Chinatown & the CBD
An Aladdin’s cave of dusty furniture, books, records, woodcarvings, porcelain and other bits and bobs (we even found an old cash register), Tong Mern Sern…
Must-see shopping in Southeast Asia
Bangkok
Considered one of Bangkok's most popular night markets, Asiatique is housed within restored warehouses next to the Chao Phraya River. Expect clothing,…
Siem Reap
After years spent working with Artisans Angkor to revitalise Khmer handicrafts, Cambodian artist and designer Theam operates his own studio of lacquer…
Siem Reap
Renowned designer Eric Raisina brings a unique cocktail of influences to his couture. Born in Madagascar, partly educated in France and resident in…
Papua
A longstanding tribal art emporium offering up some of Asmat's finest pieces, including shields, spears, totem poles, costumes, wood carvings, drums and…
Kuching
Local textiles, organic soaps and an excellent selection of books on Sarawak's history and culture are all good reasons to visit this combination of…
Jakarta
On the 1st floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, a treasure trove of antique maps awaits at this compact shop. Prints, some dating back 500 years, are…
Yangon
One of the best selections of contemporary handicrafts in Yangon – and all produced by projects supporting disadvantaged groups in Myanmar. Fall in love…
Timor-Leste
Calling this a doll shop doesn't do this village cooperative justice: here, in a simple building by the beach, marginalised women sew modern, well…
George Town
Malaysian-produced batik printed cloth is made into a variety of men's and women's fashions and gift items here. Some of the more expensive designs are…
Ho Chi Minh City
Come for the apartment building partially converted into cool boutique shops, and linger for the young, social-media-savvy fashion labels that produce…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Manila
Owned by the Filipino author F Sionil José, Solidaridad has a masterfully curated collection of both Western and Eastern non-fiction, international…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
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…
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.
Phnom Penh
Classy Phnom Penh branch of the venerable Siem Reap sculpture and silk specialist, which supports some 800 craftspeople across the country.
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.
Banglamphu
The main guesthouse strip in Banglamphu is a day-and-night shopping bazaar peddling all the backpacker 'essentials': profane T-shirts, bootleg DVDs of…
Little India & Kampong Glam
What was once an area known for its risqué nightlife – packed with foreign servicemen on R&R, gambling dens and sex workers – is now its most famous undercover…
Manila
Somewhat like an indoor/outdoor flea market, Greenhills has stall after stall selling DVDs and brand-named clothing of questionable legitimacy. But snoop…
Phuket Town
An elegant antiques gallery and boutique featuring antiquated Buddha statues and sculptures, organic textiles, and ambitious, exquisite high-fashion women…
Phuket
Fashionistas will adore this sparkly, sophisticated Ko Samui–born boutique that captures all that's young and glam about Phuket. Flick through gorgeous,…
Mataram
There are no tourists at this vast market near the Mandalika bus terminal in Bertais, but it has everything else: fruit and veggies, fish (fresh and dried…
