Jieng Jai market and TOPS "Green" - one expat's review

[Old Curmudgeon]

TOPS "Green" supermarket at Jieng Jai market opened about a year ago.
My first time there today.
Here's a review for my fellow expats.

 

For those wanting to save time, here's my review in 4 words: Don't waste your time.

 

It's designed from the ground up as a tourist "trap".
Not a "trap" really, because it is attractive, clean, well-organized.
Lots of open space to wonder around and look at vendors selling things.

It has all the appeal of a new shopping mall, just open-air.

 

In the market area, mostly "natural fiber" clothes for women.

Lots of "natural" style handbags and shoes for women.

Lots of little nick-knacks and "accessories" that would appeal to women.

 

Plus lots of little "food court" places to eat.

Plenty of chairs and tables to sit and eat outside.

From a quick glance, the food seems aimed at what we used to call "health nuts".
In the past, that meant lots of tofu + bean sprouts + kefir and kombucha.
These days it means signs and menus adorned with words like:
    • eco-friendly
    • energy-efficient
    • reduced plastic
    • sustainability
    • environmental responsibility

 

If words like that "speak" to you, then you'll probably like Jieng Jai market and TOPS Green.

 

TOPS inside is clean, well-lighted, and well-organized.
Much nicer than any other TOPS Daily store I've ever seen.

 

In the store, anything that could vaguely be considered green and trendy:
Grass-fed beef -- securely sealed in plastic wrap.
Organic eggs -- in "natural" cardboard egg cartons.

But my favorite, organic apple juice -- easily available at Rim Ping -- at TOPS Green, "no have".
And everything at prices much higher ordinary stores.

 

We arrived about 8:30 AM.-- still cool.
Busy, but not crowded.
Stayed an hour.
That was all the sustainability I cared for.

 

When we left about 9:30 AM. the flood of tourists was starting in earnest.
Big tour buses, vans, and song-taeow, too many to count.
A Tsunami of Chinese tourists pouring in, wave after wave.

Farang tourists; just a few, always with pampered children in tow.

Did not see anyone who looked even remotely like a long-stay expat.

 

So, any reason for an expat to go?
Only one:

For men seeking "day game", lots of young, healthy-looking targets of opportunity.

 

Other than that, the Thais have a saying that, in my opinion, applies here:
ครั้งแรกเป็นครั้งสุดท้าย

"First time is last time".

 

 

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Old Curmudgeon

[Bill97]

Imperial colonial opinion.

 

Anybody still interested?

Edited 2 hours ago by Bill97

[novacova]

1 hour ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

TOPS "Green"

 Nothing there of interest.

1 hour ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Jieng Jai market

Tourist trap

[JimTripper]

Chinese people like it because it feels premium. Same for real brands clothing stores.

Edited 50 minutes ago by JimTripper

[Old Curmudgeon]

57 minutes ago, JimTripper said:

Chinese people like it because it feels premium. Same for real brands clothing stores.

 

In this case, Chinese tourists don't have any choice.

They follow tour schedule, get on the bus, and go wherever tour operator directs.

 

The correct question to ask is who gets what commissions.

And at prices for everything there is lots of room for commissions at this market.

No reason that I can think of for any expats to go there.

Edited 9 minutes ago by Old Curmudgeon

[chiang mai]

The individual market stalls are a good place to buy high quality fresh vegetables at a reasonable price.

 

Some of the musicians are also very good, free entertainment on Sunday morning in a slightly quirky environment.