Most people think Bangkok when ‘shopping’ and ‘Southeast Asia’ are put together. While it has some pretty amazing shopping, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are also right up there. Perhaps the best thing about shopping in Singapore is the cleanliness as well as not getting ripped off.
Like anywhere in Asia, the Southeast is also big into market shopping, and everywhere, even Singapore, has them. Thailand is the undisputed king in this area, and in particular the northern city of Chiang Mai, which is home to one of the world’s best known night bazaars.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok, Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the champion of Thai marketplaces. It’s 35 jam-packed acres includes some 15,000 stalls. Whether you’re looking to make a wholesale purchase for your own store, find an exotic pet or pick out a new living room set, this is the place to do it. Of course, Chatuchak also has mainline tourist appeal, so there’s an even greater selection of gifts, handicrafts and souvenirs for visitors to choose from
Orchard Road, Singapore
Arguably the best shopping strip in Asia, Orchard Road is a major focal point in super-clean Singapore, loaded with extravagant and good looking malls. As well as being all about shopping, it also has an ambiance, to boot, on account of its tree-lined boulevards and restaurants.
Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand
Forget the ever-present bargain markets and bazaars; Bangkok’s Siam Square is an air-conditioned haven amid the unrelenting traffic, noise and pollution of upper Sukhumvit. There are several malls here, some of which are interconnected and linked direct to Skytrain level, with fashion, electronics, and entertainment in one. This area is also home to individual boutiques and smart restaurants.
Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai, Thailand
One of Thailand’s best known night bazaars is Chiang Mai Night Bazaar near the center of the ‘Rose of the North’. It goes along Chang Khlan Road, just east of the famed Thapae Gate, and is a star attraction with all sorts of hill tribe knickknacks and traditional Thai handicrafts on offer. Art, gems and sports attire is also here.
Golden Triangle, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This area is in the heart of the Malay capital and is full to the brim of upmarket shopping plazas such as KL Plaza and Low Yat (computer) Plaza. KLCC is close by – where the Petronas Twin Towers and its glitzy Suria mall are at – as is Mid-Valley Megamall and Central Market.
Little India, Singapore
Singapore’s second most attractive area for shoppers is Little India and the nearby Arab Street. They are just northeast of downtown and have the best fabrics and silks. Sim Lim Tower is located here and is well known as one of the top places to buy cameras and other electronics items.
Phuket, Thailand
You’d be better off heading for Phuket Town for serious shopping of local items, such as pearls and nielloware ornamentation. The touristy beaches of Patong, Karon and Kata have bags of handicrafts and t-shirts, with interesting shopping by day. The Indian tailors can be a pain though.
Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This old-style Ho Chi Minh City market is the largest one in downtown and a must for tourists. Although visitors should always mind their pockets and be wary of rip-offs, it is good for a wander and especially for knickknacks, jeans and t-shirts. Take a picture of the clock tower during the day and at night and go for 50 percent off of quoted prices.
Central Market, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh’s Art Deco Central Market is a huge, somewhat alien-looking structure near the Phnom Penh riverfront and it does everything from souvenirs to knock-off DVDs and software. Avoid visiting during the midday heat.
Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia
The Indonesian capital has many glittering malls including the Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia. The huge indoor markets, known as shopping centers, are also popular and can often contain hundreds of shops. The Two Mangoes area is the best bet. For Indonesian antiques and handcrafts, look to Pasaraya Grande in Blok M. In Bali, the mountain town of Ubud is best for traditional artworks.
Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Ermita is one of the most popular tourist areas of Manila and is known for its bars and clubs, as well as for its shopping. It is especially good for arts and antiques, with loads of shops on the subject, as well as for big malls.