While I have seriously cut down on all kinds of shopping since I started traveling so much, I have found it very difficult to resist spending all of my money on clothes and shoes while in Asia – the shopping malls and prices in Europe simply can’t compare to those in Asia.
The only thing that has stopped me from filling my backpack with shoes and dresses is that I hate the extra weight.
I’ve dealt with my shopping-cravings by saying that one day I will go back with at least one large empty suitcase to fill up with all the shopping I want before I leave again.
When I do this, these are the places I will visit – which are known to have some of the best shopping in Asia…
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a shoppers haven, offering everything on earth for some amazing prices, even compared to other cities in Thailand.
From Thai silk and handicrafts, budget rip-offs to high end fashion, local designers to international brands, everything is right here in Bangkok, and often under the same roof.
We experienced some amazing service from the shops, one which actually sent a microphone we bought via express flight up to Chiang Mai half an hour after we bought it online, and we received it the same evening.
Top places to shop are Central World Plaza (biggest mall in Bangkok), Chatuchak Market, Paptong Night Market, MBK Mall, Siam Discovery, Pantip Plaza, Siam Paragon among others.
Hong Kong, China
Shopping in Hong Kong is more than just a social activity, it is treated more like a serious sport, and it’s an important part of their history, culture and way of life.
Hong Kong is smaller than Bangkok which makes it a lot easier getting around, something which is crucial when you are out to simply shop.
The best time to go for Hong Kong holidays is either in July to September or late December to February when the city has some truly amazing sales.
The most popular places to shop are Festival Walk, SOHO, Causeway Bay and Kowloon.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The first time I went on Malaysia holidays and visited KL I was completely shocked by the sheer size of the shopping malls.
Just like in Bangkok you can walk from one shopping mall to another without ever even going outside.
Berjaya Times Square mall is enormous, and you will find that a lot of tourists inside are carrying maps of the mall as it’s so easy to get lost.
For more luxurious shopping KLCC mall underneath the famous Petronas Towers is the place to go, a place where I found myself surrounded by cat walk models on a shopping spree – this mall is worth a visit just to see the towers themselves.
The most famous malls are Bukit Bintang Plaza, Low Yatm Sungeu Wang Plaza and Starhill Plaza.
There are also a lot of interesting night markets around town where you can do some more budget retail shopping, like Petaling Street in China town.
Which is your favorite shopping city in Asia?
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