City Breaks: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Delhi, Sydney Tokyo & Dubai

Bangkok A good mix of retail therapy and cultural attractions await in Thailand's capital. Journey via Sky Train for ease and visit over a weekend to experience the vast Chatuchak Market. Take a khlong (canal) tour by longtail boat for a river perspective and visit the temples Wat Pho and Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace. Stay: Dusit Thani Bangkok (www.dusit.com), Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com), Grand Hyatt Erawan (www.hyatt.com) and Banyan Tree Bangkok (www.banyantree.com). Contact: www.bangkok.com

Delhi India's largest metropolis is a cultural haven exemplified by the plethora of monuments peppering the city such as the iconic India Gate, Yantra Mantra and memorials of Mahatma Gandhi. Historically, Delhi has long been the vital pulse in northern India's trading route. In Old Delhi you can find dingy markets and bazaars teeming with an eclectic range of products including lime and eggplant pickles, candy-coloured herbal potions, handicrafts, linen, spices, sweets, bridal attire and jewellery. Visit three-century-old Chandni Chowk - one of the most popular shopping areas in Delhi for jewellery and traditional wear such as saris. For authentic fare dine at Chutney, Bar + Tandoor at the Metropolitan Hotel (www.hotelmetdelhi.com), The Varq at The Taj Mahal Hotel (www.tajhotels.com) or Tempting Restaurant (5/4 wea karol bagh). Stay: Hilton New Delhi (www.hilton.com), Taj Palace Hotel (www.tajhotels.com) or Shangri-la New Delhi (www.shangri-la.com) - the tallest hotel in the city offering panoramic views of the city's skyline. Contact: www.delhitourism.com

Dubai An oasis surrounded by desert and sea, Dubai offers lots of shopping in sprawling malls and superb dining and fun kid's activities. Go "wadi bashing" along sand dunes in a 4WD vehicle or ride the 24 interconnected water rides at the 12 acre-long Wild Wadi Water Park (www.wildwadi.com). Plough through traditional souks (markets) selling gold and spice as you immerse in the historical Bastakiya district. Dine at Al Mahara (www.burj-al-arab.com) for superb seafood and Legends Steakhouse (www.dubaigolf.com) in Dubai Creek Golf House - popular with locals for the excellent steak and waterfront views. Stay: Burj al-Arab (www.jumeirah.com) for sheer opulence, Madinat Jumeirah (www.jumeirah.com) which resembles an ancient Arabian citadel and One&Only Royal Mirage (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) overlooking Palm Island Jumeirah. Contact: www.dubaitourism.ae

Hanoi Expect wide tree-lined boulevards, striking European architecture and excellent shopping. Buy quality home décor items including lacquerware, bamboo and lighting from Hang Bong and Hang Gai streets and unique silk throws, furniture and bed linen in Nha Tho, Nha Chung and Au Trieu streets. Ipa Nima (www.ipa-nima.com) offers one-of-a-kind handbags and purses, while Green Tangerine (48 Hang Be, www.greentangerinehanoi.com) is popular for its authentic French cuisine. Stay: At the majestic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (www.sofitel.com) or Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi (www.moevenpick-hotels.com). Contact: www.vietnamtourism.com

Hong Kong A great place to shop for both designer labels and affordable finds - check out shopping hot spots Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Causeway Bay. For antiques and interesting finds, head to Hollywood Road and Soho. Dine at Felix (www.peninsula.com), the two-Michelin starred Pierre Restaurant (www.mandarinoriental.com) and Café Deco (www.cafedecogroup.com), the largest restaurant atop Victoria Peak, offering great food and breathtaking views. Kids of all ages will love a day trip to Disneyland Hong Kong (http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com). Come nightfall, head back to Hong Kong Island and party 'til you drop at the notorious Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai areas - home to a wide selection of bars, pubs and clubs. Stay: The Peninsula (www.peninsula.com) in Kowloon for old world glamour and incredible views of Hong Kong Island accessible by ferry, or helicopter - try Sky Shuttle (www.skyshuttlehk.com). Also try the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Boutique Hotel (www.jiahongkong.com) or the Park Lane (www.parklane.com.hk) offering reasonable rates and a handy location. Contact: www.discoverhongkong.com.

Kuala Lumpur Shopaholics will love KL. Venture to Chinatown for fabric, Suria KLCC, Lot 10 and Great Eastern Mall for a wide range of retailers and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur or Starhill Gallery on Jalan Bukit Bintang for designer brands. Bangsar has a buzzing weekend night market, interesting boutiques and an ever-changing restaurant scene, plus Mid Valley Megamall is close by. 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya is just a short drive away. Stay: Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarin-oriental.com), Renaissance Kuala Lumpur (www.marriott.com) or Hotel Nikko (www.hotelnikko.com.my) to be close to Suria KLCC. One World Hotel (www.oneworldhotel.com.my) is adjacent to 1 Utama and for a culturally-rich stay coupled with round-the-clock indulgence, try the Royale Chulan (www.theroyalechulan.com) Contact: www.kuala-lumpur.ws 

Shanghai This hot-spot cosmopolitan city features incredible architecture, restaurants and shopping. Top boutiques can be found along The Bund and the never-ending Nanjing Road. Crafts and jewellery are available at the Yuyuan Bazaar nearby. Visit the old French Concession quarter - once known as the Paris of the East - for architectural sights and quaint boutiques, Jinmao Tower and the Shanghai Museum. Eat at M on the Bund (www.m-restaurantgroup.com), Lost Heaven (www.lostheaven.com.cn), T8 Restaurant & Bar (www.t8-shanghai.com) and Hamilton House (www.hamiltonhouse.com.cn). For antiques, check out Dongtai Road and Yuyuan Gardens. Stay: M Suites (www.m-suites.com) or Lapis Casa Boutique Hotel (www.lapiscasahotel.com). Don't forget you probably need a visa for China.

Sydney Soak in stunning views of Sydney harbour with a bridge climb (www.bridgeclimb.com) before tucking into breakfast. Work up a tan on Bondi or Bronte beaches and feed your inner shopaholic along Oxford Street Paddington, the Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall or hit one of the many Factory Outlets (www.sydneyfactoryoutlets.com.au) about town. Dine at Icebergs (www.idrb.com), est. (www.merivale.com), or Quay (www.quay.com.au) and Cafe Sydney (www.cafesydney.com) - both feature stunning views of Sydney's Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Top off the evening with a performance at the Sydney Opera House (www.sydneyoperahouse.com). Stay: Park Hyatt Sydney (sydney.park.hyatt.com) and The Russell (www.therussell.com.au) are within walking distance of The Rocks, Sydney's historic area. Swissotel Sydney (www.swissotel.com) is in the heart of retail therapy heaven. And Meriton Apartments Kent Street (www.meritonapartments.com.au) is modern, clean, spacious and also walking distance to attractions, multiplex cinemas, shopping and the CBD. Contact: www.visitnsw.com.au and www.sydney.com.au

Tokyo For shopping, head to Aoyama Street and Omotesando Avenue for top designer labels and Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya for funkier offerings. Upmarket Japanese eats can also be found in Ginza. The surrounding Kanto region around Tokyo is your oyster - a popular destination is Hakone, where you can see Mount Fuji and take a dip in the therapeutic hot springs. Stay: Park Hotel Tokyo (www.parkhoteltokyo.com) and Ana Intercontinental Tokyo (www.ichotelsgroup.com). Contact: www.japan-guide.com


Posted May 2012