Pune
This craft revival project cofounded by four women champions the dying Indian art of handcrafted metalware from artisans in Pune, the Konkan Coast and…
Must-see shopping in Asia
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some of Kolkata's most exquisite handmade saris are sold at this speciality boutique. There's also a fair smattering of semiprecious jewellery, and an…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Indian Hippy will put your name in lights, with custom-designed Bollywood posters hand-painted on canvas by the original studio artists (a dying breed…
George Town
Be charmed by the colourful artworks, prints and postcards of friendly young owners Clovis and Joey, as well as the many images created by the art…
Thimphu
Bhutan's Queen Mother Dorje Wangmo (the fourth king's wife) established this NGO to support rural communities across Bhutan through the marketing and…
Loei Province
This shop selling Phi Ta Khon masks and other festival-related artefacts makes for a fun browse and is great for unusal souvenirs. It also has bike hire …
Asakusa & Sumida River
Think of this as a small shopping centre, showcasing the best of Japan's speciality food and drink (ground floor) and arts and crafts (2nd floor). The 3rd…
Khiva
Carpet makers hand-weave high-quality silk rugs here, not in traditional carpet patterns but in unique designs inspired by Khivan tilework, carved doors…
Siam Square, Pratunam, Phloen Chit & Ratchathewi
With an open, almost market-like feel and an impressive variety of unique goods ranging from housewares to clothing (including lots of items by Thai…
Tashkent
Close to the Oliy Majlis in Navoi Park, this medressa has been turned into an artisans’ school and workshop where local wood carvers, lacquerware makers,…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Chor Bazaar is known for antiques, though be wary of reproductions. The main area of activity is Mutton St, where shops specialise in these ‘antiques’ and…
Aberdeen & South Hong Kong Island
One of the coolest born in Hong Kong shops around, G.O.D. does irreverent takes on classic Hong Kong iconography. Think mobile-phone covers printed with…
Bagan
For some of the best lacquerware in Bagan, pop by the Black Elephant Studio where you can feast your eyes – and empty your wallet – on some exquisite, but…
Gangnam & Southern Seoul
Inspired by its shopping complex in Milan, this outpost of the fashion and lifestyle boutique is about as interesting as Gangnam retail can get. The blend…
South Jakarta
Contemporary art exhibitions, stylish designer goods, books, old travel posters and good coffee all come together in this chic space. Bare concrete and…
Henan
The artist/owner of this woodblock printing workshop, Mr Yin (尹), is a fifth-generation artisan whose family has been in business for more than 200 years…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
In the hip Star St area, this Hong Kong–born boutique has combined two old shops to create a new 1500-sq-ft flagship. It stocks a fastidiously curated…
George Town
Head here for fabrics – both new and antique – as well as boxes, stationery, coffee-table books, art pieces, bags and other classy Asian bric-a-brac.
The Bund & People's Square
Brave the crowds to check out the amazing variety of dried meats, mushrooms, ginseng, chicken feet and sea cucumber, as well as more tempting snacks…
Chandigarh
Named after the birth year of Guru Nanak (the founder of the Sikh faith), this funky independent clothing store sells fabulously colourful scarves, shawls…
Manila
This is almost more of a cultural centre than a shop. Intricately woven baskets, wooden Ifugao bulol statues for guarding rice, plus textiles and other…
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…
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…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Hidden deep in the side alleys of Harajuku, House stocks an ever-changing selection of experimental Japanese fashion brands. Contrary to what the coolness…
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…
Seoul
Going strong since 2002, this lively weekly market helps to propel talented young creatives on to big-time retail. It's a great opportunity to meet the…
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…
The Bund & People's Square
Attached to the Shanghai Museum and entered from East Yan'an Rd, this shop offers a refreshing change from the usual tourist tat. There is an excellent…
Wan Chai & Northeast Hong Kong Island
A mostly street-level fashion-shopping mecca spanning four streets in Causeway Bay – Paterson, Cleveland, Great George and Kingston. It's where you'll…
Bundi
Many art shops will offer you Rajasthani miniatures, but Yug Art offers to put you into one. Provide a photo and you can be pictured on elephant-back or…
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…
The Bund & People's Square
Just off the Bund, this little boutique is a great place to browse for a contemporary take on a traditional art form. It sells a tasteful selection of…
Dongdaemun & Eastern Seoul
See what's coming next in Korean fashion at this fabulously well-designed boutique, which offers streetwear, gifts and bags on the ground floor and more…
Galle
Beautiful lacework made right here. The shop teaches local women dyeing crafts and ensures them a fair price for their work. Even if you’re not buying,…
