Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market Mandalay
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Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market Mandalay

4.2
·233 reviews·Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)

A bustling wholesale market where hundreds of traders sell locally mined jade stones and jewelry, offering a glimpse into Myanmar's gem trade.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning hours

Peak trading activity

CrowdHigh
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Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market Mandalay

Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market Mandalay

Best Time

Morning hours

Peak trading activity

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling wholesale market where hundreds of traders sell locally mined jade stones and jewelry, offering a glimpse into Myanmar's gem trade.

4.2
(233 reviews)

"A gem lover's heaven with attractive prices, offering a glimpse into real Burmese life and trade."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Morning Entry Fee

A small fee applies in the morning for peak activity. Visit in the afternoon for free entry, though less is happening.

💎 Jade Expertise Needed

If you're not an expert, buying is tricky. Focus on observing or go with someone knowledgeable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Trading Floor

The Main Trading Floor

Central market area

Witness hundreds of traders haggling over raw jade stones and finished jewelry. A true glimpse into Myanmar's gem trade.

Jade Carving Workshops

Jade Carving Workshops

Around the market perimeter

See skilled artisans at work, transforming rough stones into intricate pieces. Fascinating to observe the craftsmanship.

Gem Market Annex

Gem Market Annex

Behind the main jade market

Discover a bonus market specializing in Mogok gems, offering even more treasures for gem enthusiasts.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Jade Market

This is a wholesale market, so expect to see traders, not typical retail shoppers. While entry is free in the afternoon, a small fee applies in the morning when most activity occurs. Be prepared for a bustling, authentic experience with limited tourist infrastructure.

Jade Expertise is Key

If you're not a jade expert, buying can be challenging. Prices are attractive, but understanding value is crucial. Consider going with someone knowledgeable or focus on admiring the craftsmanship rather than making purchases.

Best Times

When
Morning hours
Why
Peak trading activity
Crowd
High
When
Afternoon
Why
Free entry, less crowded
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Mandalay jade market open on Sundays?

💰 Morning Entry Fee

A small fee applies in the morning for peak activity. Visit in the afternoon for free entry, though less is happening. Reddit

💎 Jade Expertise Needed

If you're not an expert, buying is tricky. Focus on observing or go with someone knowledgeable. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stroll & Observe

Even without buying, it's worth an hour to see real Burmese life and traders at work. Reddit

🛍️ Explore the Annex

Don't miss the gem market behind the main jade market for Mogok gems. A gem lover's paradise! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Morning Entry Fee

A small fee applies in the morning for peak activity. Visit in the afternoon for free entry, though less is happening. Reddit

💎 Jade Expertise Needed

If you're not an expert, buying is tricky. Focus on observing or go with someone knowledgeable. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Stroll & Observe

Even without buying, it's worth an hour to see real Burmese life and traders at work. Reddit

🛍️ Explore the Annex

Don't miss the gem market behind the main jade market for Mogok gems. A gem lover's paradise! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(233 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market is a fascinating, authentic wholesale trading hub for jade, offering attractive prices for those with expertise. Visitors appreciate the glimpse into real Burmese life and the sheer volume of gems, though it can be overwhelming for novices. The market is less tourist-oriented and more focused on genuine trade.

"It's worth strolling around for an hour or so in the market. They charge a small entry fee in the morning hours (when most of the activity is going on). If you're a penny pincher, go in the afternoon (less to see), or walk around the market, where you can also see people working on and trading with jade."

Zoltán Stekkelpak

"I guessed it is not that suitable for consumer as the market is trading on raw Jade. We have no idea how to quantify the value or these stones."

Donald Gerard Ng

"very interesting, real Burmese life, almost no tourists"

Anna Kovalenko

What People Like

Authentic local life
Attractive prices
Vast selection of jade

What People Dislike

Difficult for novices
Wholesale focus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The jade market is accessible by local taxis or tuk-tuks from most parts of Mandalay. It's a well-known spot, so drivers will know the way. Consider negotiating your fare beforehand.

Yes, it's a large and active market. You'll likely see signs or can ask locals for directions. It's a central hub for gem trading.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are common. For a more local experience, you could consider hiring a motorbike if you're comfortable with local traffic.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there's a small entry fee charged in the morning hours when most of the trading activity takes place. Entry is typically free in the afternoon. Reddit

The market is most active in the morning. While specific hours can vary, it's best to visit in the morning for the full experience. It remains open in the afternoon, but with less activity. Reddit

No, tickets are not required in advance. You pay the entry fee (if applicable) upon arrival. It's a public market.

You can enter the market area at most times, but the main trading activity and the associated entry fee are typically in the morning. Reddit

🎫 💎 Onsite Experience

You'll see hundreds of traders selling raw jade stones, finished jade jewelry, and gem-related equipment. It's a bustling wholesale environment with artisans carving jade. Reddit

It's more of a wholesale trading hub than a typical tourist shop. While interesting to see, buying can be difficult if you lack expertise. Focus on observing the trade. Reddit

Bargaining is expected in a market setting, especially for wholesale transactions. However, be informed about jade value if you plan to purchase.

Generally, there are very few tourists, making it an authentic experience of real Burmese life and trade. Reddit

You'll find a wide variety of jade, from raw stones to finished jewelry. It's a primary trading point for locally mined jade. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are usually teashops and snack vendors within or around the market, offering local refreshments. Reddit

You can find typical Burmese street food and local snacks at the teashops. It's a good place to experience local flavors.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask traders before taking close-up shots of their goods or them. Be respectful of the business environment.

Capture the bustling trading scenes, the intricate jade carvings, and the interactions between traders. The raw stone displays are also visually striking.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

💎 Gem Enthusiasts & Collectors

This market is a dream destination. You'll find a vast array of raw jade stones and finished jade jewelry at potentially very attractive prices. Don't miss the gem market annex behind the main jade market, which specializes in Mogok gems. Be prepared to negotiate and ideally have some expertise to ensure you're getting the best value. Reddit

For serious collectors, the opportunity to witness the trading between China and Myanmar traders offers a unique insight into the global gem trade. It's a place where genuine deals can be struck if you know what you're looking for.

📸 Photographers & Culture Seekers

The Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market offers incredible opportunities for capturing authentic local life and vibrant trading scenes. The sheer volume of jade, the focused expressions of the traders, and the artisans at work provide compelling photographic subjects. Reddit

As there are almost no tourists, you can immerse yourself in the environment and capture genuine moments. Remember to be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their merchandise. The market's bustling nature, especially in the morning, creates a dynamic and visually rich environment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Jade at the Market

The Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market is primarily a wholesale trading hub for jade, connecting local miners and artisans with buyers, often from China. This means the atmosphere is less about retail browsing and more about serious transactions. For visitors unfamiliar with jade, it can be overwhelming to assess the quality and value of the stones. Many reviews suggest that if you're not an expert, it's best to approach the market as an observer, appreciating the sheer volume and the craftsmanship involved. The attractive prices mentioned in reviews are for those who know what they're looking for and can negotiate effectively. Reddit

Real Burmese life is on full display here, with traders actively working, discussing deals, and showcasing their wares. You'll see everything from rough, unpolished stones to intricately carved pendants and bangles. The gem market behind the jade market is also a significant draw, offering a wider variety of gems, particularly from Mogok, known for its rubies and sapphires. This annex adds another layer to the market's appeal for gem enthusiasts. Reddit

Navigating the Market Experience

Visitors often note that the market is crowded, especially in the morning when the most significant trading occurs. While there's a small entry fee during these peak hours, the afternoon offers free access but with less activity. This trade-off is something to consider based on your priorities. Reddit Many find the experience very interesting and a chance to witness authentic local commerce with almost no tourists. Reddit This lack of mass tourism contributes to its raw, unadulterated feel.

When visiting, be prepared for a sensory experience. The sights of countless jade pieces, the sounds of haggling, and the general buzz of a busy market are all part of the immersion. While some reviews mention it's not ideal for consumers without knowledge, others highlight it as a gem lover's heaven due to the potential for finding great deals. Reddit The presence of teashops and snack vendors means you can easily spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere without needing to leave the market area. Reddit

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