I was actually searching for the location of a fish market, when I came across the existence of the Mandalay Jade Market, also known locally as Mahar Aung Myay Market.

Visiting this market turned out to be one of the more interesting things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second biggest city.

We caught a taxi from our hotel and arrived outside the market where a sea of motorbikes were parked. I had actually been surprised during my time in Myanmar at the lack of motorbikes on the streets, with cars being the main form of transport.

I guess the motorbikes were all here at Mandalay’s jade market!

Mandalay Jade Market (Mahar Aung Myay Market)

We entered the market at the main entrance and were immediately transported into another time. It was a timeless scene, out of one of many movies of a bygone era.

The main market is made up of a grid of cramped walkways, filled with nonchalant traders, cool customers trying not to show too much interest, the tradesmen of cutters and polishers, the shop keepers, and far few tourists watching all the action take place.

And whilst I have no particular interest in jade, I found the market to be immensely interesting, and a great way to spend a couple of hours exploring a new scenery.

This man had just sat down and was taking out small pieces of jade as well as two rings. It wouldn’t be long before buyers would be sitting across the table from him analysing his wares.

Thousands of people walk through the market each day.

Lining the main walkways are rows of old wooden tables, where men, I only saw men at these tables, sit and inspect small pieces of jade. They use a flashlight and shine it into the precious green stone. They are looking for the quality of the piece, and the more cracks and spots in the jade, the less it is worth.

Shining his torch into a piece of jade.

They sit and complete deals with customers drinking tea from ornate pots and smoking cheroots, the old style cigars that still have some popularity in Myanmar.

The jade traded here is the rarer, and therefore more valuable type called jadeite. Myanmar produces close to 70% of the world’s jadeite, which brings in customers from all over Asia, especially the Chinese, to the Mandalay jade market.

It shouldn’t be surprising, but there’s also a space for the younger traders, men and women, who are using modern methods to help with the transactions.

They too are lined up, but behind a longer desk, without the ornate tea pots or the cigarettes, inspecting jade jewellery using mounted smartphones and talking into their headsets. The pace of the deals quicker.

The mobile phones are mounted and the items are being filmed and analysed and discussions taking place on the phone.

There were also finished products that were for sale in shops lining the main thoroughfare. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Jade tea sets, and statues with amazing examples of Buddha.

Beautiful Buddha statues

There were the small workshops, with men cutting into the rocks. There were the food stalls, lots of tea shops, and a pool hall consisting of 5 tables.

There was something different to see around each corner.

One of the many small alleyways with little workshops where the craftsmen go to work. This chap was under the watchful eye.

The main market is enclosed within a fence, and we had to pay an entry fee ($2) to get in. However, we noticed that the market continues on outside of the fence, and that is nearly as interesting as the market inside.

As you exit the confined market space onto 86th street, there is a large covered area that is called the Hparkant Mall. Within this less manic part of the Mandalay jade market, vendors were sitting on the ground with their jade related wares set out before them.

A huge array of jewellrey and other items made with jade for sale. They all looked very pretty and I’m sure they would make some great gifts. But unfortunately, not for people I know. I have to admit I don’t know the first thing about jade.

As we walked through, we saw that they were offering all types of smaller items, including jewellery, as well as different shaped individual pieces, even really cute miniature elephants and turtles.

Inside Hparkant Mall. This part of the market is big enough to be its own independent market. The market proper is to the right with the blue roof.

And many of the vendors had little piles of small pieces that buyers would sift through, shining their torches into, hoping to find a hidden gem, so to speak.

Smaller pieces and offcuts being examined.

And finally, on the other side of the market, lies a street heavy with cafes, more motorbikes, and a few shops selling large and beautiful pieces of jade, destined for the craftsmen.

There were many stores with this amount of jade sitting in their store fronts. And with all the jade available at the market, most of it just sitting around, I didn’t see one police officer or security guard the whole time.

The Mandalay jade market was a great spot to visit for a couple of hours. I can’t speak to the efficacy of such markets, but I know that like many aspects of Myanmar’s society, modern ways will at some point change the way they operate. I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit this market now.

Visiting Mandalay Jade Market

Mandalay Jade Market
Address: 87th Street, Mandalay
Open: 8.00am to 12.00pm, 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Enter on 87th street and walk through into Hparkant Mall which sits on 86th street

Entrance Fee is $2. I didn’t see where to buy the tickets (if there was one). I was approached by two officials as I walked around who issued me a ticket.