Banglamphu
Handicrafts with a conscience: this boutique is an atmospheric showcase for quality domestic wares, some of which are produced via fair-trade practices…
Must-see shopping in Asia
Government Silk-Weaving Factory
Mysuru (Mysore)
Given that Mysuru’s prized silk is made under its very sheds, this government-run outlet, set up in 1912, is the best and cheapest place to shop for the…
Kathmandu
Reliable rentals and gear shop that makes its own sleeping bags and offers advice on the best trekking gear for your trip. Get a season warmer than they…
Chandigarh
This nongovernment operation has good-value, homespun textiles and clothing, and herbal beauty products of premium quality, the sale of which directly…
Jakarta
This luxury mall contains a plethora of upscale fashion outlets, plus high-street favourites like Uniqlo and Zara. There are also a number of good local…
Downtown Kyoto
This old shop in the Teramachi covered arcade sells a selection of incense, shodō (calligraphy) goods, tea-ceremony supplies and washi. Prices are on the…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Simply outstanding selection of natural products (priced from ₹80), many of them organic, including essential oils and natural cosmetics, fruit and veg,…
Rajshahi & Rangpur
Run by the same NGO that runs the RDRS Guesthouse next door, this small outlet specialises in satranji mats and rugs, and also stocks some very tasteful…
Hyderabad
Lovely women's (and some men's) clothes in artisanal fabrics with contemporary prints and colours. They also sell homeware including bed linen, cushions…
Hua Hin & the Upper Gulf
Every Saturday evening, this walking street near Pranburi's train station opens for a relaxing local market with a retro vibe. Old wooden shophouses sell…
George Town
In addition to more than 300 shops, including the department store Parkson, Penang’s most glamorous mall serves up a whole floor of food and beverage…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Selling the intricate embroidery work of women in 114 villages in Kutch, Gujarat, the nonprofit Shrujan aims to help women earn a livelihood while…
Cebu City
The mother of all malls and the biggest in the Visayas, featuring brands including Levi's and Face Shop, lots of tech shops and also department stores…
Jaipur
This contemporary showroom offers local arts and crafts, clothing, homewares, stationery and fashion accessories. The staff are relaxed (no hard sell here…
Hyderabad
Malkha cloth is made near the cotton fields, by hand and with natural dyes, reducing strain on the environment and putting primary producers in control…
Ubud
Locally made cushions, bed and home linens, kimonos and kids clothing are sold at this stylish boutique, all made with fabrics featuring designs drawn…
Yangon
One of the first galleries in Yangon to showcase contemporary art, Lokanat has been on the 1st floor of the historic Sofaer's Building since 1971. The…
Siem Reap
Soieries du Mekong is the Siem Reap gallery for a leading handwoven silk project based in remote Banteay Chhmar, which seeks to stem the tide of rural…
Yangon
There's a wonderful array of hill-tribe textiles at this long-running stall on the market's upper level. In addition to weavings produced by the Karen and…
Sendai
Buy handmade wares from all over Tōhoku at this elegant, perfectly curated shop. It's a lovely spot to pick up high-quality souvenirs for gifts (which…
Ubud
Indonesia's artisanal chocolate maker has a small but elaborate shop that features tastings of its flavoured and single-source bars. There is also a…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Part of the hotel complex, Raffles Hotel Arcade has been home to some of the world's most notable retailers. Set to reopen in mid-2019, as part of the…
Yangon
One of Yangon’s most captivating shopping destinations is split between the tall, narrow white house and the store room opposite. A virtual museum of…
Delhi
Need some exquisite homewares to complement your perfect life, and are unfussed by the price tag? Look no further than Good Earth, one of Delhi’s chicest…
Samarkand
If you are interested in buying suzani (embroidery), owner Dilshod in the Tilla-Kari Medressa is very knowledgeable and gives an excellent free…
Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)
Specialists in the finest Indian teas, from Darjeeling and Assam to Nilgiri and Kangra. You can try before you buy, and teas come lovingly packaged in…
Kota Kinabalu
Across from the Sabah Museum, this place sells books on all things Borneo – from field guides to birds, fish and mammals to WWII history, indigenous…
Thimphu
This shop below Thimphu's main post office sells Bhutanese stamps, first-day covers and – if you bring in a digital photo of yourself on a USB stick –…
Jaipur
Crossword is an excellent bookshop with all sorts of fiction and nonfiction, including the latest best sellers, pictorial books and books on Indian…
Chandigarh
This premium Indian chain store sells gorgeous garments fusing Indian and Western designs and motifs. It also stocks a superb selection of homewares such…
South Jakarta
Retro wear in all its glorious forms, from pre-owned Dr Martens and trainers to patterned shirts, caps, sew-on badges and jackets. Items are displayed on…
Hyderabad
This fourth-generation family business can conjure something aromatic up for you on the spot. They specialise in ittar, natural perfume oils from flowers…
Hyderabad
Fine quality saris, kurtas (long collarless shirts), salwar kameez (dresslike tunic and loose, long pants for women) sets (from ₹2545) and other…
Temples of Angkor
Look out for Prolung Khmer on the road between Preah Ko and Bakong. It’s a pottery and weaving centre producing stylish cotton krama (checked scarves) and…
New Delhi
Known for its excellent khadi (homespun cloth), including good-value shawls, salwar kameez and kurta pyjama, this three-floor shop also sells handmade…
Jaipur
A great place to coordinate colours with reams of rich fabrics, plus furniture and home accessories. You can also find organically certified garments,…
Jaffna
Jaffna’s colourful fruit and vegetable market is west of the bus stand, but the greater market area encompasses several bustling blocks beyond that,…
George Town
If you're looking for books about Malaysia, or books written by local authors, this is the place to come. This branch covers fiction and poetry; another…
Vientiane
Stocks silk clothes and weavings from Xieng Khuang Province, plus some bed and cushion covers in striking Hmong-inspired designs. All of the shop's…
Mumbai (Bombay)
This new and excellent high-end boutique from the same folks who brought us Good Earth is a great spot to pick up carefully curated homewares, travel…
