Inside Myanmar's Hsipaw Market

Opened for just a couple hours everyday Hsipaw Market in Shan state, Myanmar, has become well known among tourists due to its unique working hours.

Photographer Claudio Sieber had to wake up before sunrise to witness the hustle and bustle of one of Myanmar’s most famous markets.

The market is considered a hidden treasure by many visitors to the country as it is one of the few places where you get to see the ‘real’ Myanmar.

Claudio said: “The host I was staying with highly recommended the market, it is supposed to be one of the most beautiful markets in the whole of Myanmar.”

Starting at 3am the market is usually open for just a few hours during the day.

One of the main reasons behind the odd working hours is to ensure that patrons only receive the freshest food and delicacies.

He said: “In most of Myanmar - except the big cities - there are no supermarkets, the vendors are coming from the villages nearby.

Everything has to be as fresh as possible - locals of Hsipaw, traders and especially food shop owners flock by to do their daily grocery or to sell it on.

“The market begins and ends early, starting at 3:30am and pretty much wrapping up by 6am,” he added.

One of the first things many foreign visitors to the market will notice is the lack of tourists in the area.

Despite the abundance of tourist attractions in Myanmar, Hsipaw Market has managed to stay under the radar mainly due to its start time.

He said: “The market is rarely visited by tourists. In all honesty, who wants to set their alarm clock for 3am to visit a market.

“There are many upsides for brave visitors, everyone smiled at me while I was walking through the place or even gave me food for free.”

Although traditional fruit and veg market stalls are on the decline in the UK with the rise of trendy pop ups and supermarket chains, the trade seems to still be thriving in Hsipaw.

Claudio said: “What I liked most was the romantic setting with all the candles and the incredibly friendly locals.”