Search
Top Shops
shopping news from bangkok airways destinations
MANGA MAGIC
Brought to you by the creative team at Bangkok’s Playground!, Manga is a one-stop shop for hipsters, funksters and cool cats housed in the massive, revamped Central World. Check out their stylish skater/street wear with brands like Crooks & Castles, Hellz Bellz, Head Porter, and Hong Kong’s Know1edge. Everything you need to elicit a “where did you get that?” from your friends is here. 1st Floor Central World, Rajdamri Road, tel +66 (0)2 613-1177
TECHNO ISLAND
Everyone seems to have one these days. And now you can keep your iPod up to date with the latest tunes and accessories – even on Koh Samui. Just visit the I-Pod Shop at Unique Bar & Internet Café on Chaweng Beach Road in central Chaweng (tel +66 (0)77 413388).
Alternatively, if you’re looking to learn about the best way to listen to your tunes at home, look no further than Ruen. As the official representatives of Aviva Décor, Ruen is the first outlet on Samui to offer high-end European brands like Bang & Olufsen sound and vision systems, as well as stylish interiors and furnishings by Habitat, MDF Italia, Leicht and Rolf Benz.
While aimed primarily at residents, there is plenty to interest tourists too. Unit D-9, Samui Town Centre, tel +66 (0)77 427633
STREETS AHEAD
Looking for quality wares in Chiang Mai and don’t want to spend hours going all over town? Head straight to Nimmanheimin Road and discover a wealth of designer outlets all within a relatively compact area – from funky fashion and accessories at Ginger (tel +66 (0)53 215635) to contemporary stoneware and ceramic lines created by Earth & Fire at AKA on the side lane Soi 1 (tel +66 (0)53 894413, www.aka-aka.com).
Start at the top of the road at the Amari Rincome hotel and work your way down, stopping for a much-needed caffeine injection at Soi 9, which has become so jam-packed with java shops such as Starbucks, Café Nero, local brand Wawee and 94c that locals have taken to calling it “Soi Coffee”!
NEW GENERATION
AVANA fashion house has been dressing Singapore’s chic set for 20 years now, but remains on top by keeping a close eye on the changing market.
Founder Serene Liok has been joined by her two daughters, Vanessa and Natasha, ensuring that everyone from the age of 20 to 50 will find the perfect something for that special occasion. To get a taste for the gorgeous clothes and accessories that fill their newly-renovated private showroom, just visit www.avanastyle.com. #01-01 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, tel +65 6737-4042
ECLECTIC ANTIQUES
Dating back to the early 1900s, Phuket City’s China Inn or “The House on 20 Thalang Road”, was restored from near-ruin and opened its original Chinese-carved doors in 2004 as a boutique café and antiques gallery.
The eclectic range of Indian, Chinese, Thai and Burmese textiles, jewellery, arts and furniture collections are displayed over two floors amid rich historical architecture and decor. An arty back garden café serves delicious lunch fare in perfect feng shui. 20 Thalang Road, tel +66 (0)76 356239
LUXES LOVES
Hot to wat, but only got a few days in the fab former Kingdom of Angkor? You’re certainly here to see those awesome temples, but get your priorities right, and leave some time for retail. The best shopping is in Phnom Penh, where you can pick up couture gowns, bespoke jewellery and custom-made furniture. Siem Reap has a heap of tourist tripe, but some real treasures too.
Silk in every shape and form is the shopping mainstay; gems and jewellery are also big business, but a caveat emptor; and, if you haven’t had enough Buddha to last you a lifetime, you’re in the right country to pick up a replica for your home.
Kee Foong, editor of the new LUXE Cambodia and Laos*, shares his top five fabulous shops to get you going in both cities. Time to get those purses out…
PHNOM PENH
1. Ambre – Cambodian designer Romyda Keth creates elegant, feminine and glamorous silk gowns. The showroom is in a converted terrace, which also features tasteful homeware. Evening and wedding frocks can be made bespoke. 37 Street 178, tel +855 (0)12 819317, email kethambre@online.com.kh
2. I-Ching – Contempo décor den with furny, homeware and lifestyle accessories, and an in-house design team to whip up a unique piece. Love the croc-skin iPod covers. 85 Sothearos Boulevard (near the Russian Embassy), tel +855 (0)23 220873, email ichingdecor@online.com.kh
3. Water Lily – Rummage through Christine Gauthier’s drawers for wonderfully eccentric, beady necklaces, earrings and more, made from whatever takes her fancy. 37 Street 240, tel +855 (0)12 812469
4. Bliss – East-West gal-gear, quilts, bags, pillows and more, plus a sweet spa with its own line of oils and soaps. 29 Street 240, tel +855 (0)23 215754, www.blisscambodia.com
5. Reyum – Institute of Arts and Culture Gallery – This fascinating gallery with its own retail space features rotating exhibitions by traditional and contemporary Khmer artists. 47 Street 178, tel +855 (0)23 217149, www.reyum.org
SIEM REAP
1. McDermott Gallery at FCC Angkor – John snaps arty black and white images of Angkor, and photo excursions can be arranged. A new second gallery behind Pub Street, near the Old Market has just opened.
Pokambor Avenue, tel +855 (0)12 615695, www.asiaphotos.net
2. Tiger Lily – Well-crafted Khmer-inspired silverware, bronze and lacquer home accessories, lino prints and objets d’art by Judie Wong. She will also help you realise your own design. FCC Angkor, Pokambor Avenue, tel +855 (0)63 761446, www.tigerlilypnh.com
3. Khmer Attitude – Nathalie Saphon-Ridel’s boutique within Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor stocks two of Cambodia’s finest designers, Eric Raisina and Romyda Keth, plus a range of silver, woven bags and other accessories. 1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, tel +855 (0)12 917056, email natsaphonridel@online.com.kh
4. Senteurs d’Angkor – Avert your gaze from the knick-knacks, and snap up Cambodian pepper and spices, tea and coffee, lotions, soaps, oils, silks and such at this fabulous shop opposite the Old Market.
No 274-5, tel +855 (0)63 964801, www.senteursdangkor.com
5. Shenga Lingerie – Get naughty and nice at once with these fair-trade, handmade silk and lacy lingerie in Euro sizes. The foxy bra and panties, dressing gowns and nighties are all made locally, as well as bespoke items available at this sexy shop upstairs from Le Tigre de Papier behind Pub Street.
Tel +855 (0)12 260015, email shenga@angkorw.com
Bookmark This Post
