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There are similarities between Thailand and Hong Kong- besides being major tourist hubs that welcome large tourist traffic annually, both also cater to a substantial expatriate community.

Thailand and Hong Kong both offer a wide array of exciting opportunities for individuals that are looking to lead an exciting lifestyle. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy cosmopolitan life, here’s what both countries can offer for rest and relaxation in the culturally rich environments:

Food Paradises

The two countries offer culinary experiences that have attracted a global audience and appealed to consumers worldwide, rapidly becoming synonymous with their respective cultures.

With bountiful natural resources and food stock directly from the source,  the luxury of  incorporating fresh and seasonal produce into many of their creations is something that Thais definitely take pride in.

Thailand’s exotic spice rich dishes have long been famed for elevating dining experiences and heightening senses for any social occasion.  Bangkok is a great example on how the cosmopolitan city is becoming an emerging food paradise.  Thais food bring together  the four flavours of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy in their dishes, which contribute to the signature flavours of favourites such as Pad Thai, Tom Yam Goong and Mango Sticky Rice.

As an international port of call formerly under British colonial rule, Hong Kong’s culinary identity is a fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. The ingredients used in their dishes draw influences from its large Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka and Shanghainese diasporas. Besides dim sum and roast meats, desserts also make up a large part of the country’s dietary offerings. Local favourites like egg tarts, steamed milk and pineapple bread are sold in many street side bakeries.

Shopping Havens

Both countries are known for shop till you drop experiences that are comparatively more diverse than their neighbouring counterparts, not to mention easier on the wallet. That being said, both nations have pivoted considerably as of late; Thailand has seen a surge in the popularity of luxury shopping while Hong Kong has been moving away slowly from its designer fashion hub status.

Thailand places an emphasis on products with higher degrees of differentiation and uniqueness. This is apparent across almost all areas, especially when it comes to designer apparel and footwear, luxury leather goods and premium beauty and personal care products. The industry depends on the affluent expatriate population (particularly in Bangkok) and has been propelled forward by the introduction of new shopping centres around the capital city. One example is Central Embassy, located in the heart of the city at Phloen Chit, which has introduced several big brands to shoppers since its construction in 2014. Foreign luxury brands are also complimented by a growing list of local designers such as the 2006 founded Boyy that has since expanded  to New York, Italy and Paris.

Hong Kong’s shopping scene has always incorporated a distinct balance of glitzy high-end shopping with  entire shopping streets catering to singular products. As mentioned above, the nation’s offerings are changing rapidly. Retailers are now catering to a growing demand for experiential shopping, where customers leave not just with the store’s products but also personalised experiences.. An example of this is seen in Causeway Bay’s Adidas shop that allows customers to work out on premises..The falling commercial rental rates have allowed non-luxury brands to enter zones that they were unable to before, benefitting shoppers who now have more variety.

Overall cost of living

In this department, Thailand seems to be ahead on almost all fronts, with food and property (short-stay accommodation included) being considerably lower in price. It’s therefore no surprise that Hong Kong makes up a large part of the Thai overseas property investor market, looking elsewhere to purchase developments that are on an upward trajectory. Rental yields also tend to be much higher in Thailand, further contributing to the country’s appeal.

It’s evident that the two countries have their respective advantages in terms of what they have to offer to foreigners looking for a short break or for longer-term stints. That being said, Thailand’s status as a true emerging nation provides not only a more cost-friendly visit but also viable investment opportunities from a property perspective.