Solo
Solo’s flea market is the place to search for antiques including wayang puppets, old batik and ceramics, as well as clocks, vinyl records, coins and…
Must-see shopping in Asia
Vientiane
This bright-feeling shop has a broad but well-curated selection of items representing some of Laos' most reputable brands: beautiful textiles from Ock Pop…
Downtown Kyoto
The grande dame of Kyoto department stores, Takashimaya is almost a tourist attraction in its own right, from the mind-boggling riches of the basement…
Mataram
At Sayang Sayang (2km north of Cakra), this centre offers a wide range of small shops; look for the arched sign over the narrow road that reads 'Handy…
Ubud Region
A symphony of click-klacking looms greets visitors to this large workshop in Blahbatuh, which produces colourful ikat and batik fabrics. The friendly…
Nha Trang
A huge space showcasing art and design from local, independent producers: from fashion (check out Sinhtolina) to photographs, organic beauty products to…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
A great choice for top-quality silk saris, blouses, fabrics and men’s shirts, this fine store has been in business for over 70 years and has something to…
Cebu City
This huge, centrally located mall has it all, from international brands such as Marks & Spencer, Mango and Body Shop to local stores for SIM cards and…
Ubud
Concocted from pure coconut oil, the handmade soaps sold here will bring the evocative scents of frangipani, tuberose, jasmine, orange and lemon tea-tree…
Ginza & Tsukiji
You're unlikely to find a more elegant selection of traditional folk crafts, including toys, textiles and ceramics from around Japan. Ever thoughtful,…
The Bund & People's Square
Open since the 1950s, this monumental red-brick bookshop is Shanghai's best for English-language fiction, nonfiction and travel guides. There's also a…
Gwanghwamun & Jongno-gu
Kyobo's flagship branch sells a wide range of English-language books and magazines (you'll find them on the left from the main entrance), as well as…
Ubud Region
Always lively, this sprawling market is a major source of the flowers, baskets, fruits, knick-knacks and other items used in temple offerings, and also…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Specialising in antiques and fine arts, this is one of the best places in KL to find quality pieces of local craft as well as pricier Malay ethnological…
Manila
Owned by the Filipino author F Sionil José, Solidaridad has a masterfully curated collection of both Western and Eastern non-fiction, international…
Galle
Super-stylish reproduction posters (Rs 3000) and postcards (Rs 350) covering Sri Lanka through the decades. Many of the beautiful vintage airline images…
Bhutan Traditional Archery Shop
Thimphu
This traditional bow and arrow maker at the Changlimithang Archery Ground sells bamboo bows, lacquered and strung to order. Expect to pay Nu 1800 for a…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
A polished marble sea of high-end couture and accessories, posh Pacific Place manages to avoid the malady of mall fatigue via its expansive design,…
Kerobokan
As much spectacle as store, this corner place is jammed with intriguing works of new art. All manner of primitive faces gaze out from the array of…
Thimphu
Dozens of craft stalls line the middle of Norzin Lam opposite the Taj Tashi hotel. It's the single best place in Thimphu to shop for crafts, with stalls…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Kitschy, design-y goods such as stylish embroidered T-shirts, funky coffee mugs and coasters, and superhip graphic art, including beaded embroidered art…
Osaka
One of the best record stores in the city, Time Bomb stocks an excellent collection of vinyl and CDs from '60s pop and '70s punk to alternative, soul and…
Downtown Kyoto
This place sells a fabulous variety of washi for reasonable prices and is a great spot to pick up a gift or souvenir. Look for the Morita Japanese Paper…
Phnom Penh
Leading Cambodian fashion designer Romyda Keth has turned this striking French-era mansion into the perfect showcase for her stunning silk collection…
Seminyak
High-end surf fashion, surfboards, gear, cool books and brands such as Obey and Wegener. Started by two savvy surfer dudes, the shop stocks goods noted…
Galle
Specialist tea store with an amazing range of top-quality green teas, white teas, Ceylon garden teas, blended teas and single-estate teas. There's no hard…
Seminyak
Tenganan, the Aga village of east Bali, produces the intricate and beautiful rattan items sold here. Containers, bowls, purses and more (from 50,000Rp)…
Kerobokan
This long-time gallery has shown some of Bali's very best artists going back to the most notable names of the 1930s, such as Spies, Snell and Lempad. It…
Kuta & Legian
Legendary board-shaper Luke Studer works from this large and glossy shop. Short boards, retro fishes, single fins and classic longboards are sold ready…
Seminyak
Specialises in vintage and reproduction wayang puppets used in traditional Balinese theatre. Just looking at the animated faces peering back at you is a…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Great little bookshop selling new and secondhand, cult and mainstream books and comics. Good for titles on southern India and run by informed, helpful…
Thimphu
One of the best-stocked religious shops in Thimphu, selling everything from Buddhist scriptures and Buddha statues to kangling thigh-bone flutes.
Seminyak
Shop for frilly, sporty or sexy frocks and formal wear at this cheery designer boutique (one of 11 island-wide). All goods are designed and made in Bali.
Colombo
An engrossing treasure of a store selling antiques, old photos, art, books and more in a genteel, wood-panelled setting. Also has a busy photo studio.
Phnom Penh
Classy Phnom Penh branch of the venerable Siem Reap sculpture and silk specialist, which supports some 800 craftspeople across the country.
Mumbai (Bombay)
Ethically sourced cotton and silk fashions and homewares in everybody's favourite modern-meets-traditional Indian shop.
Manila
Über-hip assortment of bars, kitschy shops and galleries selling everything from old LPs to retro toys and housewares.
Ubud
One of the best places in Ubud to source top-quality traditional Balinese handicrafts. Also stocks books.
Seminyak
The works of young designers based in Bali are showcased at this intriguing and glossy boutique.
Matsumoto
Glass and pottery aficionados will find this wonderful boutique on Nakamachi-dōri a must.
