Here are some of the best places to shop in the world… according to me and my explorations of the globe!

Luang Prabang Night Market, Laos

Kalabird

As the sun sets over the Mekong river, Luang Prabang’s main road transforms. Pedestrianised and lined with small tentlike structures, the nightmarket overtakes the city. By browsing the stalls you can pick up anything from handpainted bookmarks, snake wine, paper parasols, silk scarves to sculptures. You will need to bring a bargaining frame of mind with you, as prices charged can drop dramatically within seconds! I managed to buy a handmade skirt for the equivalent of £3, and a beautiful silk scarf for about the same price. What is more magical and exotic than answering the question “Where did you buy that?” than Luang Prabang?

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Chatachak Weekend Market, Bangkok

ginger massey

Get relief from the tiresome heat in Bangkok by seeking refuge under the roof of Chatachak weekend market. With over 9,000 individual stalls to browse, you will see everything from pedrigree-bred puppies, pencils, flip-flops (see pic above!), clothes and silk cushions. There are smoothie vendors awaiting you on your much-needed break, and you can also taste some satisfying Pad Thai while there. All in all, a great pit-stop before your flight home!

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San Telmo Market, Buenos Aires

Overpriced but not overhyped, San Telmo market is the Argentinian hub of all that’s stylish, hip and must-have. Expect immaculately designed boutiques with expertly-composed window displays.

The market itself is a melting pot of vintage accessories, fruit, jewellery, fur coats, and old bric-a-brac. Prices might be high but the goods on offer are hard to find, so make sure you have enough space in your backpack!

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Vintage shopping, Santiago

I didn’t do much else in Santiago apart from looking around this little ghetto of vintage stores built up along calle Bandera. Get excited just at the thought of buying some generously discounted retro dresses, jumpers and platform shoes? Then take the metro to Puente Cal y Canto. You will see a large highway, avoid that and go back on yourself, walking along Bandera towards Agustina. Basically, if you wander around Rosas, Bandera or Agustinas, you WILL find plenty of dirt-cheap stores filled to the brim with some really cool items. I unfortunately didn’t take any photos of the area, but above is a map for reference!

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Dongtai Lu Antiques Market, Shanghai

Ever wanted to pick up your own authentic Chinese bird cage or mini Buddha ornament?! Hell, why not go one step further and spend your hard-earned yuan on red crochet lanterns, or perhaps military-wear fresh from China’s past? Whether you buy anything or not, you’ll find some great photo opportunities and enjoy the stroll.

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Hoi An, Vietnam

Nikolieau

The odds are that at least one item in your wardrobe was made in Vietnam, so why not come to Hoi An yourself and get your clothes tailored and made to fit you perfectly? Not content with providing designer-style dresses, silk gowns and other evening wear, you can even get a fake pair of Nike’s made for you! If you are travelling in the area it makes sense to ship a large batch back to your home country, and most local guesthouses offer great shipping rates. Expect to pay around £15 for an expertly made outfit. I paid about $25 for a pair of specially designed ‘Nike’ trainers, although the only problem was the woman used a shade of fabric completely unlike what I asked for… Most places will create your item without 24 hours. Have fun!
*TOP TIP – Bring your favourite dress or item of clothing, and they will recreate it for you in the colour and fabric you desire.*

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If you’re planning on travelling anytime soon, leave as much space in your backpack as physically possible to fill up on all those exoticly eccentric items!