Saigon Take-Homes: Communist Kitsch and Post-Modern Fashion

Saigon Take-Homes: Communist Kitsch and Post-Modern Fashion. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Copyright © 2023 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Interestingly, the subject that seems to most inspire Saigon’s contemporary designers is the past – the tumultuous historic events of the 1960s and 1970s, along with Vietnam’s traditional culture, heritage, arts, and crafts. The story of Vietnamese-Australian designer, artist and entrepreneur Mai Lam is similar to others we met in Saigon: after losing a brother … Read more

Saigon Shopping: the Most Beautiful Boutiques Of All

Saigon Shopping: the Most Beautiful Boutiques Of All. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Copyright © 2023 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Saigon has undergone a style revolution in recent years, so much so, that for Asian-based travellers who think nothing of hopping on a flight for a weekend break (or visa run), Saigon shopping, along with its stylish restaurants and bars, are proving as alluring as the historical sights and street life. The Saigon shopping scene is … Read more

The Mask Makers of Dan Sai, Isaan, Thailand

Exploring the Isaan: the Mask Makers of Dan Sai, Thailand. Copyright © 2023 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

Located in a lovely valley amid gently undulating hills, Dan Sai, in the Loie Province of Thailand’s Isaan region, is a town of dilapidated wooden houses that is famous for Phi Ta Kon, a boisterous three-day rainmaking festival, also known as the Ghost Festival, which coincides with a grand merit-making event known as Boon Luang. At … Read more

Kicking Back in Bangkok: Talad Rot Fai, Weekend Train Market

Kicking Back in Bangkok: Talad Rot Fai, Weekend Train Market, Bangkok. Copyright © 2023 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

One of the best spots to spend a Saturday night in Bangkok at the moment is Talad Rot Fai – the Train Market – also known as Talad Dek Naew, after the vintage-wearing, retro-loving Thai hipsters who hang out here. We love Talad Rot Fai and can happily while away a few hours here on a … Read more

Bangkok Take-Homes – Homegrown Gifts from Thailand

Bangkok Take-Homes – Homegrown Gifts from Thailand. Bangkok Shopping Malls. Copyright © 2023 Terence Carter / Grantourismo. All Rights Reserved.

When it comes to shopping for souvenirs, Bangkok has some terrific shops where you can buy Thai made gifts. Most guidebooks will head you to budget shopping mall MBK or Jim Thompson for Thai Silk (which is stunning), but I also like to go to Chatuchak Markets and a handful of other shops where I know … Read more