Souvenirs from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia

[twinkleton]

Hi, i am flying out to thailand next week and also visiting vietnam and camdobia. I have no idea what to bring back as souvenirs. i want something that is specific to that country that i wont be able to get anywhere else. I know silk and clothes are cheap but if i wanted i could get them anywhere. Does anyone have any god tips at what to look for.
Thanks
xx

[jno]

lacquerwork, as I recall - little bowls and vases. Cheap and elegant. Things might have changed in the 20 years since I was there, however.

[Trotbot]

In Cambodia (Phnom Phen and Siam Reap) there are charities that help landmine victims and orphans learn handicraft skills and then sell their products. Some of it is extremely high quality, and all of it is worthwhile.
In Thailand things tend to be more mass produced and tacky (wooden Tuk-Tuks etc etc). There is a Govt project of "one Tambon one product" (OTOP) that encourages different districts around the country to produce handicrafts unique to that district. It is widely available in Bangkok. If you go up to Chiang Mai / Chiang Rai in the North then the hill tribes sell their own products.

Vietnam I am less sure about, although judging from the flights out of Saigon and Hanoi most people settled for the conical hats.

[mrsann]

laquerwork in Vietnam definately but for the ladies they make lovely mother of pearl covered handbags which are less than a quarter of the price they are in Topshop or River Island etc. I had a wonderful cashmere coat made in Thailand ready in less than 48 hours and that included going back for a fitting Fabulous quality perfect fit and the envy of my friends all for under �100 had it valued here �950 wow!