A page that is likely to fill half of you with delight and half of you with fear! Everything you hear is true…it’s cheap (very), bountiful, varied and a little more exciting than your usual Saturday walk down the high street!
Souvenirs
Where to start…you’ll come across everything from tribal wear to model soldiers made from used artillery, Zippo lighters the size of a shoebox and enough clothing to satisfy any shopaholic.
You are your own boss here, but a few of the following tips may help:
- Think about how much longer you are away for and therefore how many days you are going to have to transport any large items around with you. Chances are they’ll be available in your final destination, unless it is a truly unique piece.
- Fakes…they’re cheap because often they’re extremely bad quality. In many cases they won’t last the first wash, so don’t plan to fill next season’s wardrobe with them!
- Items you’ve worn day after day in Asia and have become attached to will not be your items of choice once you’re back at the office…trust us on this one, leave the tie-dye trousers at the beach.
- When bartering, never try and squeeze every last drop out of the deal. You are expected to raise your initial offer at least once and in most cases several times. Make a game out of it and you’ll come to enjoy it. Give yourself a reality check every now and again and you’ll realise that you are often sticking over 10 cents!
Illegal Importing and Exporting
No matter how tempting, no matter how perfect for your living room an item may be, always allow your conscience to kick in when purchasing ‘weird and wonderful’ items. Much of Asia’s wildlife and forests are under great threat and it is important that we all do our bit to help stem the tide.
If it is not illegal to export an item, there is every chance it is illegal to import it back home – importing certain items such as animal skins can lead to a penal sentence in many countries. Innocence is an excuse, ignorance is not.
Several Asian countries do not allow you to export ‘antique’ items such as religious relics. Always purchase from a reputable dealer and check the legality of your purchase.
Scams
Tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok will often insist on taking you via a gem or jewellery shop of some sort. They do so in order to earn themselves ‘fuel tokens’ from the owners in return for bringing them customers. Whilst you are often told that you are receiving a discounted ride for doing this, in most instances you are simply getting a farer local price. The ‘scam’ is relatively harmless and many chose to go along with it on the first occasion for the experience.
Be careful when purchasing so-called genuine articles and antiques. More often than not they are not the genuine item. Buying from a recognised dealer is the best safeguard against this, unless you happen to be an expert.
Essential Items
You will find convenience stores, chemists, department stores etc in most big cities. The selection is unlikely to be as large as you’re used to but you should be able to cover most of your basic needs. If you have any special requirements or prescriptions, make sure you bring more than enough with you and give someone a few to carry in case your bag goes missing or you leave it behind. Always carry a copy of your usual prescriptions for emergency use.
Shopping Hot spots
So many destinations could be included in this list, but we’ve just mentioned a few of our favourites:
Hoi An, Vietnam:
The ‘tailoring capital of the world’. You can have any item of clothing and footwear reproduced to a very high standard and for very little money. However, whilst you can get a suit made for around $30-$40, we suggest that you spend a little more so that the garments last a longer than the first visit to the dry cleaners!
We recommend:
Yaly Couture -47 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. Tel: 0510 910 474
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Thailand:
Tribal wear and garments. A huge selection of items from many of the minority tribes to be found in northern Thailand and beyond are available at the daily and weekly markets. Whilst you may pay a little more than in the villages themselves, it’s the quality and selection available that makes northern Thailand a real magnet for those after a gift with a difference.
Hanoi, Vietnam:
The home of Vietnamese coffee. Throughout the old quarter you will see small shops selling bags of all sizes as well as the fantastic little percolators you will come across in the coffee shops.
The best coffee is usually roasted in butter and has a slightly hazelnut or chocolate undertone to it.
For a good value local standard brand, try Nyugen.
Highlights
There was a wonderful night market on the main street. The tribal people called us the 'hello people' and found it very funny.
Judith Freider, Luang Namtha, 2003