Southeast Asia is a shopper’s paradise. There are humble open air heritage markets where you can bargain to your heart’s content, but there are also posh shopping malls or districts where you can find branded items and designer products. The region itself is an eclectic mix of cultures with various influences, which will definitely enrich your shopping trips.
These are Southeast Asia’s best shopping destinations you absolutely have to visit if you’re passionate about shopping:

Bangkok, Thailand

In Bangkok, you’ll find a fusion of old and new, both in the same city. For a traditional shopping experience, visit the floating markets where you can find anything and everything sold by nice ladies paddling little boats. For more modern locations, hit up Bangkok’s modern shopping complexes like MBK or Siam Paragon Mall.

Manila, Philippines

Manila is home to some of the biggest shopping malls in the world, and some argue that it is the shopping capital of Asia. You’ll probably need an entire day to explore locations like SM Mall of Asia, Sm Megamall, Robinsons, Glorietta and many other destinations in the city.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Everyone calls this city KL, and here you’ll find the best of Asia as it is home to the local Malays, as well as many Chinese and Indian residents. Put your bargain hat on as you visit Chinatown, also known as Petaling Street and nearby shopping spots like Central Market , Little India and Bukit Bintang.

Singapore

The island nation of Singapore comes alive especially during Christmas and New Year’s. This is when the main shopping district; Orchard Road is decorated in all things Chrismassy, from tons of lights to reindeers and poinsettias. Orchard Road is home to many well known shopping complexes like Tangs and Knightsbridge.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is like a night time theme park for shoppers, with shops open through the night into the wee hours of the morning, and many open to the crack of dawn. There are shops selling accessories, clothes, bags and souvenirs that your mother will thank you for.

Jakarta, Indonesia

The city of Jakarta is very large and filled with many people. The shopping spots here are spread out throughout the city and some of the spots to check out include the Ciputra Shopping Mall, Plaza Indonesia and Plaza Senayan.

Hanoi, Vietnam

In Hanoi, rather than the blinking lights of a modern mall, you’ll find many traditional markets selling the signature Vietnamese lacquer and silverware. Some of the locations to find these include Dong Xuan market, Central Market and Cho Hong Da.

Yangon, Myanmar

When in Yangon, many visitors take the opportunity to shop for their famous lacquer ware and the best place to find it is at the Bogyoke Aung San market which has more than 2000 shops under one roof selling everything a tourists might need to remember their trip.

Vientiane, Laos

In Vientiane, you’ll find a lot of local products in heritage style markets all over the city. The items that are on offer include silks, cane and rattan products, handicrafts, filigree jewelry and the like. The marketplaces to look out for are Nokeo Khunman street, Samsethai Street, Saoban Village Handicrafts and Panggkam Street.

Bali, Indonesia

Fans of artistic handicrafts and exquisite carvings must visit Bali at least once in their lives as the workmanship here is extraordinary. You’ll find carvings of Hindu gods, traditional designs and modern patterns, as well as jewelry, textiles, furniture and other art pieces on offer at Kuta Square, Sukawati Art Market and Monkey Forest Road in Ubud.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is home to the historical Angkor Wat which attracts millions of visitors each year. However, that’s not all that’s attractive in Siem Reap, as you can visit the local Angkor Night Market for more than 200 stalls selling traditional Khmer handicraft, as well as food and other items.

Southeast Asia’s markets and malls are not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to haggle for the best price, especially if you’re out on the streets and in open air bazaars.

Btw, we have nice beach too!!