Where to Shop in Laos: A Guide

Laos shopping promises a one-of-a-kind sensory experience, with its vibrant local markets, boutiques, and handicraft shops selling handmade souvenirs and gifts for you to take home. 

It is a whirlwind discovery worth making, whether it's a silk dress for women you’re shopping for, or a rustic bamboo hat. Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Laos' premier cities, are both worthwhile shopping destinations.

Markets

Local markets are an excellent way to become acquainted with the culture of the city. Whether it's the tantalizing aromas of stalls whipping up regional treats like Klao niaw (sticky rice), or the delightful bargain prices, Laos has a plethora of night and morning markets that provide you with an endless number of options to choose from. 

The Vientiane Night Market, a nighttime retreat for backpackers or anyone on a tight budget, is one of the most popular markets here. In the evening, seemingly endless rows of red-roofed stalls set up shop along the Mekong River, inviting potential customers to haggle and peruse local handicrafts, cheap clothes, paintings, and accessories. 

If you're looking for a more upscale shopping experience, the Luang Prabang Night Market is the place to go, with colorful stalls selling everything from embroidered quilts and handwoven textiles to hand painted bowls, fabrics, paper lanterns, and handmade soft toys.

Those who dislike nocturnal shopping will be delighted with Talat Sao's morning market, a daily market/mall-style space. Products range from jewelry and clothing to appliances and wooden crafts.

For a strictly epicurean experience, markets such as the That Luang Market, Lane Xang, and Ban Anou, serve up veritable Laotian treats such as Laap (Laos’ national dish), Khao Tom, and sai oua, among others. 

Silk & Local Handicrafts

Laotian silk is legendary, a high-quality fabric produced by ancient weaving techniques that should be on your shopping list.

Those booking accommodation near the Ban Anou area will have easy access to this popular silk haunt in Laos. Ministry of Silk sells silken clothing in a variety of styles and colors, ranging from ready-to-wear modern dresses and scarves to traditional costumes and accessories. 

Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles, a shop selling 100 percent handwoven silk fabrics in a refurbished colonial mansion in Vientiane and Satri Lao are two other silk boutiques worth a visit.

Fair-trade Shops

Ethical and fair-trade shopping is encouraged if you want to get your hands on genuine local products while also keeping a clean conscience. 

Avoid mass-produced fast fashion in favor of authentic products, like those sold at Ma Te Sai, a handicraft village where local artisans from rural Laos create one-of-a-kind items like cotton blankets, bamboo wares, cushion covers, and even traditional spirit dolls! 

The Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre, Passa Paa boutique, and SaobanCrafts (which sells products made from sustainably sourced materials), are some of the other handicraft and textile shops with a similar fair-trade spirit.

Last but not least, visit the Ban Xang Khong (Sa Paper Village) to shop for the prettiest handmade paper in Laos. 

Author Name
Advaita Raut