Hong Kong Street Markets
Hong Kong is filled with small street markets. They are all over the place. The most known ones are the Ladies Market in Mong Kok and the Night Market in Yau Ma Tei. Both basically have the same stuff, trinkets, souvenirs, knock off clothing, etc, and both places will try to rip you off.
Bargaining is part of the shopping experience here. So be prepared to hear ridiculously high prices, and then offer them about 80% off that. Yes they will shout at you. Yes they might even throw stuff at you. They might even tell you that you are ripping THEM off! But don’t worry, no shopkeeper will sell anything below cost, and always will they have a decent profit margin.
If you are unsure off the price, the easiest thing is to just walk away. If they come running after you and offer you the price you suggested, you know you are good. If they do not come after you, you know you went to low, and you can try again at another stall. Yup another stall. Most of the stalls are repeated, and you can find the same stuff over and over again.
The Ladies Market seems to be crowded at all times, since it is located in Mong Kok, one of the busiest areas in Hong Kong. It is a real experience, but if you have trouble handling crowds, avoid this area. While you are there, try and visit Sino Center as well, for some good deals on DVDs/blurays, Toys, games and various knick knacks. Sino Center also has a couple of hair product stores. Misplaced in this geek haven, it has a lot of different and hard to find products at affordable prices.
The Night Market on the other hand has a very lively atmosphere. Besides the shopping, this place is filled with astrologers and tarot card readers, who will tell you what your future entails! On the side you can hear the shrill sounds of locals singing their favourite classic or current pop song. After you have gone through the whole market, you can also sit down and enjoy a nice seafood meal on the road! The restaurant owners will actually set up a table for you on the pavement or on the road, so you can sit down and enjoy your meal.
Besides these two markets, you also have the Stanley Market, which is located near Stanley beach, and the Jade Market in Mong Kok, for all your jade needs. Once you have visited these places, you will have had enough of Street Markets!
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Ash Sarin is a shopaholic and foodie who wants to share his finds with everyone!
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