Hong Kong Shopping Bonanza
- Shared by a Hong Kong lover
The first thing that I discovered when I landed in Hong Kong was that it's a shopper's paradise. And, if you don't keep an eye on your wife and your vacation budget, you'll end up with an empty bank account. They have everything in Hong Kong. If you like malls, they have malls. But, if you prefer open markets or street stalls, they have those too.
And there is almost nothing that you can't get in Hong Kong. There are shops selling lovely silks and Oriental brocades as well as fabrics that you can find in New York or London. And the amount of choice available by way of colors, prints and prices, are mind blowing. There is something for every taste and budget in Hong Kong. For example the Sham Shui Po area is full of shops selling things at wholesale price and (unfortunately) quantities. But, most of the shopkeepers are so obliging that they'll sell the things retail, at wholesale prices.
If you're the kind who swears by designer wear, then you'll find plenty in the malls. Most of these malls contain boutiques that stock clothes made by the best names in international fashion. The best time of the year to visit Hong Kong is summer when the sales are on. And, then you should make sure to visit the main markets - Ladies Market and Temple Night Market in Kowloon. These two markets are good for electronic items and sporting goods.
Jardine's Crescent on Hong Kong Island is good place to shop for shoes. And don't forget to pay a visit to Stanley Market which is the most famous and unfortunately the most expensive) of markets in Hong Kong. And don't forget to bargain in all the markets except the malls, where they'll most probably throw you out if you do. And the most important advice of all is that keep in mind that you've to take, all the stuff that you buy, back home with you. So, a five-foot crystal eagle might look great in the shop, but how the hell will you take it home?
