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Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
Published by Mary Chong, Writer
Country: Hong Kong 
The Experience
Located on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong between Jordan Road and Man Ming Lane is the popular Temple Street Night Market. Don’t be fooled by the nickname “Mens Street”; you name it and you can buy it at this Hong Kong night market frequented by both tourists and locals. From socks to silk cheong sams, hardware to tourist trinkets, toys to knock-off purses — they have everything imaginable.
There are more than 100 stalls at the Temple Street Night Market and although the street shuts down at 4 pm for the market to begin, not all the vendors are set up and open for business until the dinner hour. It’s hard to believe that every night the vendors pack up all their belongings and cart it away at midnight only to return the next day to repeat the process over again. If you are staying near by, have a visit in the morning to see the street cleaners scrubbing down the area to erase all evidence of the night before. It’s very much a “before and after” experience.
The one thing to know about shopping at Temple Street Night Market is to bargain, bargain and then bargain some more. But do be fair to the vendor — don’t start negotiating a transaction unless you are serious about the item in question and do keep in mind that the vendor needs to make money too. A great deal is when both parties leave happy.
Popular items for sale seemed to be anything with the face of Chairman Mao — hats, t-shirts mugs, notebooks, bags and watches where his little hand moves to keep time which make great souvenirs. Do check the quality of each purchase to ensure that it doesn’t fall apart in the wash but then again at these prices does it really matter?
Shopping is not the only thing to do on Temple Street. One block South of Public Square Street there are fortune-tellers to read your palm and foretell your future and amateur Cantonese Opera Singers to entertain and delight.
When your bags are full of trinkets, your fortunes have been told and you are tired of the singing, enjoy a break from Hong Kong's Temple Street Night Market at one of the many roadside restaurants along the street. Approach any of the restaurants and out of nowhere a table and chair will be placed right on the sidewalk or street in front of you ready for your dining pleasure. Eating on the “street” is not for the feint of heart. If you stick to busy establishments and order hot, cooked items off the menu you should be fine. Just imagine the story and photos you will have to share with your friends and family of your adventure shopping and dining at the Temple Street Night Market.
There are more than 100 stalls at the Temple Street Night Market and although the street shuts down at 4 pm for the market to begin, not all the vendors are set up and open for business until the dinner hour. It’s hard to believe that every night the vendors pack up all their belongings and cart it away at midnight only to return the next day to repeat the process over again. If you are staying near by, have a visit in the morning to see the street cleaners scrubbing down the area to erase all evidence of the night before. It’s very much a “before and after” experience.
The one thing to know about shopping at Temple Street Night Market is to bargain, bargain and then bargain some more. But do be fair to the vendor — don’t start negotiating a transaction unless you are serious about the item in question and do keep in mind that the vendor needs to make money too. A great deal is when both parties leave happy.
Popular items for sale seemed to be anything with the face of Chairman Mao — hats, t-shirts mugs, notebooks, bags and watches where his little hand moves to keep time which make great souvenirs. Do check the quality of each purchase to ensure that it doesn’t fall apart in the wash but then again at these prices does it really matter?
Shopping is not the only thing to do on Temple Street. One block South of Public Square Street there are fortune-tellers to read your palm and foretell your future and amateur Cantonese Opera Singers to entertain and delight.
When your bags are full of trinkets, your fortunes have been told and you are tired of the singing, enjoy a break from Hong Kong's Temple Street Night Market at one of the many roadside restaurants along the street. Approach any of the restaurants and out of nowhere a table and chair will be placed right on the sidewalk or street in front of you ready for your dining pleasure. Eating on the “street” is not for the feint of heart. If you stick to busy establishments and order hot, cooked items off the menu you should be fine. Just imagine the story and photos you will have to share with your friends and family of your adventure shopping and dining at the Temple Street Night Market.
When to Go to Temple Street Night Market
The best time of the year to visit the Temple Street Night Market in Hong Kong is in the Fall when the weather is nice and mild.
Spring can bring rain and has unpredictable weather and the summer months can be very hot and humid.
Spring can bring rain and has unpredictable weather and the summer months can be very hot and humid.
Odds n' Ends
There are no change rooms to try clothing on, so dress comfortably and in layers if you plan on shopping for clothes.
You’ll get a better deal if you purchase more than one item from a single vendor.
Bring small bills. The worst thing is to talk a vendor down on a price and then to ask them to break a large bill.
Be aware buying knock-offs is illegal.
As always, be aware of your belongings and watch for pick pockets in busy areas.
You’ll get a better deal if you purchase more than one item from a single vendor.
Bring small bills. The worst thing is to talk a vendor down on a price and then to ask them to break a large bill.
Be aware buying knock-offs is illegal.
As always, be aware of your belongings and watch for pick pockets in busy areas.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Casa Hotel
- Although the rooms are quite small. The service, location, and price is great. Located right on Nathan Road, this hotel is right around the corner from the market and next to Yaumatei MTR Station. Airport Express bus is also easily accessible.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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Offering the finest accommodation and convenient facilities, Bridal Tea House (Yaumatei) Hotel Hong Kong is an ideal place for both business and leisure travellers alike. ... 0 miles away
$325 HKD+
With 66 comfort guest rooms, the hotel offers an excellent base for business and leisure travellers alike. Facilities on offer include a lobby, a currency ... 0 miles away
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