Living in the small town of Satuk, in the Buriram district of Thailand, is certainly a different experience than living in Bangkok. One of the highlights of Satuk is without a doubt the local market, situated right in the heart of town. Open seven days a week from early until around nine o'clock at night, the market is always bustling with life. It is the social and commercial hub of the town, where the townspeople come not only to shop, but also, perhaps more importantly, to catch up on the latest news.

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At first glance, the market seems to be a maze-like warren of confusing little alleys branching off each other in no particular order or pattern, but as you wander around the different stalls and little shops, you find that the market is really very easy to navigate.

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With anything from fresh and cooked food, kitchenware, gardening tools, electronic equipment and clothing, to shoes, accessories, toys and jewelry to delight the eye, the Satuk market has anything and everything the heart desires for very affordable prices. It is an amazingly interesting place, with friendly vendors eager not only to make a sale, but also to have a chat and share a friendly smile. The pace of life in Satuk is slow and going to the market is not only a shopping trip, but also a social event, where one can experience the gentle Thai people at their best.

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