Joanna James
Kowloon is good place to start your jetsetter lifestyle in Hong Kong; managing your budget is crucial in this city which is why the following list of best budget shopping venues must be appreciated.
Once you get settled into your Hong Kong budget hotel relax and rejuvenate after your flight. Shopping is not the only lure that comes with a discount in Hong Kong; there are in fact plenty of excellent 3 star hotels in Asia catering to the budget traveller. If you are not a member of Travelodge Hotels look around and hook up with a provider that works for you. After a good rest you will be ready to hit Temple Street Night Market; a lively cost effective shopping and night entertainment venue. Located around Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon this place offers fabulous souvenirs, clothes, shoes, DVD's and just about anything. Open from 4pm to close to midnight this market would be an ideal first impression of local flavour in Kowloon.
Open from 10 am to 10 pm this fabulous shopping venue offers endless choices. Located in Tsim Sha Tsui in a huge warehouse like structure Harbour City boasts over 700 shops to explore; owing to its sheer size expect plenty of bargains. Also due to the large number of shops within the complex it is wise to arm yourself with a map of malls segregated into four sections.
Ladies Market is a fine treat for all shopaholics; located along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok Kowloon the area is lined with loads of stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, accessories, shoes, fashion jewellery and plenty of other trinkets. Goods despite the name are not just for 'ladies' and the stalls run by savvy females should be navigated like a professional. Practise your haggling skills and you can walk away with some pretty good bargains. Remember the initial price quoted is always a trumped up version of what the actual range is. The market is open from noon to 11 pm.
Quite similar to the Temple Street Market, Fa Yuen stocks up on similar items. Located between Prince Edward and the Mong Kok MTR stations this market although selling the usual souvenirs, clothes and cheap fashion jewellery caters more to the local population and welcomes many expat housemaids enjoying their day off. Open from 10 am to 10 pm the market is famed for offering excellent deals on trainers and shoes.
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without that little piece of Jade trinket. And if you have been saving with budget shopping picking up a piece of Jade jewellery or ornament will be quite possible. The Jade Market located close to the Yau Ma Tei MTR Station is where you would get the best deal on jade and semi-precious stone inlaid jewellery, ornaments etc. There are of course the fakes intermingled with the genuine product, hence a good scrutiny is recommended before your purchase. Make note that the dark green stones are the most expensive while the yellow and brownish stones are less expensive options.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
