Shopping news from bangkok airways’ destinations

NOW OPEN

Ho Chi Minh City’s first ever Louis Vuitton boutique (Opera View Building, 161 Dong Khoi, tel +84 (0)8 827-6318, www.louisvuitton.com) is now serving monogramme-loving customers in District One. The store is Vietnam’s second, and its opening marks the 10Thanniversary of the Hanoi outlet. Expect new designer goodies, including women’s shoes and sunglasses to be added to boThstores’ collections soon.

ON EGGSHELLS

A hand-painted egg is an amazing thing to see. But a decorative egg painted in gold, black and red with an image of Buddha? That’s something extra special.

Mankone (right, whose name means “dragon”) is the Laotian creator behind these works and one of Luang Prabang’s most recognisable artists. Most famous for his mural in the 3 Nagas Hotel and Restaurant, his delicate “dragon eggs”, (above right) are also gaining a following.

Imitations are being hatched, however, so be sure to ask for Mankone’s work by name. Beautifully boxed, these eggs will make a unique and impressive gift . Buy them for US$15 each at Mankone’s stand at the night market on Sisavangvong Road, near the Royal Palace Museum.

POWER UP

Forget buying disposable batteries for your camera and try USBCELL – rechargeable double As that can plug into any USB port on laptops, computers or game consoles to power up. These sources of power are an environmentally friendly option that save money, as well as precious baggage space. Priced at GB£12.99 from www.usbcell.com

BUY RIGHT

Responsible shopping benefits local communities and provides a distinctive feel-good feeling about your purchases. Here are four easy ways to make your retail therapy mutually beneficial:

1 Don’t bargain too hard
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of haggling, but you might want to think twice about negotiating hard over the equivalent of a few dollars in your own currency.

2 Look for labels
Fair Trade classification ensures that boThthe community and the environment are cared for in the making of the product. However, certification can be a lengthy process, so also look out for products that give jobs, training or income to locals. In Siem Reap, Artisans D’Angkor (Chantiers-Ecoles, Stung Thmey Street, tel +855   (0)63 963330, www.artisansdangkor.com) trains locals in Khmer arts like woodcarving (right). Across Thailand, OTOP shops (www.thaitambon.com) sell traditional handicrafts made by villagers.

3 Don’t buy relics
If those beads or stone statues seem authentically ancient, they may have been looted from archaeological sites like the temples of Angkor Wat. Buying these items encourages local people to sell their own history, so just say no!

4 Support local businesses
As far as possible, dine, stay and shop at locally owned businesses. Simply ask the staff where the owner is from before you make your decision to spend your money.

Bookmark This Post     Print This Post    Email This Post

Other recent features: