By Amanda Mookjai
Bangkok Correspondent
Thai markets are considered to be some of the most interesting the world. From shoes to knock-off designer brand wear, traditional Thai snacks to child beggars, the markets in Thailand have a wide-range of things for both locals and tourists.
On a recent trip to a market in the Thai upcountry, I encountered some of the little bits of quintessential goods in the country: fruit. Yes, fruit. Thai fruit is internationally recognized as delicious and exotic. Most tourists, travelers, and expats rant and rave about the variety of fresh fruit found in the kingdom. On my journey, I was initially interested in snapping shots of trendy locals. However, what I found most interesting were the colors, scents, and sounds of the bustling market as it prepared to sell fruit one early morning.
Bangkok Correspondent
Thai markets are considered to be some of the most interesting the world. From shoes to knock-off designer brand wear, traditional Thai snacks to child beggars, the markets in Thailand have a wide-range of things for both locals and tourists.
On a recent trip to a market in the Thai upcountry, I encountered some of the little bits of quintessential goods in the country: fruit. Yes, fruit. Thai fruit is internationally recognized as delicious and exotic. Most tourists, travelers, and expats rant and rave about the variety of fresh fruit found in the kingdom. On my journey, I was initially interested in snapping shots of trendy locals. However, what I found most interesting were the colors, scents, and sounds of the bustling market as it prepared to sell fruit one early morning.
Fresh grapes from Chiang Mai, one of the northern-most cities in Thailand, are sold in baskets.
Pomelo, usually found in the north and south of Thailand, are seen here. They are stamped with Chinese characters, representing good fortune as well as the name of their original seller.
One of the most exotic fruits in the world, dragonfruit is both delicious and vibrant. When cut open, it comes in one of two colors: white or purple.
Longyan, which grow in most parts of the country, are similar in taste to lychee but have a slightly sweeter taste. Quite affordable and easily obtained, these are popular with people from the countryside.
Fresh longyan are said to have curative properties, which include the production of collagen for healthy skin.
Beautiful flowers available by the dozen, or two, wrapped in newspaper. Most of these are purchased to place in alters for Thai-Chinese families - honoring those who've passed on to the next Buddhist cycle.
Mangosteen, considered the "queen of fruits", is one of the most appealing fruit to foreigners. Quite expensive in places like the United States, Canada, France, and Japan, it is quite cheap in the Kingdom and very delicious. When cracked open, the silky, sweet fruit melts in your mouth.
Flower garlands, or dok malay (ดอกมาลัย), are popular across Thailand. They are handmade and offered to Buddhist deities, mothers, and teachers as a sign of respect and reverence.
Thai fruit is quite representative of the culture and heritage in the Kingdom. Unique, exotic, and ornate are some of the adjectives both Thais and foreigners use to describe the delicacies found in the country. While Thai fruit that has been exported across the globe isn't the freshest, it still gives those who've stumbled upon Thailand in a previous life the opportunity to rekindle the experiences that made their journey so memorable.
Thai fruit is quite representative of the culture and heritage in the Kingdom. Unique, exotic, and ornate are some of the adjectives both Thais and foreigners use to describe the delicacies found in the country. While Thai fruit that has been exported across the globe isn't the freshest, it still gives those who've stumbled upon Thailand in a previous life the opportunity to rekindle the experiences that made their journey so memorable.
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