SINGAPORE, December 11, 2015 – In time for the year-end holiday season, TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today unveiled its ranking of Asia’s top cities for shopping. New Delhi has topped the list for the best shopping city in Asia, followed by Bangkok and Singapore.
This ranking is based on the popularity of shopping activities in Asian cities1 and also includes highly-rated hotel recommendations which are bookable on TripAdvisor, offering shoppers great value for their stay so they can save as much of their holiday budget for the interesting malls or markets of each city instead.
“Shopping in Asian cities can be a rich and colourful experience if you know exactly which spots to go to and how to maximise your dollar,” said Janice Lee Fang, TripAdvisor’s Communications Director for Asia Pacific. “Most cities feature top quality malls where one can find your favourite designer shops, but there are also the night markets or street shops that sell beautiful handicraft and other local gems unique to the culture that make for excellent gifts for your loved ones.”
“Travellers looking to do their holiday shopping should definitely take advantage of the great hotel recommendations to be found on TripAdvisor so they can make the most of what’s in their wallets when they’re in these cities.”
Top 10 Asian Cities for Holiday Shopping:
1. New Delhi, India
Taking top spot on the list is India’s bustling capital city that offers a treasure trove of goods to be discovered through its blend of charming traditional markets and glitzy shopping malls. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The shopping was amazing, but trying the various street foods and being shown around the bazaars was an experience we will never forget.”
Recommended shopping venues: Select Citywalk for mall shopping and Chandni Chowk for a market experience
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Wood Castle – SGD 59/night (941 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is second with its huge variety of shopping options for every lifestyle and budget, from the very high-end to street shopping, wholesale and weekend markets. A TripAdvisor reviewer wrote, “Bangkok is an amazing city, from the endless shopping to the local delights and food stands on every single street – there’s so much to do and see!”
Recommended shopping venues: Siam Paragon for mall shopping and Chatuchak Weekend Market for a market experience
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Smart Suites – SGD 61/night (553 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
3. Singapore
Singapore is famous for its retail options across the city state, with a plethora of shopping malls that open till late.
Recommended shopping venues: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Lloyd’s Inn – SGD 188/night (434 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
4. Beijing, China
Beijing remains a favourite amongst shoppers for its artisanal handiworks and unique trinkets with historical accents. Must-visits include souvenirs and antique markets for an authentic Beijing experience. “In addition to the malls, look for some of the specialised markets, stores selling local designs, and flea markets,” .
Recommended shopping venues: The Place for mall shopping and amazing huge LED rooftop screen, Liulichang Street for Chinese traditional writing brush, paper, calligraphy and paintings, and antiques
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Michael’s House – SGD 90/night (458 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
5. Hanoi, Vietnam
Beautiful Hanoi is recommended as the spot to purchase quality textiles and fabrics. Offering a veritable display of sights and colours, shopping in Hanoi is made even more enjoyable with a growing number of flash boutiques. “Vietnam is famous for tailored clothing of excellent quality, so what better destination for shopaholics, than the nation’s capital, Hanoi!” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
Recommended shopping venues: Old Quarter, Hang Gai Street for street shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Art Trendy Hotel – SGD 66/night (969 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubble rating)
6. Tokyo, Japan
From the latest gadgets and gizmos to anime goods, immaculately crafted handiworks and indie labels, Tokyo proves its status as one of the greatest shopping capitals of the world. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “If you can imagine it (and even if you can’t), you can probably find a store that sells it in this inimitable metropolis.”
Recommended shopping venues: Omotesando for street shopping, Isetan Department Store - Shinjuku for mall shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Hotel Sardonyx Tokyo – SGD 174/night (169 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
7. Seoul, South Korea
With the Hallyu wave (Korean wave) spreading its influence worldwide, South Korea’s capital is rising up the ranks as a shopping destination with its range of underground labels and luxury goods. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, “While Seoul has all the top brands, you will find talented, local designers with fresh and unique designs at very wallet friendly prices.”
Recommended shopping venues: Myeongdong: Hyper Shopping for boutique shopping, Namdaemun for market shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: ShinShin Hotel – SGD 150/night (364 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubble rating)
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The shopping scene in Kuala Lumpur provides a retail respite with its massive shopping malls and street markets that cater to every taste and budget. “Kuala Lumpur (KL) is now an exciting destination in its own right, with great sights, lovely parks, and fabulous shopping,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.
Recommended shopping venues: Suria KLCC Mall, Mid Valley Megamall for mall shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Hotel Maison Boutique – SGD 61/night (245 reviews, 4 out of 5 bubble rating)
9. Kathmandu, Nepal
A quaint gem in the region, Kathmandu is growing in its popularity as a shopping haven offering an exquisite array of specialty products like Nepalese crafts and woodworks, cashmere and pashmina at affordable prices and high quality. A TripAdvisor reviewer recommended, “Look beyond the mayhem and you’ll notice the myriad different specialty markets … waiting for you to haggle over!”
Recommended shopping venues: SK Handicraft Exports, Asan for street and market shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Hotel Friends Home – SGD 66/night (767 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubble rating)
10. Jakarta, Indonesia
Serious spenders will enjoy Jakarta’s vibrant mix of ‘pasars’ (markets) with interesting finds and upscale boutiques for luxury goods. With over 150 shopping malls across the city, shoppers will never run out of places to spend their Rupiah. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “Jakarta is a great big modern metropolis and there are more malls than the entire city's population need."
Recommended shopping venues: Grand Indonesia Mall for mall shopping, Tanah Abang Market for market shopping
Highly-rated value hotel in the city2: Amos Cozy Hotel – SGD 61/night (106 reviews, 4 out of 5 bubble rating)
Asian City Shopping Tips from TripAdvisor Community Members:
1. Take note of market closures: When visiting markets in New Delhi, take note that many markets such as Karol Bagh, Lajpatnagar andSarojini Nagar are closed on Mondays hence it is a good idea to head to Dilli Haat, Khan Market, Chandni Chowk and the malls instead – TripAdvisor member mohitgandhi
2. Be ready to bargain: When shopping in Bangkok. Offer 25 percent of the asking price and go up in small increments to bring them closer to the final price, which should be 40 to 50 percent of where you started. Never show anger, keep smiling and enjoy the ride. – TripAdvisor member dockerKev
3. Take your time: In Singapore (not just on Orchard Road), shopping centres close at about 9.30pm. On weekends, some close later at about 10pm – TripAdvisor member lifestory
4. Let your phone speak for you: Do not let language barrier dampen your shopping spirit in Beijing. Vendors in markets often don’t speak English, so you can use the calculator on your phone and sign language to bargain – TripAdvisor member alicial942
5. Go for local, lightweight gifts: When shopping in Hanoi, be sure to bring back a specialty local product or two – silk scarves and pashminas are extraordinarily good value; they are lightweight and easy to pack too – TripAdvisor member CreakingBones
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