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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak trading activity

Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market Mandalay
Best Time
Peak trading activity

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

💰 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Gem Market Annex
Behind the main jade market
Discover a bonus market specializing in Mogok gems, offering even more treasures for gem enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Jade Market
Jade Expertise is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
💎 Jade Expertise Needed
If you're not an expert, buying is tricky. Focus on observing or go with someone knowledgeable.
🚶♂️ Stroll & Observe
Even without buying, it's worth an hour to see real Burmese life and traders at work.
🛍️ Explore the Annex
Don't miss the gem market behind the main jade market for Mogok gems. A gem lover's paradise!
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.
💎 Jade Expertise Needed
If you're not an expert, buying is tricky. Focus on observing or go with someone knowledgeable.
🚶♂️ Stroll & Observe
Even without buying, it's worth an hour to see real Burmese life and traders at work.
🛍️ Explore the Annex
Don't miss the gem market behind the main jade market for Mogok gems. A gem lover's paradise!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 💎 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.
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.
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.
You'll find a wide variety of jade, from raw stones to finished jewelry. It's a primary trading point for locally mined jade.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are usually teashops and snack vendors within or around the market, offering local refreshments.
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
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
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
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.
Navigating the Market Experience
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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit