Fresh wholesome food is one of the great benefits and pleasures of a holiday in Thailand, and is something that is fundamental to Thai culture.

If your weekly food shopping is from the convenience of a Super-market then Thai Markets are going to be a reminder of the link we all have back to the food we eat. The women in this photograph are selling herbs and spices that they have grown in their own gardens.

The best time to visit the market is early morning when the fresh produce is being brought in from the countryside, or early evening when food stalls are selling local delicacies.

Look out too for wild foods harvested from the forests, mushrooms are one of my favourites. What you will not find is uniform pre-weighed and packed foods, this is a link to agriculture and food at its best, and one that I hope you take time to visit.