South East Asian Trips

More commonplace items- including handicrafts like rattan, silk and cotton are easily available at most markets throughout Myanmar, including roadside stalls. Some parts of the country are known for particular products- Bagan for lacquerware, Shan for cotton. Yangon, though, is probably the best place to do most of your shopping, whether it's gems, jewellery, embroidery or lacquer. Visit Yangon's Scott Market- you'll find lots of souvenir sellers there.

Other than in the markets, you'll find shops around local temples -nearly all of them stalls selling local crafts. Most large hotels have shopping arcades or shops that sell the more 'upmarket' handicrafts- jewellery, local art, antiques and the like. Bargaining is very common in Myanmar, and you can really hone your haggling skills in the local markets- you'll get lots of opportunity to practise.

One thing to remember: Myanmar's authorities have very strict rules about exporting art and antiques. Don't buy anything you may not be able to take out of the country- in fact, if you're keen on buying antiques, you'd best make enquiries beforehand at the MMC.