Snake Alley Night Market

Every major Asian city seems to feature at least one large night market and, for the most part, they resemble one another in both their appearance and content. Knock off designer fashion and cheap plastic toys are never in short supply.

But the Snake Alley Night Market in Taiwan tops most of the markets I've visited. The variety of oddities in this bustling, neon-lit series of streets will make you stare in wide-eyed wonder.

Snake handlers welcome visitors to sample the blood of their captive animals. The smell of the stinky tofu hits your nose long before you find the source of the stench. The disconcerting texture of the jelly tea slides down your throat as you drink the strange beverage. It's all an unexpected adventure through Taipei's streets.