When travelling, it's inevitable that shopping is one of the things you have to do! Whether you're looking for the best bargains or unique souvenirs, it's always a great idea to slot in a day or two of retail therapy ?
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Since Mother's Day is just around the corner and it falls during Ramadan this year, here's an idea: why not celebrate it before or after the fasting month with the best way you know how - by going on a shopping trip with your mom! Here are 8 destinations which are perfect for you to bring your mom to for a shopping spree ?
P.S. Thinking of going on a mother-daughter trip? We've got you covered with these 12 Muslim-friendly destinations!
1. Bangkok
First on the list is Bangkok because you can't possibly miss out on shopping here! With so many markets, shopping malls and independent boutiques, Bangkok is a shopping haven for both young and old.
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One place that'll delight both you and your mom is Pratunam. Head over to Pratunam Market for cheap bargains on blouses and pants plus it's even cheaper if you buy clothes in bulk as they charge discounted wholesale prices. Don't miss out on a visit to EVE Shop Muslim and Hijab for Muslimah clothing and modest wear. If you're looking for somewhere air conditioned, then head over to Platinum Fashion Mall which has over 2000 shops, from clothes to handbags, accessories, cosmetics and more. Panida on the third floor sells long sleeve tops and Muslimah-style clothes ☺️
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Another place that you can get Muslimah-style clothing is Bobae Market. A lot of Thai locals do their shopping here and you can find clothes, shoes, accessories, textiles and even items from independent Thai designers. Similar to Pratunam, Bobae Market have wholesale prices too.
P.S. You'd definitely need to fuel up at these 15 halal eateries in Bangkok!
Of course, a trip to Bangkok isn't complete without a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market. You can pretty much get everything here! While you shop for the trendiest t-shirts, jeans or sneakers, your mom can shop for some Thai silk, and home decor and household items like cushion covers, pretty table tops or tea sets.
#HHWT Tip: Chatuchak opens at 9am (although not all shops will be open!) so arrive early so you don’t have to brave the scorching heat and insane crowd.
The best part is, you don't have to worry about halal food in Bangkok, our list of top 16 shopping spots in Bangkok near halal food is just what you need!
P.S. Do you want to treat your parents to a trip but don't know where to go? Check out these 10 Muslim-friendly destinations!
2. Kuala Lumpur
A trip to Kuala Lumpur (or KL) is always a convenient getaway, especially if you're from Singapore or other parts of Malaysia. One thing we love about KL is its massive malls which are perfect because there are shops for different age groups. Whether it's the swanky KLCC or Pavilion, or the megamalls like Mid-Valley, 1 Utama or Sunway Pyramid, you can spend hours shopping there.
#HHWT Tip: To make your shopping trip even better, book a stay at these 8 hotels in KL which are connected to shopping malls.
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If you or your mom are looking for Muslimah wear, there's no better place to visit that the Masjid India area and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Jalan TAR, as it is popularly known, is lined with small shops to bigger department stores that sell an assortment of hijabs, pantsuits, long blouses, brooches and more. You can also stock up on silk, lace, cotton and other exquisite textiles which are very affordable too ?
P.S. First time travelling with your mom and not sure what to look out for? We've got you covered with these 12 tips right here!
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Those of you who are doing your Raya shopping (because why not, right?) will be delighted to find shops selling ready-made Baju Melayu, shawls of various styles, colours, lengths as well as home furnishings like cushion covers and curtains. It's even better during the last few days of Ramadan where you'd get to snag the best deals for everything you need! A chain that's not to be missed in KL is Wisma Jakel - it has everything from textiles to ready-to-wear collection of Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung Modern in exclusive fabrics and stunning designs ?
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If you're looking for a more wholesale type of shopping, then Kenanga Wholesale City (KWC) is your best bet - there's a wide variety of clothes, bags and accessories, plus lots of Muslimah fashion too!
#HHWT Tip: While you're busy shopping, why not drop by one of these 10 awesome halal restaurants in KL for a quick fix?
3. Jakarta
Like KL, Jakarta is another shopping paradise - it has everything from super cheap to super exclusive. Whether you're looking for fashion boutiques, textiles, local handicrafts, international brands and more, Jakarta has something for you.
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One of the best places that's known to be a bargain paradise is Tanah Abang Textile Market; it's considered to be one of the largest textile markets in Southeast Asia ? A lot of locals come here to shop for affordable wholesale clothing amidst thousands of stalls selling various kinds of goods - from womenswear (Muslimah clothes too!), shoes, accessories, and many more. You definitely won't be burning a hole in you're pocket while you're here as prices here are really affordable.
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Another great spot for shopping is Thamrin City, a mall where you can stock up on batik and Muslimah wear. Thamrin is like a smaller and less crowded version of Tanah Abang, so shopping here will be a more comfortable experience. The mall is popular with Malaysian and Singaporean travellers, especially during Raya shopping season!
For those of you who are looking to shop in malls, we recommend heading to Mangga Dua Mall, a popular shopping spot. Can you believe there are 6 separate shopping centres here?! Head over to ITC Mangga Dua where you'll find lots of fashion items and accessories for ladies at affordable prices. But what's great is that other than clothes, there are household items here too like bedsheets, table cloths, curtains and more ?
#HHWT Tip: Looking for more shopping spots? Here's a list of the top 10 shopping places in Jakarta you can't miss!
4. Ho Chi Minh City
An up-and-coming destination for shopping in Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City has been popular with Malaysian travellers in recent years. With a perfect balance of sightseeing spots, affordable shopping and even halal Vietnamese food, the city makes for a great getaway.
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If there's one place you shouldn't miss, it's Ben Thanh Market in District 1. It's the one-stop place for all your shopping needs - you can get local handicrafts, souvenirs, snacks, clothes, textiles and more. The lively atmosphere at the market is just amazing and you can bargain your way too. There are many shops selling fabrics and you can choose a fabric you like and make your clothes here too - the tailors can get them ready in just one day!
#HHWT Tip: There are many shops selling the same things at Ben Thanh, so don't immediately buy something you see first. Take your time to survey and compare the different shops before making your decision.
What's great about Ho Chi Minh City is its variety of clothes and fashion items for Muslimahs too. Just round the corner from Ben Thanh, you'll find Nguyen Anh Dinh St, or dubbed the Malaysian Street. There's a night market here in the evening where the atmosphere turns lively and you can find halal food and clothes catered to Muslimahs. A lot of shops accept Malaysian ringgit too!
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If you wish to stock up on various types of hijabs, then head to Linda Wholesale - they have all types of hijab materials from shawls to silk, cotton and chiffon, and they even have telekung (prayer garments). For those of you who want to make your Raya clothing, you can tailor make your clothes here which will be ready in a day.
#HHWT Tip: While you're busy shopping, stop by these Muslim-friendly eateries too to get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine!
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Some of the other places to get your Muslimah clothing and hijabs are Mai-Daina Collection, Hawa Collection, Xuan Mai Baju Kurung Factory and Minh Collection. Some of these shops also stock famous hijab brands like Naelofar and Siti Khadijah, so you can surely shop to your heart's content!
Besides shopping, Ho Chi Minh City is also great for some sightseeing. Make sure you visit well-known sights like the Saigon Central Post Office and Independence Palace or take a day trip out to Cu Chi Tunnel and the Mekong River Delta. Check out our 7D6N Muslim-friendly Vietnam itinerary for more!
5. Bandung
Bustling markets, factory outlets and wholesale shops - Bandung is a shopaholic's dream come true! The city is known for being the go-to place for shopping in Indonesia and we think it's just the place that your mom would love ☺️
P.S. Heading to Bandung with your family? Book a stay at one of these gorgeous accommodations which are perfect for group trips!
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First things first, a trip to Bandung wouldn't be complete without going to Batik Komar. Specialising in premium quality batik dresses, skirts, shirts, bags and more, you'd definitely want to bring a piece or two of their beautiful prints home. Not to mention that the prints would be perfect for special occasions like Raya too.
#HHWT Tip: If you're feeling hungry from all that shopping, we've got you covered with our list of 12 awesome eateries in Bandung.
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Next, continue your shopping spree at Rumah Mode, one of the biggest factory outlet stores in Bandung. With a range of international brands like Zara, Mango, Gap and more, you'll definitely find a huge range of apparels from t-shirts, blouses and dresses. And there are sections for every shopper too - men, women and even children - so it makes for an ideal all-in-one shopping place ? Or else you could also head to Jalan Cihampelas, where there's something for everyone.
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If you're looking for Muslimah wear and all types of hijabs, head over to Balubur Town Square or Pasar Baru Trade Center. Be prepared to stock up on good quality fabrics, kebayas and accessories at these two places!
P.S. Want to discover more shopping spots in Bandung? Check out these 15 top spots!
6. Singapore
Singapore always has a reputation of being expensive and while it's true that you can get all your high-end and luxury shopping done here, there's so much more to Singapore's shopping scene than meets the eye.
#HHWT Tip: Bet you didn't know Singapore has budget shopping spots! We've rounded up 9 places you can shop without breaking the bank(;
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Did you know that you can go shopping for Muslimah clothing and hijabs at the Geylang Serai area? Head over to Joo Chiat Complex, Tanjong Katong Complex or Geylang Serai Market where there are hundreds of boutiques for your Raya shopping needs or even for you and your mom's everyday wear. Another place that's a must-visit for every Muslim traveller is the Kampong Glam area. Browse the shops at Arab St and Bussorah St where you can find various fabrics, brooches, hijabs and more ? You can also get some Singapore-themed souvenirs here.
Another place where you can get all-in-one shopping is Mustafa Centre. You can find almost anything at the 24-hour mall – affordable sportswear, electronics, clothes, textiles, groceries, souvenirs… the list is endless! Other than Mustafa, Chinatown is also a great place to get great bargains on souvenirs.
Of course, for those of you who want to do some high-end shopping, you can still head over to the famous shopping enclave of Orchard Rd. It is the one-stop place for your luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Coach, Chanel, Michael Kors and more. Step into the swanky malls like ION Orchard, Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Tangs and more to get your shopping done. Afterwards, refuel at one of the many halal eateries around the area near prayer spots.
Besides Orchard Rd, Marina Bay Sands is also a great place to shop for high-end luxury brands!
P.S. In Singapore and don't know what to do? Check out these 12 amazing things to do to explore Singapore like a local!
7. Hong Kong
We love how Hong Kong is a mix of many things - it has exciting sightseeing spots, nature trails, yummy halal food and it's also a treasure trove for shopping! With dozens of shopping spots around the city and a range of budgets to suit every shopper, you and your mom are set for an amazing retail therapy in Hong Kong.
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One of the places any shopper would love is the Ladies Market. There's a wide range of clothes and accessories catered to women but even if you're travelling with the whole family, no need to worry because there are shops for men's fashion, cheap souvenirs, electronics and toys too!
#HHWT Tip: It’s no surprise that Ladies Market is a tad touristy and starting prices might be a little higher than the actual price, but just remember to bargain your way through. Use our Cantonese phrase guide to help you score in bargaining!
Other than markets, you can also enjoy some wholesale shopping, fabrics and find plus-sized clothing at Cheung Sha Wan Fashion Road in Sham Shui Po. This is ideal for those of you who love to find the best bargains with your mom. Our Muslim-friendly guide to Sham Shui Po will definitely help you out.
For those of you who want a more comfortable shopping experience, head over to one of Hong Kong's many malls like Harbour City or Times Square. We recommend Harbour City for its range of over 700 stores and there are some brands that are only available in Hong Kong! If you're looking to splurge on luxury brands, there's a whole row of high-end shops ranging from Chanel to Hermes. If your mom is a fan of cosmetics, make sure you bring her to the FACES zone which has over 200 beauty brands ?
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But if you're looking for the best deals on international brands, we know just where to go - Citygate Outlets! Things here are permanently on a 30%-70% discount and you can get the best offers on over 90 brands ? Plus, it's just a short distance away from the Hong Kong Airport so you can do some last-minute shopping before going home.
#HHWT Tip: Get the best out of Hong Kong with our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary!
8. Seoul
Seoul might be seen as a trendy place for younger travellers but fret not, your mom won't be left out when shopping in the South Korean capital.
#HHWT Tip: Before you go on your shopping spree, check out these 7 shopping hotspots in Seoul near Muslim-friendly food!
First stop, Myeongdong! This is a must-visit for any traveller to Seoul. Myeongdong is great especially if your mom loves skincare and cosmetics. As Koreans are big on skincare, you'll be able to find great deals at The Face Shop, Innisfree, Nature Republic and more. Take your time surveying the best face masks or face creams before making your purchase ? Our guide on insider tips to shopping in Myeongdong will help you out!
P.S. Feeling hungry after all that bargaining? Recharge at these halal authentic Korean restaurants in Seoul!
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For an all-in-one shopping experience that both you and your mom would love, head over to Dongdaemun. This district is alive almost 24/7 and you can enjoy shopping in the many floors of Migliore, Doota Mall, APM Mall, Dongdaemun Market and more. There are wholesale discounts too so you and your mom can buy in bulk and enjoy cheaper prices ?
#HHWT Tip: Planning for a Seoul trip and not sure where to go? We've got you covered with this 5D4N Muslim-friendly itinerary!
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If you're going really budget and finding clothes and accessories for older women and also more modest wear, we recommend heading to the Express Bus Terminal Underground Shopping Center where you can find bargain buys from as low as KRW5000! There are many styles of clothes, shoes and accessories here so do take your time to find the most suitable one for you and your mom.
For a shopping experience unlike any other, bring your mom to Namdaemun Market - it's one of the largest traditional markets in Korea with over 10,000 retailers so there's surely something that'll suit your fancy! Plus, you and your mom can also immerse yourself in the locals' way of life. Here's where you can get traditional souvenirs to bring back for your loved ones. In case you're looking for more sophisticated traditional Korean souvenirs, we recommend heading to Insadong instead.
#HHWT Tip: If you're planning a family trip to Seoul, book a stay at one of these family-friendly accommodations.
So, if you're looking for a much needed retail therapy with your mom, why not plan a trip with her to one of these exciting shopping destinations? From Muslimah clothing to hijabs, cosmetics and even household items, you'll surely have lots of fun shopping with your mom! Make sure you SHARE this with her and let her know ?
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