Vaitape Handicraft Market
Discover authentic Polynesian crafts and fresh island flavors at the vibrant Vaitape Handicraft Market, the heart of Bora Bora's local culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & best selection
Vaitape Handicraft Market
Best Time
Freshest produce & best selection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover authentic Polynesian crafts and fresh island flavors at the vibrant Vaitape Handicraft Market, the heart of Bora Bora's local culture.
"A charming place to explore, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and handmade crafts."
🎯 Explore Food Carts
Don't miss the delicious local eats from the food carts! A must-try for authentic island flavors.
🛍️ Haggle Respectfully
Prices can be high, but polite bargaining is part of the experience for souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handmade Crafts
Market stalls
Discover unique, handcrafted items like woven bags, jewelry, and intricate carvings. Perfect for authentic souvenirs.

Fresh Local Produce
Market stalls
Sample and purchase vibrant tropical fruits, vegetables, and fresh fish directly from local growers.

Authentic Island Flavors
Food carts
Experience the true taste of Bora Bora with delicious offerings from local food carts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Budgeting for Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Food Carts
Don't miss the delicious local eats from the food carts! A must-try for authentic island flavors.
🛍️ Haggle Respectfully
Prices can be high, but polite bargaining is part of the experience for souvenirs.
☀️ Go Early for Freshness
Arrive in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and to beat the heat.
🎨 Admire Unique Designs
Each handmade item, from masks to bags, features unique designs and colors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Food Carts
Don't miss the delicious local eats from the food carts! A must-try for authentic island flavors.
🛍️ Haggle Respectfully
Prices can be high, but polite bargaining is part of the experience for souvenirs.
☀️ Go Early for Freshness
Arrive in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and to beat the heat.
🎨 Admire Unique Designs
Each handmade item, from masks to bags, features unique designs and colors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Vaitape Handicraft Market a charming spot to experience local culture, offering fresh produce and unique handmade crafts. While prices can be high due to the remote location, the authentic atmosphere and opportunity to interact with locals make it a worthwhile visit for souvenirs and a taste of island life.
"The Bora Bora local market is a charming place to explore, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and handmade crafts. It’s a great spot to meet locals, taste island flavors, and find souvenirs. The atmosphere is relaxed, colorful, and full of the authentic spirit of Bora Bora.
Prices are high I would say for a lot of stuff, but the location is remote and the import everything must be more expensive."
Marta Stashevska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vaitape is the main town on Bora Bora. You can typically reach the market by walking if you're staying nearby, or by taking a short taxi ride from your resort. Many visitors explore Vaitape as a day trip from their accommodations.
Yes, Vaitape is the central hub of Bora Bora, and the market is usually located in the heart of the town, making it quite accessible. Look for stalls selling local goods and produce.
Within Vaitape itself, walking is the easiest way to get around the market area. For longer distances or to reach the market from resorts, taxis are available, though they can be pricey.
Car rentals are not common or necessary for exploring Vaitape and its market, as the town is quite small and walkable. Most visitors rely on resort shuttles, taxis, or boat transfers.
Some boat tours might include a stop in Vaitape, allowing you to explore the town and market. It's best to check with tour operators for specific itineraries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Vaitape Handicraft Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
The market typically operates during daylight hours, with mornings being the busiest for fresh produce. It's advisable to visit earlier in the day for the best selection.
There is no admission fee to browse the Vaitape Handicraft Market. It's an open-air market where you can freely explore the stalls.
For the widest variety of handmade crafts, visiting in the morning or early afternoon is recommended. Some vendors may pack up later in the day.
While not explicitly mentioned, local markets often have a vibrant atmosphere. It's worth asking locals if any special events coincide with your visit.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a variety of handmade items, including woven bags, jewelry, wood carvings, pareos, and local art. Many items reflect Polynesian culture.
Yes, bargaining is often expected for handicrafts. Approach it respectfully and be prepared to negotiate a fair price.
The quality varies, but many artisans create beautiful, authentic pieces. Inspect items carefully before purchasing.
You might find local jams, spices, or vanilla products. However, fresh produce is best enjoyed locally due to import restrictions.
Popular items include traditional pareos, shell jewelry, woven baskets, and carved wooden figures. Look for unique pieces that catch your eye.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market features local food carts offering a taste of Bora Bora. You can find fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and other local delicacies.
Vaitape town has several local eateries and restaurants offering a range of cuisines. You can explore these after visiting the market.
Look for dishes featuring fresh fish, like poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime), and enjoy tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas.
Prices at the food carts are generally reasonable and offer good value for experiencing local flavors.
While seafood and meat are common, you can often find fresh fruit salads and vegetable-based snacks at the food carts.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of them or their specific crafts.
The colorful stalls, vibrant produce, and smiling local vendors offer great photo opportunities. Capture the lively atmosphere of the market.
Morning light is often soft and ideal for photography, and the market is less crowded. The vibrant colors really pop in the daylight.
Drone usage is generally restricted in populated areas and near resorts. It's best to avoid using drones in the market area.
Focus on capturing the details of the handicrafts, the textures of the fresh produce, and the interactions between vendors and shoppers for authentic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on little ones as the market can get crowded. The food carts offer simple, tasty options that kids might enjoy, like fresh fruit smoothies. Visiting in the morning is ideal to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at the food carts is significantly cheaper than resort dining and offers a more authentic taste of local cuisine. Look for fresh fruit stands for refreshing and inexpensive snacks. Vaitape itself is a great place to experience the island without the high price tag of overwater bungalows.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Vaitape: More Than Just a Market
When exploring the market, take your time to appreciate the unique craftsmanship on display. From intricately woven baskets and hats made from pandanus leaves to carved wooden figures and shell jewelry, each item tells a story of tradition and skill. Many of these crafts are handmade, making them perfect, authentic souvenirs that carry the spirit of the island. Remember that prices can reflect the remote location and the effort involved in creating these pieces.
Don't overlook the food carts that often accompany the handicraft stalls. These offer a fantastic opportunity to taste authentic Polynesian flavors. Try local specialties like poisson cru, fresh tropical fruits, and other island treats. Engaging with the vendors, even with a simple smile and a few local greetings, can enrich your experience and lead to more meaningful interactions.
Navigating Souvenir Shopping in Vaitape
It's important to be aware that prices at the market can be on the higher side. This is largely due to the logistical challenges of importing goods to a remote island and the value placed on handmade items. As one traveler noted, 'Prices are high I would say for a lot of stuff, but the location is remote and the import everything must be more expensive.' Therefore, respectful negotiation is often part of the shopping experience. Approach vendors with a friendly demeanor, and try to agree on a price that feels fair to both parties.
When selecting souvenirs, look for items that resonate with you personally. Consider the story behind the craft and the artisan who made it. While some vendors might be more persistent in their sales pitches, a polite 'no thank you' is usually sufficient if you're not interested. Ultimately, the goal is to find a meaningful memento of your time in paradise.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit