Bangkok’s best kept antiques shopping secret: Wat Suan Kaew

Whether you’re in the market for second-hand furniture, antique temple fixtures, or retro knick-knacks, the market stalls around Wat Suan Kaew will offer all that – and then some.

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9 Thai handicrafts you’ll actually want to buy

From woodwork to weaving, Thai handicrafts are leaving the village and are taking the design stage by storm. Designers work together with local artisans, creating homewares, jewellery and cosmetics that combine ancient techniques with modern know-how. We’ve selected some of our favorite Thai souvenirs at ICONCRAFT, who brought together some of Thailand’s best contemporary crafts…

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Bombay Black Book – A guide to Mumbai, India

Sorry Delhi, but Mumbai stole our hearts. With its perfect mix of hipster and heritage, highbrow and lowbrow, and streets peppered with eclectic architecture and quirky concept stores, it managed to enthrall us for two full weeks, and we would’ve gladly stayed longer. Here, we’re sharing our favorite things to see, eat, drink and buy…

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11 unique Vietnam souvenirs that don’t suck

We’re not saying that you shouldn’t buy that conical hat for a dollar from that friendly lady at the market (although we will be quietly judging you if you proceed to prance around town with it) — but just know that there are so many more interesting souvenirs to bring home from Vietnam. Here are our favorites,…

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7 India Souvenirs for Design-savvy Travelers

If your idea of a ‘unique India souvenir’ is a Ganesha trinket or a cheap hippie bag, then read on. We’ve scoured India’s best concept stores and design studios to pick some of our favorite gifts to bring back home. ‘Sar: The Essence of Indian Design’ book Indian households harbor a wealth of interesting objects:…

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When in Jaipur, get your picture taken

“Hello! Hello! Old Camera!”. We usually bolt in a different direction when a street-side tout starts shouting at us, but upon seeing Mr. Chand and his vintage camera just outside Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, we knew we’d be in for something good. The camera is a piece of history. Manufactured in Germany in the 1860s, the…

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Vernacular Frenzy — 11 Everyday India Souvenirs

India’s best souvenirs aren’t found in gift shops and craft markets, but in places where the locals do their everyday shopping. From household items to kitchen utensils, we selected some of our favorite finds.  Where to find it Most of these items are some common, you’re bound to find them before you even start looking.…

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Thai Innovative Craft — a contemporary take on traditional techniques

When you combine the techniques of traditional artisans with the direction of some of Bangkok’s most creative minds, magic is bound to happen. Last month, we had the honour of joining SACICT (The Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand) and 56thStudio on a visit to local craftsmen and communities in and around Chiang…

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Cheap and Cheerful — Thailand’s Mom & Pop Shop Souvenirs

Cheap, cheerful and a touch of Isaan-chic. These trinkets just scream ‘Thailand’, and make a colorful touch to even the dreariest of interiors (or, you know, you could also use them for their intended purpose). At less than a 100 baht a piece, it’s hard to not pick up a few to bring back home.…

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10 Thailand souvenirs that don’t suck

Let’s be honest: did you really like that tiny tuk-tuk, paper umbrella or tacky buddha statue your friends brought you as a souvenir from their Thailand trip? Probably not. That’s why we’ve selected 10 unique gifts, so you don’t have to be *that* friend. Most of these items are locally made and exclusively available in…

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