From Thailand Night Markets, let us now move on to Hong Kong! There are times during your trip when you feel as if you have already exhausted your energies from all the walking that you are doing to explore different tourist spots or from carrying extra heavy loads of shopping bags from those must-visit department stores and boutiques. After that sumptuous dimsum dinner that you had in one of the authentic Chinese restaurants located just a few minutes away from your hotel, the thought of relaxing in your lavish hotel room can really be tempting.

Come to think of it, who in the world can resist lounging in your hotel room most especially if you are staying at the Conrad International Hotel, a hotel that is strategically located in a business and shopping district which makes it ideal for both business and holiday trips. It is so near the Pacific Place, one of the premiere shopping centers in Hong Kong.

But you would have to postpone that warm bubble bath that you are planning as you can still go for another round of shopping in numerous night markets that you can try in Hong Kong.

TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET

Temple Street is a short street in the middle of Kowloon. This place is quite accessible as you can get there by simply taking the MTR up to Jordan Road. Take Exit A then turn right into Jordan Road then right again to Temple Street. It is only three blocks away from Nathan Road and it stretches from the Jordan MTR Station to Yau Ma Tei.

This street was named after the Tin Hau Temple that is found in the middle of the street and is visited by locals and tourists. Take note that its popularity translates to having big crowds.

From 6:00 pm onwards, Temple Street is given over entirely to pedestrians. You can find almost anything and everything in this famous shopping alley. You can scout for inexpensive stuff and the main items for sale includes men’s sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, sportswear, souvenirs, shoes, bags, toys, gadgets, etc. Another unique thing that you can visit in Temple Street are stores that sell snake delicacies like dried snakes, snake blood, etc.

If you get hungry, you can have dinner at Temple Street. There are restaurants that serve sizzling seafood, fresh sautéed green vegetables, sweet and sour pork and finish your meal with some dessert like the famous warm sago mixed with juicy ripe mangoes in sweet coconut milk or some dumplings stuffed with sweet red bean paste wrapped in sesame seeds.

Aside from shopping and food stops, Temple Street is also a popular place for fortune tellers. There are nights when you can also catch several interesting impromptu Cantonese opera performances as well as Chess matches.

LADIES’ MARKET (TUNG CHOI STREET)

You can also try visiting the shopping stalls on Tung Choi Street which is more popularly called the Ladies’ Market in Mongkok. Just like Temple Street, the Ladies’ Market can easily be reached by taking the MTR and getting off at the Mongkok Station.

In this busy open air market, you will find shops that sell everything from inexpensive ladies’ clothes to jeans, bags, accessories, mobile phones, watches, leather products, souvenirs, jewelry, home decor, DVDs, etc. A nearby alley called Sports Street where you can find shops specializing in sports apparel and assorted sports related products.

Just like in any market, you can also try the food stalls that serve assorted local dishes, noodles, congee, hotpot dishes etc for your delectable late night snacks.

The market starts operations from noon and the action pulsates daily until around almost midnight.

CAUSEWAY BAY

As previously mentioned, Causeway Bay is considered one of the busiest areas in Hong Kong both by day and by night. There are department stores nearby. There are also a lot of open-air markets, food stalls, bars, restaurants, etc. Be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets though as most upscale and branded products are readily available here.

NATHAN ROAD

Just the same, Nathan Road is also a common destination for those people who prefer to extend their shopping spree until late at night. This particular area is characterized by dazzling neon signs that are installed outside of buildings and extend as far as your eyes can see. There are boutiques, electronics shops, jewelry shops, stores that sell assorted leather products, coffee shops, restaurants, convenience stores etc.

Shopaholics would surely have a field day in Hong Kong because of these funky night markets that offer the best bargains and discounts. Furthermore, these night markets best illustrate the color and energy that is unique to vibrant Hong Kong.

Posted in Hong Kong, Things to do

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