Must-see shopping in Asia

  • Union Record Shinjuku

    Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo

    Music chain Disc Union is doubling down on its commitment to analogue with the opening of this new record shop, with crates full of new and used,…

  • Nakamachi Kura-chic-kan

    Matsumoto

    A pun on 'classic' in English, 'kura (storehouses)' in Japanese and 'chic' in French, Nakamachi Kura-chic-kan showcases locally produced arts and crafts…

  • Millimetre Milligram

    Itaewon & Yongsan-gu

    Usually shortened to MMMG, this stylish emporium tells a story on every storey, from Swiss brand Freitag on ground level up through to Japanese homewares,…

  • Blue de Hue

    Hue

    This antiques store is stuffed to the rafters with stonework, ceramics, calligraphy, laquerware, wooden carvings and all manner of intriguing pieces of…

  • Echo Store

    Manila

    Specialises in fair-trade, locally sourced products (including coffee and handicrafts) and chemical-free beauty/health items. Its cafe serves tasty…

  • Tom’s Silver

    Yogyakarta

    With an extensive selection of handcrafted silverware and some superb large pieces, Tom's also has a workshop where the labour-intensive process of…

  • Dorji Gyeltshen Tshongkhang

    Thimphu

    The family-run and well-stocked places has shelves piled high with bolts of Bhutanese fabric and ready-made gho and kira (traditional dress for men and…

  • Mandarake

    Fukuoka

    The Fukuoka branch of Mandarake is Kyūshū's largest manga store, with two large floors of galleries of games, comic books, DVDs, costumes and merch – lots…

  • Furano Marche

    Hokkaidō

    This one-stop shop for made-in-Furano food and drink is stocked with local wines, cheeses, cured meats, yoghurts and puddings. There's also a produce…

  • Fabindia

    Delhi

    A branch of the influential Fabindia store selling Indian clothes, with a wide range of cotton kurtas (long shirts) for men and women, and homewares at…

  • Dy Proeung Master Sculptor

    Temples of Angkor

    Dy Proeung Master Sculptor has created scale replicas of Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei, plus Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear and Banteay Srei for good measure. Find…

  • Amethyst Room

    Chennai (Madras)

    Elegant Amethyst Room brings a colourful upmarket twist to the Chamiers-complex shopping scene with its beautiful Indian-design couture.

  • Dhankuta Sisters

    Patan

    Come here for tablecloths, cushion covers and clothing made from dhaka-style cloth from eastern Nepal. Most items are cotton, but silk, banana and nettle…

  • Vajra Books

    Kathmandu

    This knowledgeable local publisher offers an excellent selection of academic books and is a magnet for local writers and researchers. Ask to see the…

  • Antique Street Saigon

    Ho Chi Minh City

    This is the best of the arts and antiques stores along Ð Le Cong Kieu near the Fine Arts Museum. The shop overflows with interesting discoveries and art…

  • Walking Street

    Lampang

    Lampang has its own Walking Street market along charming Th Talad Gao. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the usual traffic is replaced by souvenir,…

  • KZL Art Studio & Gallery

    Yangon

    The three-storey Golden Valley home of artist Khin Zaw Latt, who has an international reputation, includes a gallery of his and other artists’ works, plus…

  • Tuol Sleng Shoes

    Phnom Penh

    Scary name, but there’s nothing scary about the price of these custom-fit, handmade shoes. It is surrounded by a sea of newer competitors, so shop around…

  • Outbound

    Tokyo

    Outbound stocks beautiful homewares and objets d'art for your bohemian dream house. Works are earthy, made by contemporary artisans and displayed in…

  • Chan Con Cong

    Hanoi

    This charmingly small vintage shop stuffed away beneath Loading T Cafe sells delightful vintage long dresses and classic togs. There's another, larger…

  • Indigenous

    Hanoi

    A top spot for quirky ethnic-style gifts and excellent fair-trade coffee. There’s a great little cafe too, so you can choose your favourite Vietnamese…

  • Nowshera Bazaar

    Leh

    This pedestrianised street of tiny shops is full of tailors and barbers, but several shops also sell prayer flags, Chinese brocade, carpets and other…

  • Forum Centre City Mall

    Mysuru (Mysore)

    When you need a dose of air-con and some retail time, this mall fits the bill. Offers a wide range of clothing stores (including H&M and Levi's), cafes…

  • Pondok Bamboo Music Shop

    Ubud

    Hear the music of a thousand bamboo wind chimes at this store owned by noted gamelan musician Nyoman Warsa, who also offers music lessons (per hour 150…

  • First Chain Bookshop

    Dhaka

    Large bookshop with good range of English-language books, especially kids books, and music CDs. It has a small cafe and juice bar, and free wi-fi. You can…

  • LHAMOUR

    Ulaanbaatar

    Set up by a Mongolian woman, this classy cosmetics store specialises in organic body products and accessories made using local products from sea buckthorn…

  • Belle Amie Doll Shop

    Matsumoto

    Temari (embroidered balls) and dolls are found here, about 500m east of the station. Doll styles include Tanabata and oshie-bina (dressed in fine cloth).

  • A-Krea

    Sanur

    An excellent spot for souvenirs, A-Krea has a range of items designed and made in Bali in its attractive store. Clothes, accessories, homewares and more…

  • Naturally Auroville

    Chennai (Madras)

    Colourful handicrafts and home-decor trinkets, including bedspreads, cushions, incense, scented candles and handmade-paper notebooks, all from Auroville,…

  • Run YGN

    Yangon

    Local hip-hop star SZ is the owner of this trendy streetwear brand. Buy T-shirts, tank tops, caps and backpacks emblazoned with bold and colourful Myanmar…

  • Sixth Sense

    George Town

    Earthy, simple, linen-heavy clothing for both men and women is the emphasis at this local-label store. Supplementing this is a selection of handsome,…

  • Diwo Gallery

    Siem Reap

    Sells French photographer and writer Thierry Diwo’s collection of art photography from around Angkor, as well as high-quality replica bronze, stone and…

  • Royal Music Collection

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Friendly Abdul Razzak's brilliant street stall showcases his 5000-stong vintage vinyl collection, which leans heavily to Bollywood, classical and…

  • Made in Cambodia Market

    Siem Reap

    King's Road hosts the daily Made in Cambodia community market, bringing together many of the best local craftsfolk and creators in Siem Reap, many…

  • Cotton Cottage

    Mumbai (Bombay)

    Stock up on colourful, handmade Dhabu block-printed and Chanderi-weaved cotton kurtas (shirts) and various pants – salwar, churidar, patiala – for the…

  • Ajuntha Textiles

    Malaysia

    Behind an elaborate carved wooden shopfront is this Indian textiles and jewellery emporium. Come here for silk scarves, saris, jewellery and gorgeous…

  • Tan My Design

    Hanoi

    Stylish clothing, jewellery and accessories, with the bonus of a cool cafe when you need a break from shopping. The homewares and bed linen are definitely…

  • England Vision Optical

    Yangon

    You're sure to find very reasonably priced frames to suit from the multitude of styles on offer at this optician. Prescription glasses can be turned…

  • Ode to Art

    Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay

    Ode to Art displays and sells sculptures and paintings by a variety of Asian and Western artists, both emerging and established. The gallery is happy to…

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