodities. Genuine lacquerware is engraved with natural colors of sand, stone and flowers. In contrast, fake ones are painted.

Rubies and Gemstones

Don't be surprised if you find low-priced jade, rubies and other gemstones in Myanmar, for the country itself is a great miner of precious stones. The finest rubies are mostly available in Yangon, where only reputable shops are worth your money. Be aware of fake stones sold by street vendors.

Myanmar Jade BraceletMyanmar Jade Bracelet

Longyi

Longyi is a sheet of traditional cloth worn by both genders everywhere you can see in Myanmar. If you think it's awkward for your male families or friends to accept this special souvenir, give it to your female friends instead, they'll definitely love it. Silk shops around the country have fine materials to make longyi, the pattern of which is at your choice and the price depends on your ability to haggle.

Myanmar LongyiMyanmar Longyi

Handicrafts

Folk dolls, coconut masks, leather bags, wood carvings, and things alike are popular souvenirs that Myanmar is proud of. The traditional skill makes these folk works remarkable piece to buy. It's also a major reason to support traditional and low-income families.

Embroidered Tapestries

The delicate art originated in Mandalay in the 18th century. Kalaga is another name for this most sought-after tapestry involving gold and silver thread and tales from the Buddhist scriptures depicted. You can use it to decorate the interior of your house or give it as a decent present for families or friends.

Myanmar souvenir embroidered tapestriesMyanmar souvenir embroidered tapestries

Gold Leaves

You may notice that Buddha images or stupas in Myanmar are gilded with gold leaves, which are also widely sold in tourist cities. Mandalay's lacquerware shops have the biggest supply for genuine gold leaves, which are thin squares packaged in sets of 5 to 10 leaves.

Tips for Shopping in Myanmar

1. The real old Buddha images/statues and archaeological artifacts are not allowed to be taken out of the country,

2. Be mindful that authority controlling trade standards doesn't exist in Myanmar, which means a thorough check of the goods you buy is necessary to apply.

3. The transaction is made when you agree with the price.

4. Nyaung U Market in Bagan is a bustling center for visitors to buy things ranging from daily fresh goods to custom longyi. It's an ideal place to mingle with the locals and learn their lifestyle!

5. The floating village in Inle Lake has unique souvenirs that are quite 'Myanmar'.

Myanmar Fan & UmbrellaMyanmar Fan & Umbrella

6. In Yangon, the well-known Bogyoke Aung San Market is where shopping can be a fun thing to do. Great bargains can be made here.

7. An official certificate of the jewel is needed when passing customs.

8. Shops inside the hotels may store interesting articles have a go.

9. Most Myanmar markets are open on Sundays and closed on Mondays. During the Buddhist Lent Festival, which normally includes August and October, all Myanmar markets are closed on full moon days.

10. If you need more specific ideas about shopping in Myanmar, your private tour guide would love to share his mind.

You can also directly contact us for a custom Indochina tour based on your interest.

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