Guide to Outlet Shopping in Ap Lei Chau: Part 2 by ButterBoom.com

Here's part two of the great find regarding outlet shopping in Ap Lei Chau. The original post is located here King, so thankful for your research!

Part 2 of our guide to outlet shopping in Ap Lei Chau.

Here’s part 2 of the outlet shopping guide in Ap Lei Chau. We’ve introduced 5 shops last week and here’s the next 5 shops to visit at Horizon Plaza.

We suggest that you make a note of the stores you plan on visiting before you get on the lift and mark down the floors they are on. There are no store directory on all the floors so unless you have an excellent memory and can memorize all the floors you want to visit, this will save you a trip back down to the ground level to see the directory.

6) MAX MARA WAREHOUSE

This warehouse has probably one of the best display of all the outlets in the entire Horizon Plaza. Here, you don’t really feel like you are in an outlet shopping but in the actual store. The great thing is you pay alot less here. Expect about 30-50% off last season’s clothes. A wide variety of lovely evening dresses, jackets, contemporary tops and shoes that won’t go out of fashion can be found here at attractive discounts.

Where: 2707-11, 27F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 7036

7) POLO RALPH LAUREN

The Polo Ralph Lauren is the latest addition to Horizon Plaza, opened less than 2 months ago. It houses lots of classic and contemporary American country style apparels. The outlet is bright and cosy. We found a simple yet elegant day dress for only HK$199 on special. Other accessories like berets and hats can be found going for as low as HK$70.

Where: 2201 & 20, 22/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2552 5627

8) ALDO

If you love Aldo, you’re gonna love the Aldo Outlet! This spacious outlet has an eye catchy display. The Aldo outlet shop opened less than a month ago. You can find almost all types of shoes here from sandals, boots, heels and bags. Prices can be as low HK$299 for a pair of heels but are generally only 20-50% off retail store prices.

Where: 1901, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2580 9090

9) FAIRTON LABELS FASHION WAREHOUSE

Another multi brands warehouse. At Fairton, they carry a mix of designer labels like Jean Paul Gaultier, Lancel, more contemporary labels Rossetti Fratelli, Kookai, GF Ferre and others more affordable brands. If your visit falls during their sale and stock take period, you will be able to some really good quality Kookai tops from $68, an absolute bargain.

Where: 1910, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2873 2230

10) BLUEBELL FASHION WAREHOUSE

This multi brand distributor carries Paul Smith, Jimmy Choo, Moschino, Anya Hindmarch, Blumarine and also homeware brand like Alessi. Others labels like Moschino, Blumarine blouses and skirts can also be found here. Expect to find past season Jimmy Choo’s shoes and bags at a lot less.

Where: 1902-5, 19/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong Tel: 2580 1722

Where?

• Location: Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2554 9089
• Opening Hours: 10:00-1900 daily. Some shops have different operating hours or close one day a week. Joyce Boutique is closed on Mondays.

How to get there?

We recommend taking the taxi but if you want to take the bus, here’s how to -

• From Central: City Bus 90 Central (Exchange Square) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Causeway Bay: City Bus 92 Causeway Bay to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Airport: City Bus A10 Airport 9Ground Trans. Ctr) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Central Ferry: NWFB 91 Central (Ferry Piers) to Ap Lei Chau Estate

How to get back?

• From Ap Lei Chau: Take Horizon Plaza shuttle bus at Ap Lei Chau Estate Bus Terminal
• Frequency:  Mon- Friday: Every 15 minutes: 07:45-19:35
• Sat & Sunday:  Every 20 minutes:  09:00-19:30

-  By King Chan

HKG Guide to Outlet Shopping in Ap Lei Chau: Part 1 by ButterBoom.com

Here's a great find that I want to ensure for future reference. The original post is located here.
King, if you read or pass this by - you so rock!!!


Part 1 of the Butterboom.com outlet shopping guide in Ap Lei Chau.

Let’s face it, Hong Kong is the fashion capital of Asia – besides the top-end designer boutiques that line Peking Street, Central district and Lee Gardens in Causeway Bay, there are plenty of high-end shopping centers and malls in Hong Kong to satisfy just about anyone.

However, any shopaholic worth their salt have seeked out outlet malls for bargains. Although we’re not the biggest fans of rummaging through piles of clothes, there’s definitely some great deals to be had for those who are prepared to put in that extra effort.  We sent our shopping expert King Chan over to Ap Lei Chau Estate to get the scoop…

The 28th floors of retail outlets at Horizon Plaza in Ap Lei Chau Estate which was converted from an industrial factory warehouse is an outlet shoppers’ dream come true. Originally the building housed home and furniture stores but of late top-end designer labels have set up their outlet shops here in droves.

Our top 10 shops worth a visit are:

1) LANE CRAWFORD WAREHOUSE

The “Harrods” of Hong Kong, Lane Crawford is one of the must-visit stores at Horizon Plaza. Find top-end designer brands like YSL, Lanvin, Christian Louboutin, Valextra and Emilio Pucci We found a pair of Stella McCartney and Marni high heels shoes for less than HK$1,000 a pair.

Hot tip: Check out the bargain corner for their bags.

Where: Located on 25/F, Horizon Plaza.  Tel: 2118 3403

2) JOYCE WAREHOUSE

Joyce is well known for its fashion-forward style. They tend to favour high-end, expensive big name designers like Alexander McQueen, Dries van Noten, Givenchy, Balmain, Hugo Boss, Etro, Balenciage Rick Owens and Jil Sander. Lesser known designers like Alexis Mabille, Viktor & Rolf can also be found here.

Where: Located on 2102, 21/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2814 8313

3) I.T OUTLET

I.T is great for contemporary fashion. They bring in young, edgy designers and also streetwear labels from Japan. Expect to find brands like Comme des Garcons, Maison Martin Margiela and Merci Beaucoup.  This outlet is a lot more organized than the others. Labels can be clearly seen and clothing easily found. Off-season apparels are discounted at up to 80% off.

Where: Located at 502-4, 5/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 8356

4) ARMANI OUTLET

A real bargain outlet!! You can usually find a pair of chic and stylish Armani shoes from last season at 60% off. Other finds include bags, hats, belts, jackets, suits and even evening dresses are discounted. You can also find EA7, Armani Sportswear line on the rack at a substantial discount.

Where: 2203-5, 22/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.Tel: 2552 9880

5) MARNI

We love Marni for its innovative & quirky style. They are known for using top quality materials and high production quality that ensures garments are well made and tailored. This small outlet offers a good discounted range of Marni’s pret-a-porter pieces like geometry prints multicolored tops, over coats, shoes as well as fun and colorful accessories.

Where: 2713, 27/F, Horizon Plaza. Tel: 2553 5263

Where?

• Location: Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: 2554 9089
• Opening Hours: 10:00-1900 daily. Some shops have different operating hours or close one day a week. Joyce Boutique is closed on Mondays.

How to get there?

We recommend taking the taxi but if you want to take the bus, here’s how to -

• From Central: City Bus 90 Central (Exchange Square) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Causeway Bay: City Bus 92 Causeway Bay to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Airport: City Bus A10 Airport 9Ground Trans. Ctr) to Ap Lei Chau Estate
• From Central Ferry: NWFB 91 Central (Ferry Piers) to Ap Lei Chau Estate

How to get back?

• From Ap Lei Chau: Take Horizon Plaza shuttle bus at Ap Lei Chau Estate Bus Terminal
• Frequency:  Mon- Friday: Every 15 minutes: 07:45-19:35
• Sat & Sunday:Every 20 minutes:  09:00-19:30

-  By King Chan

Top Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in HKG (via HK Magazine)

Café O 
This café-cum-restaurant in the heart of Sheung Wan has a refreshing and comfortable atmosphere with a chic modern touch. The Wi-Fi is free and unlimited, and the surroundings make it the perfect place to get a quiet bit of work done. Café O also guarantees fresh food cooked from scratch and has a little something for everyone. Try the signature dishes, eggplant and rocket pizza as well as the salami pizza as well as the freshly made smoothies to keep your mind energized.
284-286 Queen's Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2851-0890, www.cafeo.hk

Holly Brown 
Settle down and relax while surfing the web on the comfy seats with Holly Brown’s famous waffle dish gelato and a cup of fragrant coffee. There are almost always available seats at this joint but the wi-fi is turned off between noon and 2pm to keep freeloaders away during busy lunch times.
 G/F, 22 Stanley St., Central, 2869-9008, www.hollybrowncoffee.com

At 1968 
Enjoy delicious Indonesian cuisine from beef rendang to nasi goreng while surrounded by other diners wielding laptops.
5F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Rd., Central, 2577-9981, www.ir1968.com 

Java Java Coffee & Tea Lounge 
Situated on a quiet stretch of Hollywood Road, Java Java lounge serves fine coffees, teas, pastries, home made cakes and other scrumptious delights. Java Java’s loungey atmosphere and plush seating is a great place to relax for hours. Open until 11pm during the week and 12am on Fridays and Saturdays.
188 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 2549-7739, www.javajavalounge.com 

Oolaa 
Oolaa is a popular dining and drinks destination with an ideal comfy café corner for web browsing and freelancers. Try the freshly baked pastries and have a cup of ground Illy coffee.
G/F, Bridges Street, Centre Stage, Soho, 2803-2083 

Caffé Habitu 
This chic Italian cafe offers handcrafted coffee by some of the most talented baristas in town.
77-79 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai, 2111-2977, www.caffeehabitu.com 

Initial Café 
This vintage chic café is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Tsim Sha Tsui, also doubling as a clothes store. This is a great place for people watching and serves authentic Italian style coffees. Lounge with your laptop whilst listening to the Parisian music.
48 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-4223 

The One and New Town Plaza Malls 
Both The One Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui and New Town Plaza in Sha Tin have Wi-Fi throughout the entire shopping centers.
The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.the-one.hk
New Town Plaza, Sha Tin Centre Street, Sha Tin, N.T., www.newtownplaza.com.hk

24 Hours in HK by Sarah Fung of HK Magazine

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Bangkok Thailand: Transportation

MTR/Subway MAP

• Underground Train (MRT) Bangkok, Thailand
• The recently opened underground train system (officially called MRT - Mass Rapid transit) reaches from the Northern train station of Bangsue to Hua Lumphong main railway station in a loop, connecting with the Skytrain on 3 different stations, namely : Silom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park (see below map).
• There have a similar ticket system as the Skytrain (BTS) but both systems are for the time being not compatible. All stations of the underground train can be reached via ramps and elevators, if needed, or alternatively via escalators.
• See combined Route map

The MRT Bangkok Metro Underground

• The 'impossible' became a reality in April 2004. It had taken seven years to build, comprising 21 kilometers of bored tunnels, with 18 simultaneously-built stations, using top-down techniques up to 30 meters deep under the city's major roads. The cost was approximately US$ 2.75 billion.
• Officially called the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and in Thai as rot fai fah mahanakhon ("metropolitan electric train") or more often as the rot fai tai din ("underground train") the line operates from 5am to midnight, and extends in a wide loop from the main railway station of Hualumpong, then tracks back via the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to the smaller rail station of Bang Sue (pronounce Seu) to the north.
• It has interchanges with the Skytrain at Si Lom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park stations (please see above map). To protect against periodic flooding, station entrances are elevated above ground, and equipped with built-in floodgates. To prevent accidents and suicides, a glassed-in Automatic Platform Screen Door separates the platform and track, and opens only when the trains pull in and stop. All stations feature lifts and ramps for disabled people.


• As with the Skytrain, there are a number of ticket types, which only need to be held close to the ticket barriers to operate them, thanks to a proximity sensor. Tokens are used for single journeys. An unlimited 1 day go-as-you please travel ticket currently costs Baht 120. A joint ticketing system for the Subway and Skytrain is planned.

Operating Hours:

• 06.00 am - midnight daily.
• Frequency - Less than 5 minutes during the peak hours 06.00 - 09.00 am. and 04.30 - 07.30 pm.
• Less than 10 minutes during the off-peak hours.
• Maximum 18 serviced rolling stocks and 1 reserved.
• MRTA prepares the parking lots for MRT passengers
• MRTA has prepared the parking areas and other facilities for the MRT passengers including two Park & Ride Buildings and seven subway stations. The parking lots, retail shops, and other facilities are available for the passengers who want to park their cars and take the subway for their destinations.

Two Types of Tickets:

1.) Contactless Smart Card

• Single Journey Token
• For Adult - Issued from both Ticket Vending Machine and Ticket Office
• For Child / Elder - Only issued at Ticket Office

2.) Stored Value Card :
Value addable: Adult, Concession (Child/Elder), Student, Business Traveller
Non-Value addable : One Day Pass, 3-Day Pass, 30-Day Pass, Premiere Pass

BTS Map

Bangkok, Thailand: Shopping and Maps

SHOPPING OPTIONS:

1.) World Central Plaza (GB, PP)

• Address: 4 Rajdamri Road Patumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
• CentralWorld is situated in the middle between Siam and Chitlom BTS stations, needing a small walk in order to get there. The best suggestion is to use the BTS Skytrain, get off at Chitlom station and walk a couple of minutes down the sky walk.

2.) Gaysorn Plaza (high-end)

• Address: 999 Ploenchit Rd. Bangkok 10330
• Tel: (66 2) 656 1149
• Hotline:(66 2)6561177
• BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line - Gaysorn has a direct link to Chit Lom Station, InterContinental Hotel, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Holiday Inn, Erawan Bangkok, Amarin Plaza and skywalk to CentralWorld Plaza.

3.) Central Department Store (Rustan’s)

• Address: 1027 Ploenchit Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Tel: 02-7937777
• Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. everyday
• Bangkok Skytrain (BTS): - Chidlom Station
• Check out golf shoes/equipment

4.) Mahboonkrong or MBK (cheaper than Central)

• Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) - National Stadium Station; also within walking distance of Siam station. / MBK centre is connected to the National Stadium Station by a walk way
• MK is a chain of Thai/Chinese restaurants all over Thailand. You cook the food in a bowl on the table to make soup and have plates of duck, red pork, crispy pork etc. It’s a family restaurant and great fun, not to mention absolutely delicious!! [YAYOI by MK]
• Food court is great (Buy coupons at desk); explore though
• MBK Tourist Discount Card produced to not only get the shop’s promotion around MBK Center, but also are designed to worthy of collecting as a souvenir gift card. We provide the free card only for tourists when they visit MBK Center at information counter.

5.) Emporium

• Address: Sukhumvit Road Phrom Pong Skytrain Bangkok Thailand
• @SkyTrain: ticket vending machine, select Phrom Phong as your destination. You'll need coins - if you don't have enough, you can change a banknote at the window. The vending machine will give you a plastic card. Put that through the turnstile and pick it up again - you'll need it when you exit.

6.) Suam Lum Night Bazaar or Night Bazaar @ Lumpini Park

• Address: Lumpini Park Bangkok Thailand
• Tel: 2 252 4776

7.) Siam Paragon

• Address: 991/1 Rama 1 Rd Bangkok 10330 Thailand
• Tel: 0 2690 1000
• The station on the sky train network is "Siam". This will allow you to enter Siam Center and Siam Paragon.

8.) Chatuchak (Divisoria)

• If by MTK to Kamphaeng Phet Station. It actually exits inside the market.
• Ticket costs 45 baht each way. You take the train from National Stadium one stop to National Stadium. Change trains in the direction of Morchit (also written as Mo Chit), which is the station you will get off at - the market is signposted (short walk) and lots of other people will be going there.

9.) Patpong Market / Silom Night Market

• Address: Silom and Surawong Roads Bangkok
• In the evening, this lively market is a great place to shop for souvenirs, fake brand name items and cheap goods and to visit Bangkok’s infamous “adult entertainment area.”

10.) Jim Thompson Factory Outlet:

• Address: Surawong, 149/4-6, 149/38-40 Surawong Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
• Tel: 02-235-8931-2
• Opening hours: 09.00 am - 06.00 pm
• The place near Sala Daeng BTS station (or Silom MRT station) is the main Shopping Outlet, which is at the start of Surawong Road just off of Rama IV.
• Go north from Sala Daeng station along Thaniya Road - bet you're now going to ask how do you know which is North! Well it's the right hand side in direction of travel when arriving at Sala Daeng station and you should use the exit on the forward right hand side.
• When you reach the junction of Thaniya Road with Surawong Road, turn right and there will be Jim Thompson's Thai Silk a short distance away.
• They have wonderful shirts, blouses, dresses (short and formal long), and very stylish children’s wear (cotton). Handbags and some very expensive silk scarves/pashminas with swarovski (sic) crystal embroidery! Also rolls of materials and a making service and advice.
• Also a great cafe so you can sit and consider your (expensive) options.

11.) Jim Thompson House Muesum:

• Address: Soi Sukhumvit 93, 153 Soi Sukhumvit 93, Bangchak, Phakanong, Bangkok 10260
• Tel: : 02-332-6530 ext. 13
• Opening hours: 09:00 - 12:00 hrs & 13:30 - 16:00 hrs
• Jim Thompson's House & Museum i.e. The tourist attraction which is a collection of Thai houses along with a nice coffee shop and a small shop, is up Kasem San 2 off of Rama 1 road.
•  The closest BTS/Skytrain is National Stadium and it is easily walk-able from there

12.) Thaniya Plaza Shopping Centre:

• Largely devoted to golf stuff. Thaniya plaza is next to Sala daeng Skytrain station - the station that goes down the side of Oeilly irish bar.
• On the ground floor of the plaza as you enter the shop on the left hand corner of the food court as you enter sells only such stuff - Big Betty drivers etc - but if you go diagonally opposite to the store there you can get a better deal on second hand genuine stuff.

Bangkok, Thailand : Attractions, Restos and Spas

ATTRACTION OPTIONS:

From several magnificent temples in Bangkok, the three most unique ones are Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, and Wat Benchamabophit. Wat Traimit houses a striking 3-meter tall Golden Buddha image - a gleaming, 5-ton figure of solid gold. Wat Pho, which features the largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand, and the Chedi of the kings, is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Finally there is Wat Benchamabophit, a fine modern Thai temple constructed from white Carrara marble with ornate crossbeams decorated with lacquer and gold.

1.) Grand Palace (Home of the Emerald Buddha)

• Add: Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, city center Bangkok Thailand
• Tel: 02 224 1833
• Hours of Operation: Every day from 8:30 to 3:30, unless it's being used for a state function, which is quite rare. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace grounds are open every day when not being used for state functions, the audience halls in the Grand Palace are closed on weekends. You can only gain entrance to see the magnificent thrones on weekdays. The Royal Pantheon in Temple of the Emerald Buddha is only open one day a year, on 6 April.
• Suggestion: Palace complex is huge so allocate time in the morning to avoid being rushed to finish by 1530. Do try to see if you can view the Emerald Buddha so go on WEEKDAYS, NOT weekends.
• Free guided tours in English are available at 10:00, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:00. You can also rent an audio guide for 100 Baht (3.31 USD) plus passport or credit card to secure return.

2.) Temple of the Reclining Buddha / Wat Pho

• Add: Maharat Rd Bangkok Thailand
• Suggestion: Go after visiting the Grand Palace since it's on the way back to the Chaophraya Express Boat. It's a big temple that houses the Reclining Buddha but a quick enough visit to squeeze in before you head home.

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RESTAURANT OPTIONS as per friend's suggestions:

1.) Erawan Tea Room, Grand Hyatt (afternoon tea)
Add: 494 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10330
Tel: +66 2 254 1234

2.) Baan Thai House (Thai)
Add: 199 / 19 Moo 4, Pailing, Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Tel: +66 035245555

3.) Celadon, Sukhothai Hotel (Thai)
Add: 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2344 8888 Fax: +66 (0) 2344 8899
Email: promotions@sukhothai.com

4.) La Normandie @ Mandarin Oriental Hotel (French)

5.) Spice Market @FourSeasons (Thai)
Add: 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2 126-8866

6.) Biscotti @FourSeasons (Italian)
Add: 155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2 126-8866

7.) Sirocco The Dome @State Tower (Mediterranean; 360 view of Bangkok)
Address: 1055 Silom Road, 63rd floor, State Tower, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Phone: +66 2624-9555

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MASSAGE/SPAS:
1.) Depravni Spa @Dusit Thani Hotel

2.) Grand Hyatt’s Spa