Top shops shopping news from bangkok airways’ destinations

PERFECT PAIR

It is estimated that in Japan, 130 million pairs of disposable wooden chopsticks or waribashi are used and discarded every day. Curb this wasteful habit and save the disappearing forests with handy reusable travel chopsticks, handmade in Hiroshima from bamboo, and available in a variety of snazzy lightweight carrying cases.

As well as making excellent giffs, they are bound to attract attention when you eat out, making them great conversation starters. At Koba, pick up a pair for just 1,200 yen. PW 3F Rego Bld, 1-4 Naka-machi, Naka-ku, tel +81 (0)82 249-6556

SMOOTH AS SILK

Cambodia’s reputation as a world-class producer of unique quality silks has taken the next step with the opening of Shenga, the country’s fi rst designer silk lingerie boutique. The fabric’s feminine, tactile and luxurious qualities are at the heart of Shenga’s designer and owner Stephanie Lesage’s vision. The Shenga debut collection is available upstairs at Le Tigre de Papier, 50m west of Siem Reap’s Old Market. RB Tel +855 (0)12 260015

TEA OR TWO

Positioned between the Versace and Armani boutiques on Hangzhou’s well-heeled Hubin Road, Snow Peak Mountain Tea offers an exclusive venue to sample and buy fi ne teas.

Naturally, you can fi nd several varieties of local Dragon Well tea, along with other Chinese specialties – you must try the amazingly fragrant Woolong or Pu’Er teas. ML 6 Hubin Road, tel +86 (0)571 8717-2506

SAMUI STYLE

Jade Boutique is a unique blend of beach and eveningwear, beautiful bags, shoes and funky accessories.

Bringing to Koh Samui high quality fabrics and outstanding styles in those hard-to-fi nd European sizes from around the world, Jade is conveniently located in Central Chaweng between El Patio restaurant and Boots. GM Tel +66 (0)4 730-1460

STREET SCENE

While “hip-hop” and “China” don’t usually belong in the same sentence, the mainland’s embryonic scene means one can fi nd the genre’s associated fashions and gear at stores like Fly. This Zhengzhou outlet of the Shanghai-based store is one of few distributors paving new trends in Chinese fashions. ML 39 Jing Pin area, Guang Cai Shi Chang

INTO THE BLUE

For the defi nitive collection of exquisite Laos handicra s, e Blue House on Luang Prabang’s Sakkarine Road is a must. % e building was renovated in 2002 using German development money and is now home to the Lao Handicra s Group – a subdivision of the Lao Department of Culture. Artists from all over the province have been invited to display their designs, which include silver work, basketry and, of course, silk and cotton textiles. JH

BANGKOK’S BEST

Editors of LUXE City Guides provide the lowdown on the city’s top 10 boutiques Well known for its fabulous food, accommodation and spas, highly stylish and very affordable shopping is also one of Bangkok’s main attractions. e spanking new Siam Paragon mall should feature at the top of every retail queen’s list, but don’t forget to check out these older favourites. Purses out.

1. Four Sisters – An eclectic and pretty collection of feminine beaded bags and frocks. 1293-5 Charoen Krung Road, Soi 49, tel +66 (0)2 234-0053

2. Almeta – is lovely little showroom showcases handwoven silk to order, in hundreds of colours and 12-plys. 20/3 Sukumvit Soi 23, tel +66 (0)2 258-4227, www.almeta.com

3. Lin Silvercraft – is dinky store holds a treasure trove of silver from cuff-links to picture frames. Best yet, most of the items can be engraved on the same day. 14 Charoen Krung Soi 40 (Soi Oriental), tel +66 (0)2 235-2108

4. Jaana – Antique beads, gems, stones and amulets from all over the world re-fashioned into ethnic-glam statement jewels. Shop 246, River City Shopping Complex, Yotha Road off Charoen Krung, tel +66 (0)2 639-6044, www.jaanagallery.com

5. H Gallery – is beautiful old house is now a new home to the H Gallery and ever-changing exhibitions of new young ai artists. 201 Sathorn Soi 12, tel +66 (0)1 310-4428, www.hgallerybkk.com

6. Nandakwang – All types and manner of handwoven and loomed contemporary bags, throws, baskets and tableware for the hip and stylish. 108/3 Sukumvit Soi 23, Klongtei-Nua Vadhana, tel +66 (0)2 259-9607, www.nandakwang.com

7. Playground! – ree fl oors of global modern lifestyle, fashion, books, furniture, homewares, music, sport and travel, as well as homegrown up-and-coming ai designers. 818 Sukhumvit Soi 55, tel +66 (0)2 714-7888, www.playgroundstore.co.th

8. Pink Poodle – Audacious stagger-glam crystal jewellery and cocktail fashion in this courtyard of high-end antiques and bijouterie. e Parichart Court, Four Seasons Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Road, tel +66 (0)2 250-1000

9. Gaysorn Plaza – is one-stop mall has it all – from high-end lifestyle (Ayodhya, Modern East, Noble Art, Lamont) to elegant cutting-edge fashion (Fly Now, Sretsis, Cloud 9 and Fashion Society). 999 Ploenchit Road, opposite Grand Hyatt Erawan, tel +66 (0)2 656-1149, www.gaysorn.com

10. Thann Sanctuary – Indulge in the full range of this fabulous cult ai skin and spa products. Rm 518B 5/F Siam Discovery Centre, 989 Rama 1 Road, tel +66 (0)2 658-0550, www.thann.info

Learn more about LUXE City Guides at www.luxecityguides.com