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Top 5 Cities In Asia For Your End Of Year Shopping Haul

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Umi A •  Dec 13, 2016

Given that the end of the year sales are all around us, you miiight be tempted to go on a much needed shopping trip! Don't worry, you're not alone in this?

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Still wondering what's the best shopping destination in Asia? Here's our top 5 cities for you to choose from!

P.S. Going to Seoul, Singapore or Tokyo? Download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS to find the best attractions, yummy halal food and nearby prayer spaces!

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1. Seoul, South Korea

There’s no limit to how much you can shop here, whether day or night, or by cash or credit! Did you know it’s illegal for any merchant to reject your credit card, no matter how low the price? The law is definitely on your side, all you shopaholics!

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If you’re a fan of HHWT, you know that we ‘Seoul’ got you covered! In the day, visit the underground shopping malls at Bupyeong and Gangnam for some budget shopping, Munjeongdong-Rodeo Street for major discounts, and Garosu-gil and Cheongdam-dong Fashion Street to purchase luxurious items. For the night owls, try out your bargaining skills at Dongdaemun Retail & Wholesale for the latest and trendiest clothes.

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For some traditional Korean goods, the Globe Shopper index recommends the Seoul Folk Flea Market and the Gyeondong Market too.

[Check out HHWT’s Ultimate Guide To Shopping in Korea and Dongdaemun Friendly Travel Guide!]

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a great mix of high quality shopping with affordable prices and extended sales. Three of the world’s largest malls are in KL, which includes 1 Utama and Sunway Pyramid. 1 Utama comes with a massive indoor rock climbing facility and a rooftop garden filled with 500 species of exotic plants. More high-end luxury malls are lined up at Bukit Bintang as well, so you can take you pick based on your budget.

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Mid Valley Megamall and Petaling Street Market are known for its affordable shopping as well. For those that absolutely adore unique pieces, visit Peter Hoe Beyond, a warehouse store that sells housewares, silverware, furniture and clothing designed by the Malaysian designer himself!

P.S. Did we mention that Malaysia's having a huge end of year sale now?

3. Bangkok, Thailand

If you’re up for the ultimate outdoor street market fun, Bangkok is the place to be. Check out Chatuchak Weekend Market and its hip flea market neighbour, JJ Green. Chatuchak is famous for its maze-like layout that’s filled to the brim with fashionable items including home-grown clothing labels and handbags. Meanwhile, JJ Green has more street foods, souvenirs and vintage items like old-school Nintendos. Game on!

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Also visit Platinum Mall and modern street market Asiatique the Riverfront, that comes with a huge Ferris wheel. Take a short break from the intense shopping when you’re there! As an icing on the cake, there are halal food stalls and a mosque near Asiatique along Charoen Krung road.

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[Check out 6 street markets in Bangkok for us shopaholics here.]

#HHWT Tip: Platinum Mall also has a well-equipped prayer room for Muslims.

4. Tokyo, Japan

One word: Shinjuku. The shopping experience here makes you feel like royalty. Isetan’s flagship store in Shinjuku has English, Chinese and Korean-speaking staff to assist you and you can ask for shopping tips from their shopping consultants. If you can’t decide between those pair of heels or sneakers, you know who to ask.

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Just because you feel like royalty while shopping, does not mean that you have to fork out as much money as them. Tokyo is Asia’s fourth-cheapest shopping city according to the Globe Shopper City Index. Check out other famous stores like Takashimaya Times Square, Lumine and Odakyu in Shinjuku too.

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With so many major shopping options in this vicinity, what are you waiting for?

5. Singapore

Singapore is not only obsessed over food, they are also obsessed with shopping! With the plethora of air-conditioned shopping centres as well as flea markets and pasar malams, Singapore is a vibrant shopping hub. The Global Muslim Travel Index ranked Singapore as the number one city to visit in 2016 among non-Muslim countries. #SGPride

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Our shopping street is located at Orchard Road, which has at least 20 shopping malls that sells both affordable and luxury items. The best of both worlds? Definitely! Visit Bugis Street for both inexpensive and hipster stuff and drop by 24/7 everything-is-there Mustafa Centre too. Jurong East is an upcoming shopping hub, so you will never run out of places to shop. Why not pay a visit to the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands too?

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#HHWT Tip: There are 13 musholla sites available along the whole stretch of Orchard road, including the Al-Falah mosque.

So, there you have it! We'd suggest taking advantage of the year end sales as much as possible? Happy shopping everyone?

P.S. Travelling to Seoul, Tokyo or Singapore? Download our HHWT Travel Planner App available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android! ?

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