The Lao weaving industry fell into a dark abyss after the war in the 1970’s but is now slowly being restored. The silks are multi-purpose and can be worn as scarves, shawls, used as table runners or displayed as wall hangings. The gradual opening of Communist-run Laos means that weaving is gaining more international exposure.

Vietnamese lacquer ware is justly famous all over the world for its beauty and durability. Bowls, plates, boxes and paintings - almost anything these days can be lacquered. The history and process is a fascinating insight into the patience and creativity of the Vietnamese people.

If you associate bamboo with outmoded furniture and cheap housing materials, then think again. Bamboo is now being used by designers all over the world and has become a staple in both indoor and outdoor furniture design.

In recent years outdoor furniture has taken its rightful place in the sun. Outdoor furniture has become fashionable and a lot of top designers, such as the famous French designer Philippe Starck, now design for this market. Where the choice before was simply wood or iron, today you can choose high tech materials ranging from aircraft aluminium to moulded plastics.