Discover the 15 Best Malls in Asia

People in Asia love malls. They are essential parts of daily life - not just for shopping but also for eating, socialising and relaxing. It may not come as a surprise to hear that Asia boasts some of the finest, most iconic and innovative shopping mall experiences in the world.

We have always enjoyed visiting malls. We love them their restaurants, food courts, supermarkets and other facilities. In fact, we named this website due to our love for them as the term "moru" originates from the Japanese word for "mall".

In this article, we're going to share the 15 best malls in Asia. With so many great malls in Southeast and East Asia, this was a very tough ask.

Marina Bay Sands Shoppes (Singapore)

The Shoppes is a luxury shopping centre that is part of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands Resort, with over 300 stores and food outlets. The Shoppes features many luxury designer stores and celebrity chef restaurants. We love the Shoppes for its breath-taking views of the Marina Bay Sands complex and the Singapore skyline. The view is absolutely spectacular for the New Year's Eve Fireworks. There's also a stunning canal that runs across its length on which you can take a gondola ride.

Credit: Marina Bay Sands

SM Mall of Asia (Manila, Philippines)

The SM Mall of Asia is the largest mall in the Philippines and the second largest in Southeast Asia. However, size alone doesn't make it great. We love this mall for its sheer variety. Whether you're looking for international brands, local brands, or a fun day out with the family, this mall delivers. Catch a blockbuster at the IMAX cinema, glide on the skating rink or explore the extensive dining options. If you are there in January, you can also watch its annual New Year's Day Grand Mascot Parade.

Credit: Popupshops.com

Vivocity (Singapore)

Embrace the waterfront at Vivocity - Singapore's largest mall - with its terrific views overlooking Sentosa Island. We love the vibrant atmosphere at Vivocity, with its open-air leisure spaces, harbour views, and rooftop garden. Explore a diverse range of stores, from international brands to local boutiques and even a GV Cinema. Vivocity location makes it easy to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, or the Sentosa Express Monorail to Sentosa.

Credit: Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial

Siam Paragon (Bangkok, Thailand)

Luxury awaits shoppers at Siam Paragon. Everyone is welcome as it houses everything from designer boutiques such as Chanel on the lower floors to local Thai brands on the upper floors. If you don't fancy shopping, you can go bowling, view Thai art galleries or enjoy the underwater displays at the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World.

Credit: Siam Paragon

New Century Global Center, Chengdu, China

This massive mall with its undulating roof holds the record for the world's biggest building in terms of floor area. New Century Global is like a self-contained town and features an aquarium, an IMAX theatre, a Mediterranean Village and over 1,500 stores. Our favourite facility is the indoor beach which features a water park and screens imitating the sunrise and sunset.

Credit: Serfadu.com

Lotte World Mall (Seoul, South Korea)

Part of a massive complex in the Songpa District of Seoul, Lotte World Mall combines a shopping mall with an amusement park. It offers a thrilling mix of retail therapy, family fun, and duty-free finds, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. We love that you literally spend an entire day at the complex and still have plenty of things that you weren't able to do.

Credit: Lotte World Mall

CentralWorld (Bangkok, Thailand)

One of the largest malls in Bangkok, CentralWorld offers a one-stop for everything you could possibly need. Enjoy high street fashion, local boutiques, department stores and tons of leisure activities. These include a cinema, restaurants and food courts, a bowling alley and plenty of space to take a walk.

Credit: Chatrium.com

Funan Mall (Singapore)

Well-known for its tech-focused stores, Funan Mall also boats great restaurants and cool features. This includes its tree-of-life design concept, internal bike lanes, a rooftop football pitch, performing arts centre, and climbing wall.

Credit: Thennbs.com

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur considers itself to be Malaysia's Premier Shopping Destination. We love getting lost in the labyrinth of designer stores, discovering the latest trends, and indulging in a bit of retail therapy. After a rewarding shopping spree, we love to unwind at the rooftop cinema or grab a bite at the popular food court, offering an array of cuisines.

Credit: Theedgemalaysia.com

Harbour City (Hong Kong)

Harbour City isn't just a mall; it's a city within Hong Kong city! We love the sheer scale of this complex, boasting over 700 stores, from high-end fashion to everyday essentials. When you have had enough of shopping, it's really relaxing to watch a movie at the cinema or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants. You can even book a stay at the conveniently located hotel.

Credit: gohk.gov.uk

Takashimaya Shinjuku Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)

Experience quintessential Japanese shopping at Takashimaya Tokyo. We love this upscale department store chain for its old-school style. We also enjoy its selection of luxury brands, alongside a treasure trove of Japanese cosmetics, fashion and food options. Takashimya offers a window into Japanese style and culture. You can find everything from the latest trends in traditional kimonos to innovations in beauty products or visit the Pokemon Cafe.

Credit: Takashimaya

Ion Orchard (Singapore)

Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Ion Orchard stands out for its sleek modern design made from steel, glass and marble. Ion Orchard is very glamourous with an impressive collection of designer boutiques such as Cartier and Louis Vuitton, as well as great restaurants. We love enjoying a cup of tea with cake at their TWG concession.

Credit: CapitaLand

Vincom Center Landmark 81 (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)

Vincom Center Landmark 81 is a luxurious mall, located on the lower floors of the Vietnam's tallest building. Shop for high-end brands, enjoy tasty cuisine, visit the skate rink, take the kids to TiNi World Playground or watch a movie at the IMAX theatre. You can also experience breathtaking panoramic city views of Ho Chi Minh City from the observation deck on floors 79-81.

Credit: PRC Magazine

Dream Mall (Kaohsiung, Taiwan)

Located in Kaohsiung in the South of Taiwan, Dream Mall offers a luxurious shopping experience. Dream World is filled with designer and premium brands from Taiwan and around the world. Explore a selection of boutiques featuring the latest fashion trends, browse renowned homeware stores or choose from the entertainment options. Perhaps the main reason why we love Dream Mall however is the rooftop amusement park which features a 102.5 meter high Ferris wheel. This gives spectacular views of the surrounding city.

 Credit: Kaohsiunghotels24.com

Taipei 101 Mall (Taipei, Taiwan)

Nestled on the lower 7 floors of the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper, this upscale mall boasts a sophisticated and glamorous vibe. Fashionistas will love the array of designer boutiques featuring the latest collections from global luxury brands. In between shopping sprees, you can also take a moment to visit one of its many fine restaurants, or appreciate the stunning architecture of the mall itself, which seamlessly integrates with the towering skyscraper above. If you have the time, why not take a lift to the observation deck at the top of the building from floor 5.

Credit: Taipei 101

Final Word

Asia's malls are more than just for shopping. They are vibrant hubs of culture, entertainment, and social life. From the luxury of Marina Bay Sands Shoppes in Singapore to the quirky Terminal 21 in Bangkok, each mall provides unique experiences.

Reflecting on our love for mall experiences, Morueats celebrates these iconic best malls in Asia. They are places to gather, shop, eat, relax, and simply enjoy life.