Grab an empty suitcase and head for a long weekend to these amazing overseas shopping havens, where the sales offer some unbeatable bargains.

BANGKOK
Thailand’s annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, which runs from June 1 until the end of August, will see most megastores and shopping malls offering discounts of between five and 70 per cent.

Head to Bangkok’s main shopping districts and streets are found along Ploenchit and Sukhumvit roads. Local designers sit beside big name fashion brands at the Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center. If you’re feeling flush, check out Gaysorn, Emporium or Pantip Plaza for computer hardware. Most of Bangkok’s major shopping malls and stores are located close to the city’s Skytrain or metro transport systems, making it very convenient to hop from one to the other.

Best bargains Get lost in Chatuchak Weekend Markets – 35 acres with 15,000 stalls selling everything from fish to soft furnishings – you’ll need a whole day but you still won’t see everything. Discounts are also available in King Power Duty Free shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown locations during the Grand Sale.

Insider tip Book an indulgent post-shopping spa at The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape. It certainly lives up to its name – Shambhala refers to a sacred place of bliss. It could be the best treatment you’ll ever have. Visit shambhala.como.bz.

Relax at The Metropolitan in Bangkok offers the ultimate in luxury at an affordable price. Indulge at the on-site restaurant – it’s run by Australian chef Daniel Moran and serves fine food with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. Book two nights in a Metropolitan Room, and receive the third night complimentary. For more details visit metropolitan.como.bz.
 

To Go Treat yourself to a trip that’s just a little more special by flying British Airways World Traveller Plus. Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, you can relax and enjoy a more comfortable journey in a premium economy cabin – you’ll arrive at your destination in better shape. If you want to really spoil yourself, the new Club World offers unparalleled comfort, privacy and personal control. To book, call 1300 767 177 or visit www.ba.com.

The ordered city of Singapore boasts
all-night shopping and bargains galore.

SINGAPORE
The spotless city of Singapore has always been a shopping mecca. Join in the annual frenzy at the Great Singapore Sale from May 29 to July 26 with discounts of up to 70 per cent.

Head to Orchard Road which is Singapore’s premium shopping district. Find designer labels at Paragon or Palais Renaissance and bargain fashions at The Heeren Shops, Wheelock Place and Orchard Towers. Department stores Robinsons and OG anchor the shopping strip and sit alongside European stores such as Zara and Topshop.

Best bargains Mustafa is a 24-hour department store situated in the middle of Little India. Bollywood-style bangles and earrings go for less than $5, so stock up big!

Insider tip One tradition that continues with expats in Singapore is Sunday brunch. Enjoy free-flowing champagne and a seafood buffet high up in one of the city’s top hotels. Here you can take in a spectacular view of the skyscrapers and the presidential palace.

Relax at No need to haul your bags for miles when you stay at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia. Set in a seven-acre garden it feels like an oasis. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

To go Book with Singapore Airlines for a Singapore Stopover Holiday to enjoy hotel accommodation, airport-hotel return transfers on seat-in coach basis, free SIA Hop-on bus rides, free admission to key attractions and a free SingTel Hi! Card. Plus you’ll receive attractive discounts on shopping, dining, sightseeing tours and tourist attractions. Book online and enjoy a 15 per cent discount on hotel stays from April 1, 2009 until March 31, 2010, conditions apply. For details visit www.singaporeair.com.

Petronas Twin Towers houses some spectacular shopping

KUALA LUMPUR
In Kuala Lumpur the not-to-be-missed Mega Sale runs from July through to the end of August across the entire city.

Best fashions Suria KLCC next to the famous Petronas Twin Towers offers six levels of IT Superstores, Zara, Marks & Spencer, MNG, Burberry and more. Or head to Sungei Wang Plaza for the cheapest bags, clothes and shoes around. Nearby is the massive Berjaya Times Square, with more than 700 stores and Asia’s largest indoor theme park. Low Yat Plaza for electrical gadgets and the Mid Valley MegaMall are also well worth a visit.

Best bargains The street vendors in Petaling Street, Chinatown, are a must for savvy bargainers. Say ‘mahal sangat’ – ‘too expensive’ – and watch the price plummet.

Insider tip Shoe lovers should keep an eye out for KL uberstore, Vincci, selling a huge variety of styles from $20 a pair.

Relax at Spoil yourself at the JW Marriott Hotel located in the Bukit Bintang shopping district. Visit www.marriott.com.au.

To go Boasting the ‘world’s best cabin staff’, Malaysia Airlines offers a special Grab-A-Deal service, where you can enjoy exclusive bargains on various domestic and international destinations, offered every day. For more details or to make a booking, call 132 627 or visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.