Laos is Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret. Relatively unspoilt by mass tourism, this gem of a country is still a very laidback place. Lao P.D.R (People’s Democratic Republic) – affectionately known as Lao Please Don’t Rush.
When visiting Laos, one interesting experience that cannot be missed is shopping.
You can always find local markets and shops, stores all over the country from the capital Vientiane, to Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, Champasak, Savannakhet or Pakse… to find many products made in Laos. You can buy directly from artisans or from local production facilities, get to know about the product, where it comes from and who made it, which makes your purchase more special.
Below are some popular markets:
Talat Sao morning market in Vientiane
Location: Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane 0100, Laos
Open: Daily from 8am to 5.30pm
Talat Sao Vientiane’s open-air market operates from early morning to mid-afternoon. Like most traditional marketplaces in Southeast Asia, the labyrinth of tiled alleyways stock clothes, souvenirs, and knick-knacks using the ‘stack them high, sell them cheap’ philosophy.
photo by Chaoborus (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
Vientiane night market
Location: Mekong Riverfront, Vientiane, Laos
Open: Daily from 6pm to 9.30pm
The Vientiane Night Market takes place along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can see rows of red-roofed stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and electronics.
photo by Francisco Anzola (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Luang Prabang night market
Location: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
Open: Daily from 5pm to 11pm
From 5pm onwards, the entire length of the street is closed off to vehicles and the hill-tribe traders emerge with their various clothes, ceramics, lamps, blankets, bed covers, handicrafts and silk scarves. Many vendors come from the nearby Hmong Market, as it disperses right before sunset.
photo by Ekrem Canli (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
