Lau Pa Sat simply meaning old market, is otherwise known as Telok Ayer Market. Since its inception in 1825 the market has gone through many remodelling, demolition, structural change, and occupational change. This age old market is located in the center of Singapore’s business district, in Chinatown.

It originally was a simple wooden building extending over the sea, balanced on timber piles. Of course due to the natural elements this structure did not last long and had to be repaired. In time the need for a larger market was seen and architect George Coleman constructed an octagonal structure with beautiful cast iron columns of Victorian design, in 1836.

1879 saw the closing of the market for land reclamation needs. Upon the revival of the market engineer James Mac Ritchie maintained the previous design and added iron supports to further strengthen the structure – that now stood on reclaimed land.
The market with its delicate and acclaimed Victorian iron work – which is the largest such remaining work in South East Asia – was declared a National Monument in 1973.
The instalment of the MRT line required the market – which by then was a hawker centre, to be closed yet again in 1986. The cast iron supports were preserved and used again when the market was reconstructed in keeping with the original designs in the late 1980’s.

The market, which is now a food centre, as of 1995, offers a wide range of local food. There are a few shops as well and the weekend sees live entertainment on display, making Lau Pa Sat a relaxing and pleasant location for locals as well as tourists.

If the traveller seeks hotels Singapore that provide easy access to places such as Lau Pa Sat, then the M Hotel Singapore with its central location and modern amenities, it is an exceptionally chic hotel Singapore has to offer.