Summer sales are in full swing, so we found the best destinations in the region for a full-blown summer shopping spree. From big-name designer handbags and the newest gadgets at renowned shopping malls, to priceless antiques or handicrafts at street markets, your passport is the key to finding unique treasures and getting the best deals. Here’s our travel hacks for fuss-free shopping.
Thailand, Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market
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The Thai capital is a shopper’s paradise. Chatuchak Weekend Market hosts over 8,000 stalls selling everything from home decor and bathing suits to pet toys. More than 200,000 shoppers descend on the 35-acre market every weekend, but it is worth braving the throngs of visitors to find unique gifts and discount items.
Travel Hack:
If you find an item you like, you should inspect it thoroughly as some vendors sell factory rejects. Take any claims of “authentic” antiques with a grain of salt. It’s possible to negotiate with most vendors, but be prepared to walk away if they’re not happy with the price you offer. Chances are, there’s another stall selling a similar item around the corner.
China, Hong Kong: Causeway Bay to Stanley Market
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Shopping in Hong Kong is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Try your luck bargain hunting for trendy items at Jardine’s Crescent in Causeway Bay, which is known for its fashion-forward finds such as embellished blouses, home accessories and bags. Designer label hounds can head to Pacific Place for high-quality leather and name-brand clothing and travellers in search of souvenirs like Chinese artwork and silk collectibles should visit the stalls at Stanley Market.
Travel Hack:
In Hong Kong, most items—other than wine and cigarettes—are tax free. Look out for shops that are certified as QTS-accredited merchants. These shops pass stringent quality assessments for their customer service and clearly-displayed product information. Prices are clearly marked in shopping centres but there are opportunities to bargain at street stalls.
China, Beijing: The Silk Market and Pearl Market
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The Silk Market is one of the Chinese capital’s most famous shopping spots. Despite its name, the market is filled with everything imaginable, including clothing, souvenirs, jewellery and electronics. The sellers are accustomed to dealing with foreigners and usually speak a little English. Hongqiao Market, or the Pearl Market, is a warren of stalls selling t-shirts, silk pajamas, souvenirs, beads and footwear.
Travel Hack:
The six-story Silk Market is a great place to practice your bargaining skills. A good way to start is to ask for ten per cent of the seller’s original price and then slowly bargain to meet the seller half-way. Be sure to not overpay for your purchase! After you’re finished shopping, head to the roof of Hongqiao Market for seldom-seen views of the Temple of Heaven.
Indonesia, Bali: Ubud and Guwang Art Markets
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Ubud is a treasure trove of Balinese handicrafts, artwork and traditional garments. Shoppers with blank walls and rooms to fill will find wonderful paintings, carvings and unique decorative items in Pasar Seni Ubud, or the Ubud Art Market, across from Ubud Palace. Some bargaining is typically required to get the best price. Travelling fashionistas will love exploring the clothing boutiques along Jalan Raya Ubud.
Travel Hack:
A 40-minute drive south, the village of Guwang’s art market, or Pasar Seni Guwang, offers similar handicrafts and textiles but is much less crowded. Visitors who journey here for the market should also explore the small streets around Guwang to discover artist-owned shops and painting galleries.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Mega Sale Carnival
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During the annual Mega Sale Carnival that takes place from June until August, Kuala Lumpur becomes a shopper’s paradise. Travellers can benefit substantially due to plummeting prices in the stores across the city. The Suria KLCC shopping centre, one of the city’s most glamorous malls, is located at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers and hosts stores offering a vast array of upmarket and international brands. For local treasures and quirky souvenirs, check out Pasar Seni (Central Market), a cultural heritage site that boasts a restored Art Deco facade and dates back to 1888.
Travel Hack:
While at Suria KLCC, shop to your heart’s content with 320 high-end local and international retailers. Divided into three sections, KLCC offers everyone a well-deserved dose of retail therapy. At Pasar Seni, head to the Collectables Centre located at G43. Here you will find vintage cigarette tins, oil lamps and antique Nyonya tea sets.
*Based on flight searches made on KAYAK.sg on 29 March 2016 for travel between 28 April and 2 May 2016.
Main image credit: ©joyfull/shutterstock.com
