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TOP SHOPS
shopping news and the best travel buys
VIET ELEGANCE
Even in the cosmopolitan, commercial city of Ho Chi Minh City, you will still find women wearing ao dai (pronounced ow yai), the traditional Vietnamese dress and trouser suit that oozes Asian grace. Tailor Le Si Hoang has been designing and making ao dai for 15 years, and as well as catering to the locals, he also has many foreign customers.
His clothes are made from various fabrics, including silk, chiffon or brocade, usually craft ed by Vietnamese artisans in places like La Khe, a northern village near Hanoi which created textiles for the royal court in the 18th century and has a reputation for producing the most beautiful silks in the country.
Si Hoang still makes traditional ready-made and bespoke ao dai, although during the last year, he has developed his contemporary and children’s collections. Visit his workshop to see his staff and art students hand-painting, glittering and beading his creations, and pick an ao dai out for yourself. Plan to wear it for a special occasion – it’s a real showstopper. 36-38 Ly Tu Trong, tel (08) 822-3100, www.sihoang-art.com
ISLAND BUYS
Hong Kong’s open markets seem to be multiplying – hot on the heels of similar open-air bazaars in Pokfulam and Borrett Road is Discovery Bay Market (tel +852 9247-5635, www.openairhk.com) on the piazza near Lantau Island’s ferry pier.
Happening on the first Sunday of the month, the Discovery Bay souk follows in its elder sisters’ footsteps, offering food, clothing, collectibles and handicraft s. Eco-friendly items take centre stage here, as organic fruit, vegetables, personal products and household supplies are on sale.
Kids will love the Drum Jam (left ) – a very noisy percussion session led by a professional musician, while new mums will flock to Baa Baa Black Sheep for adorable cotton baby clothes. If the weather is bad, call ahead to check that the market is on.
DRY DOSH
Heading to the water? Whether you’re going whitewater rafting, at the beach or on a cruise, keep your calf leather wallet and titanium money clip in the hotel safe and bring Dosh, a waterproof number to carry cards, coins and cash.
Designed and made in Sydney, Dosh’s thermoplastic polyurethane material makes it a hardy alternative to the precious animal skin pieces that most of us use. Priced at A$49.95 (about US$40) from www.dosh.com.au
SECRET SANTA
It’s not the most Christmassy of towns, but Koh Samui’s shops are a treasure trove of festive gifts. Here are our top picks for presents with a taste of the Thai islands
1 DINING DELIGHTS
Lacquered plates are light enough (and hard-wearing too) to pack carefully in your suitcase to transport them home.
They come in a mix of hand-painted designs. Buy a matching set or choose an eclectic selection. Great for eating off or 
for decoration. Prices start at 390 baht. Baan Soi Gemstones, 124/156 Lamai Beach, tel +66 (0)77 424630
2 PEPPERY PLEASURE
Designer Kob creates several vibrant pepper grinders that will will jazz up anyone’s kitchen. The striking grinders, which are also exported to Italy, make for an excellent centrepiece during meals. Prices start at 1,290 baht. Baan Soi Gemstones, 124/156 Lamai Beach, tel +66 (0)77 424630
3 PICTURE THIS
It’s hard to resist being bitten by the art bug when surrounded by so many galleries in Koh Samui.
For something different, a tiny shop called 10 in Na Th on town sells original works painted onto wooden boards. The paintings are not lacquered so they have a soft finish, making them soothing and contemplative. They are light enough to carry as hand luggage. Prices are negotiable, but expect to pay about 1,000 to 2,000 baht for a medium-sized piece. 10 The Na Amphoe, Na Thon
4 LIGHT EM UP
For some truly unique gifts – and a very subtle way to bring Thailand into someone’s home – these handmade silk lamps can be shipped to anywhere in the world.
There are different designs and colours to choose from. Go for bubble-like shell, star, oval, round or sail shapes (prices range from 850 to 4,150 baht), or choose something more traditional with the red or white spherical lanterns, also made from silk.
The tall bamboo floor-lamps make an impressive focal point anywhere in the world (3,499 baht), while cute coconut trees add a tropical feel to homes (1,499 to 2,950 baht).
Asian Lights and Design, Samui 84310 (between Lamai and Chaweng beaches), tel +66 (0)8 9727-0315
5 FRESH FLORALS
Strictly for display only, and too nice to use, these soap flowers are intricately carved by hand. The darling examples of Thai artistry can be found at most market stalls; the ones here are from the South Lamai Beach market, near the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks. Priced at 100 baht each.
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