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home city, especially electronics, so it’s
economical too! Balance out the indul-
gence by picking up some souvenirs for
the people left behind at home – that’s
a good way to earn brownie points on
your return.
So which cities should be top of your
list? Here are the trio that shoppers
dream about whenmoving through Asia:
Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to choice, there are few
cities that can beat Kuala Lumpur for
shopping. Malls of every size and style –
from long-standing traditional shopping
centres to the new and flashy heights
of Pavilion and Suria KLCC – ensure
that every shopper can find the clothes
and brands they’re looking for. For a
more authentic, cultural experience, try
the historic Central Market (ideal for
souvenirs) or Petaling Street (prepare
to bargain!), while the Royal Selangor
Pewter shops are great for beautiful but
unique keepsakes.
Bangkok
Thailand’s capital can similarly deliver
in terms of variety, with the newer malls
balanced by the various street markets
that take place across the city as well as
the tourist hubs where souvenirs can be
found. Central World Plaza is the city’s
largest mall which suits those seeking
everything in one place, while some
good markets to visit include Chatuchak
Market and Paptong Night Market. You
can be guaranteed some great street
food stalls popping up at night markets,
which makes the experience even better!
Just hope it does not rain…
Hong Kong
This is a serious shopping destination,
and it’s small size means that Hong Kong
is easily navigable for shoppers keen
to avoid long hot walks around town.
Popular locations for a shopping session
include Festival Walk, SOHO, Causeway
Bay and Kowloon – if you have the time,
try them all! Kowloon is certainly the
place for extremes, from the mighty
Plaza Hollywood with its 220 stores and
restaurants (and a cinema) to the vibrant
Temple Street Night Market, the latter
opening as the sun goes down and a
good place for a bargain and souvenirs.
Brand-seekers should head straight
to DFS Galleria, where top brands from
all four corners of the globe are housed
for an exclusive if pretty pricey shopping
experience.
Wherever you find yourself shopping,
be sure to keep your receipts and check
at the airport to see if you can claim tax
back as you leave the country. Don’t
forget the duty free shopping too – noth-
ing can beat the airport for getting a great
deal on perfume, make up, alcohol and
edible goodies.
The popular Plaza Hollywood in Hong Kong
Local arts and crafts at Chatuchak Market, Bangkok