Best Outlet Shopping in Southeast Asia and Beyond

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years mamas, it’s that you should never ever pay retail. With luxury prices sky-rocketing through the roof (and eating into the littlies’ college funds), we’re thanking our lucky stars we can reach some of Asia’s best fashion outlet shopping from Hong Kong. Whether we’re nipping over to Malaysia or sneaking off to Japan, see where the top places for your budget are.

Bangkok Fashion Outlet
Where: Bangkok, Thailand
How to get there: 2hr 55 mins flight to Bangkok, take the BTS Skytrain to Surasak and walk for five minutes
Best outlets: British India, Rayban, Juicy Couture, Bossini, La Senza, and more; see the full directory here
Other nearby highlights: Bangkok Jewellery Avenue, Bangkok Art Galleria

Run by Central Group, one of the biggest names in retail in Thailand, Bangkok Fashion Outlet is the motherlode of outlet malls. With over 500 brands clamouring for your attention in this 10,000 square foot super complex, there’s a great mixture of both beloved international brands as well as local Thai ones we’re itching to discover. The greatest thing is that it’s located in the heart of Bangkok and pretty easy to get to, meaning you don’t have to hire a jet plane and a blimp to get your discount shopping on. Somewhat dangerously for our wallets, it’s also located next to the Jewellery Avenue…

Bandung
Where: Bandung, Indonesia
How to get there: 1 Stop – 7hrs 40 mins
Best outlets: Victoria’s Secret, Nike, Hugo Boss, Ann Taylor and more
Other nearby highlights: Trans Studio Bandung Theme Park, The Ranch, Tangkuban Perahu volcano

We hope you’re ready for a spot of retail therapy, mamas. We’re sure you’ve heard the name Bandung whispered amongst those in the know, whose outfits are always on point despite their shockingly healthy wallets. With not one but four districts for you to get your outlet on (Dago, Riau/Gedung Sate, Bandung North, Kota), there’s also a plethora of other things to do with the fam in the area, so consider booking a hotel nearby to get the full experience. There’s a reason it’s called the Paris of Indonesia, after all.

Gotemba Premium Outlets
Where: Shizuoka, Japan
How to get there: Fly 2hrs 55mins to Tokyo, round trip bus from Tokyo Station direct to Gotemba Premium Outlets (Y2880 for adults, Y1440 for kids). Also offer one day tour packages with an onsen visit to Lake Yamanaka here
Best outlets: Coach, Tory Burch, Timberland, Paul Smith, Disney and more; see the full directory here
Other nearby highlights: Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka

First off mamas, how many shopping experiences are tied in with a magnificent view of Mount Fuji? Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan’s flagship outlet mall, has won a heap of TripAdvisor awards with good reason. With highbrow labels on the racks as well as more affordable ones, everybody in the family will able to splurge on whatever tickles their fancy. Did we mention they have baby rooms, diaper facilities, a children’s area and stroller rentals? Hallelujah, mamas!

Johor Bahru
How to get there: 1 stop, 5 hr 55 mins flight
Where: Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Best outlets: Furla, Michael Kors, Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren Children; see the full directory here
Other nearby highlights: Danga World Theme Park, Johor Bahru Zoo, Legoland Malaysia

Run by the same guys behind Gotemba Premium Outlets (also featured on the list), we’re sure you’ve dipped over the border to treat yourself every now and again – if you haven’t, now’s certainly the time to start. With over 130 designer outlets and 25-65% savings on everything, this is definitely one for those name brand lovers out there. Excuse us, we’re just busy sorting out our weekend…

Markets in Phnom Penh
Where: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
How to get there: Fly 2hr 25 mins to Phnom Penh, take a taxi or drive
Best outlets: Dockers, Gap, Bennetton and more
Other nearby highlights: Central Market, Wat Phnom

“Made in Cambodia” is the new Made in China mamas (notice the acres of blue-roofed clothing factories as you fly into Phnom Penh?) and accordingly, lots of high-quality originals seem to work their way into the markets in Phnom Penh. While there might be some teeny tiny flaws in your new threads, you’re sure to score bargains galore. If you’re not feeling the heat or up to haggling, head into the indoor markets like Central Market for an air-conditioned, yet equally thrifty experience.

Citygate Outlets
Where: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take a train ride
Best outlets: Kate Spade, Shanghai Tang, Bally, Adidas and more; see the directory here
Other nearby highlights: Big Buddha, Disneyland

Not up for travelling? Luckily one of the best outlet malls is located right on our doorstep! Citygate Outlets is a shopaholic paradise with over 80 brands boasting amazing discounted retail prices. As the very first outlet mall in the 852, you’ll definitely need a map to navigate this labyrinth but the 30-70% discounts on everything from fashion to furniture are more than worth it. (We’ve definitely scheduled in a day or two of me-time at this stellar mall.) Tip: schedule in a trip to Big Buddha or Disneyland before heading out for some retail therapy; they’re super close and will keep the whole fam happy!