Bored of pagodas and temples, we began searching for something new. That led us to Mani Sithu Market.
We rode down excited hoping to get some souvenirs back to Singapore. When we arrived, many of the stores had closed and others were closing. That was when we realised Mani Sithu Market is a morning market where locals shop for groceries.
ABOVE: Muddy path towards the junction of the main road where we parked our scooter.
You got to pick your own eggs here rather than pre-packed eggs in trays covered with plastic. Rice and salt were piled up high in the open. The fruit stall is pretty normal and have a decent variety of fruits. They have our favourite watermelon here!
Walking past the local market, we reached rows of shops targeted for tourists. The stores sell the typical stuff like colourful slippers, fancy hats, silk and fabric, batik design potteries, bags, passport holders, luggage straps etc etc.
ABOVE: Egg store of a dog lover and a typical fruits store in Mani Sithu Market. A Shop attendant reading a book while mending her batik fabric store.
Life here is pretty simple and backward. We saw kids playing, reading and being fed just beside piles of rubbish. It kinda reminded us of how clean Singapore is and how fortunate we are.
I do recommend coming here if you love experiencing culture like we do. Have a feel of what it is like for the locals in Bagan. Or you just want to switch things up a little after exploring the pagodas and temples. It is definitely an ideal place to look for souvenirs.
ABOVE: Kids reading, playing and eating beside piles of rubbish in Mani Sithu Market.
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