Thailand

Hill-tribe handicrafts. For all hill-tribe handicrafts, the best place to shop is the Night Bazaar in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Here you are sure to encounter hill-tribe women with armloads of goods. The Karen tribe creates beautiful handwoven textiles that are sometimes embroidered. Mien handicrafts include embroidered clothing, bags, and pillows.

Silk. Visit the town of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Khorat, in northeastern Thailand, as well as the weaving village of Pak Thong Chai, for authentic handmade Thai silk.

Saa paper. This type of paper is made from the bark of the mulberry tree, and is extremely versatile. It can be made into lanterns, journals, albums, umbrellas, lamps, and artificial flowers. The local saa paper industry is located in Ban Nam Thong.