Photo: Bára Richterová, PrahaIN.cz/Tamda supermarket in Sapa market
We have already visited the Sapa market in Prague’s Libuš several times. The first time we were there was on a weekday shortly after lunch, when it was possible to shop in peace. We went for the second time just before Christmas. Also on weekdays, but in the early evening. It was packed, the arrivals were standing and the Tamda supermarket was the busiest. We went to it now too. Saturday early evening.
We arrived in Sapa around half past four. It was already clear upon entering the complex that many other people had a similar idea. We drove slowly from the main gate, followed by a detour to the well-known Tamda supermarket, and only then did the real hell begin.
The line of cars slowly stretched, the drivers were looking for a free space, people with full shopping baskets meandered between them. In a word, chaos. When one space became available, more cars suddenly started to drive into it. What we noticed was that mostly the local Vietnamese, especially in the vans, always gave priority and let the Czech go.
After we managed to park, we headed to the entrance. We took a quick look inside and immediately backed out.
We wrote
She was literally bursting at the seams there.
Crowds, crowds and more crowds
It was just before five o’clock, the supermarket was open until eight o’clock. Hoping that maybe the store would be free later, we decided to go out for a meal.
We know that there are a lot of bistros and restaurants in Sapa, which are the reason why many people come here. But we never ate there. At first glance, bistros do not look like what we are used to in the Czech Republic. Someone may wonder what the hygiene standards are like.
But we tried it and we definitely did not regret it.
We chose Bún Cá Hải Phòng. Only after leaving did we find out that we had chosen one of the best rated ones. At first glance, the restaurant was nothing special. The food was great.
We wrote
After eating, we returned to Tamda after less than 90 minutes. We had about an hour and a half to shop.
There were significantly fewer people here, the alleys were not crowded, you could walk and choose in peace.
People bought practically everything. From drugstores to hygiene supplies, pet food, Vietnamese sweets, various sauces, noodles, fruits and vegetables to cemetery candles.
Cash only
Shopping here is definitely worth it. We noticed significantly lower prices than in ordinary food, especially at the drug store, animal feed and chips.
The selection is really big and the prices are low. Author: PrahaIN.cz
At random, we can mention Jar for dishes (450 ml.) for 34.90, Softlan fabric softener for 39.90 or Coccolino fabric softener (1.8 liters) for 79.90. It costs, for example, 199 crowns in the online store Košík, Mall offers it for 189 crowns.
The selection on the second floor, where there are mainly sweets and savory snacks, made us feel almost like we were in Germany. An abundance of Haribo candies for 14.90 or Milka chocolates. They cost 19.99 crowns. There was also a huge difference with Lays baked chips. We saw these last week in Alberta for 54.90. We didn’t give a dime for them here. They have Pringles chips here for 41.90. In the Basket for 89.90.
When we left with a full basket about half an hour before eight o’clock, when it closed, there were few people. The parking lot was almost empty and the surrounding shops and stalls were closed.
When we left, there were fewer people. Author: PrahaIN.cz
If you want to take a leisurely stroll through the market, go for something good and then go shopping in Tamda, we definitely recommend a weekday morning or vice versa before closing time. Even on the weekend.
In conclusion, we repeat that you can only pay in cash. If you have a card, you can withdraw cash right at the entrance. Prices are also more favorable for Tamda card holders. We also shopped with her.
Several vendors told us that the ‘hell’ we saw around 5pm happens every weekend. They say they are grateful that people come. “We will help, we will advise,” said one of them with a smile on his face.
