Ultimate guide for Shopping in Laos

First thing first, we’d better learn some tips and trick before breaking down the shopping streets. Here are a few tips before you begin your exploration:  

1. Refrain from purchasing ivory carvings and other unethical goods. If found in your luggage, the carvings will be confiscated by authorities and you will probably be fined for buying them. 
2. The best shopping place for visitors in Luang Prabang would be the daily night market along the street of the Royal Palace Museum in the center of town.
3. While in Vientiane, the Talat Sao morning market is where you can begin a shopping tour of the capital. 
4. Most shops and markets are closed on Sundays. Expect almost every business to be closed for a week during the Lao New Year in April.
5. Good bargains can be made when buying souvenirs in markets but not in shopping malls that usually have price tags on commodities. 
6. It is recommended when you buy someone's services or benefits, to pay only part of it in advance. It is a good way of exerting pressure if the program is not respected.
7. Examine valuable items like jewelries in case they are fake. If you do not have any expertise, we advise you to make sure you are buying from a reputable shop. 
8. Avoid buying antiques or cultural relics even like Buddha images since they are not allowed to be taken out of the nation. If you have purchased such items from neighboring countries, they should be declared to customs upon your arrival of Laos.
9. Best silverwork can be found in Luang Prabang. Nevertheless, they are less qualified with international standards. Low your expectation since they are traditionally handmade works.
10. If you need more specific ideas about shopping in Laos, your private tour guide would love to share his mind.

Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Laos is relatively spared regarding solicitations and touts. 

However, in touristic areas or at restaurant terraces, you may be approached by street vendors selling and promoting a variety of goods and services.

You have to keep in mind that Laos is still a developing country and these street vendors are just trying to make their money to live. If you are not interested by their offers, just politely decline, they will usually not insist.

Other than that, when walking around in the main cities, you will likely be approached by rickshaw drivers asking you where you are going and offering you their services. We suggest you to be prudent regarding the asking price and always bargain.

Hence, we include below the 8 haggling tips in Laos, just for you!

As with anywhere in the world where haggling is a way of life, there are some general haggling tips to keep in mind in Laos.

1. Have an approximate price in your mind

Have a rough idea of what you’re willing to pay for a product or service. It also helps to know the usual average prices to prevent overpaying or having unrealistic expectations. You can ask at your accommodation how much things like transportation, souvenirs, trips, massages, etc. generally cost if you have no idea yourself.

2. Shop around

Compare a few basic prices before handing over any cash to make sure you really have got the best deal. Negotiate with people who start with the lowest prices; you may not have much negotiating to do to reach a great price.

3. Don’t bargain for things you don’t want

While it’s okay to ask out of curiosity how much something costs and then move on, it’s really bad form to go through the motions of haggling if you really don’t intend sealing the deal at any price. Likewise, if the seller agrees to your price it’s really not cool to then say you don’t want the item or service. Remember, people are just trying to make a living. The time that they’ve spent with you is not only frustrating but could have caused them to lose a sale elsewhere. If you don’t reach an agreement that’s acceptable to both sides, however, it’s okay to walk away.

4. Maintain an air of disinterest

While you should definitely be interested in the item or service, don’t show the seller that you’re overly keen. If they think you’re too interested it will be difficult to get them to offer their lowest price.

5. Don’t suggest the first price

Whenever possible, let the seller open the negotiations with a price. It’s common to be asked what you will pay but try to stand firm and make the seller state the first amount. If you open too high, the vendor will accept with a gleeful smile, yet open too low and the seller may give you a look of disdain and not even bother entering into any discussion.

6. Start lower than you’re willing to pay

Part of the haggling dance involves both parties making offers and counteroffers, eventually meeting (hopefully) somewhere in the middle with a price that everyone is happy with. Stating a price lower than you’re ultimately willing to pay lets you increase the amount incrementally until you reach an agreement.

7. Keep your cool

There’s little point in getting angry or frustrated while bargaining; either you find an agreeable price or you don’t. Losing your cool will only result in you looking ridiculous and the seller refusing to negotiate further. Keep things lighthearted and friendly. Remember, Laotians are very friendly and easy-going!

8. Decide on a fair price. 

Haggling is a lot of fun once you get used to it, but never lose sight of the fact that this is someone’s livelihood. When shopping at markets, be prepared to ask for big discounts (between 40-50%) and then settle on a final price closer to 65-75% of the asking price.

Do not worry if you are not fluent with the language. The sellers tend to give some more discount if they see that you are trying to learn their language.

Laos number system

Basic Shopping Phrases

• How much does this cost? – Laka tho day?
• That’s expensive! – Phaeng lai lai
• I can’t afford it – Khoi sue baw day
• Can you lower the price? – Lout laka day bo?

Wanna go further? Check the below video for some useful words and phrases for travelling in Laos

Sinh 

The traditional skirt of Laos is worn by women attending ceremonies, school girls and government officials alike. The skirts are large, cylindrical tubes attached at the waste and folded over. The body of the sinh typically has a simple geometric pattern and the foot has ornately embroidered animals or patterns. Buy a pre-made sinh beautifully embroidered or find fabric to your liking and have one tailored specifically for you. Matching sashes and silk blouses finish off the temple-ready look with class.

Champa Flower

Plumeria alba, colloquially called “champa” is the national flower of Laos. You’ll see t-shirts and embroidery featuring the five-pedaled flower with a yellow center. Jewelry, magnets and other trinkets show the simple beauty of Laos through the champa. Even a popular brand of Lao-Lao rice whiskey is named after the flower. The sweet-smelling champa is also used in incense and essential oils.

Beer Lao Tee shirt

No single product is more ubiquitous in Laos than Beer Lao. The bright yellow advertisements adorn everything from umbrellas to restaurant signs, billboards and napkin holders throughout the country. Distribution of this award-winning pilsener by the Lao Brewing Company is more reliable and widespread than the mail. Follow them on Instagram and pick up a t-shirt to remind yourself of the refreshing brew served in tiny glasses over ice.

Champasak Coffee

Coffee is Laos’ largest cultural export with 95% of the coffee grown in Laos coming from the Bolevan Plateau. Cooler temperatures, plenty of rain and elevations reaching 4,200 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level make this region ideal for growing coffee. First planted by the French 100 years ago, most exports are Robusta, but internally you can also buy the sweeter Arabica bean. Some of it is certified organic but even those that don’t carry the label are often grown using organic farming principles by the 20,000 coffee farming families in the region. Visit Sinouk Coffee or Lao Mountain Coffee; both have growers in the south as well as locations in Vientiane.

Silver and Gold

Silversmiths use traditional tools that they’ve been using for generations to create beautiful designs depicting Buddha, Lao legends and nature. Precious metals are mined in the country and with a purity of 95-98%% for silver and 99% for gold, you’ll find higher quality wares at a lower price. Beware of imitations and know what you’re looking for. Try the Hmong Street Market in Vientiane or the Night Market in Luang Prabang.

Silk and Textile Weaving

The traditional textiles made in Laos are intricately dyed and woven by hand using wild silk. It’s not uncommon for rural homes to have a loom made by the men of the house for the women to weave. The tradition has been passed down through the generations since at least the 14th century. In Luang Prabang check out Ok Pop Tok, a village and shop to learn about the weaving process or visit Ban Xang Khong Village to learn how silk is made and how regional patterns are designed and preserved. Bonus points if you order the silk worm soup on the menu.

Woven Baskets

Bamboo weaving remains an important craft, because the Lao people use woven baskets to make and store glutinous sticky rice, a key staple of their diet. The bamboo is grown in the wild and the variety of styles and pattern along with the low price tag make basketry an ideal and lightweight souvenir. While women dominate the textile weaving of Laos, it’s just as often older men who are responsible for making the beautiful bamboo and rattan vessels. Want to try your hand at basket weaving? Backstreet Academy and Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang offer workshops and classes.

Lao Bumper Sticker

As part of registering a vehicle in Laos, a white oval sticker with the country code LAO must be visible on the outside. Reminiscent of European requirement before EU license plates began integrating country codes into the plate, the LAO sticker is everywhere. Drivers in Laos drive on the right side of the road, until they cross one of the Friendship Bridges to Thailand, where people drive on the left. These stickers can be found in souvenir shops throughout the country.

Snake whiskey

One popular souvenir that we frequently see in Laos markets is snake wine. The snake whiskey smelled like alcohol then went down like tequila. If you’re into extremely strong drinks, the snake whiskey, which was truly rice wine with a bit of snaky funkiness, will be definitely a perfect choice.

In Laos, traditional handicrafts and locally-produced wares are always flooding local markets. From silk goods to excellent art, Laos is an artisan hub which is not covered by the hustle and bustle of the Western world. These favorite souvenirs are both unique and distinctive. Check out our Laos tours and get started planning your journey!

Wood Carvings

Sculptural art depicting the Buddha can be found in markets in Luang Prabang, Pakse or Vientiane. Antique wood carvings may be illegally stolen from temples then sold, so buy newly carved Buddhas to protect Lao cultural heritage. Ban Nong Bueng in southern Laos is a woodcarving village where visitors can meet the artisans and watch them work. The Ta Oy people formed the village in the 1800s and sell statues, masks, candleholders as well as custom-made commissions.

For your purchases and personal expenses, note that card payment is not as common as in your home country. Most transactions here are made in cash. ATMs are nowadays available in most touristic places. It is wise to let your bank know you will be overseas to avoid your card being blocked.

In any case, it is a good idea not to rely exclusively on your credit card, since the banking system is quite new and can sometimes experience mishaps. 

Bringing some US dollar or Sterling banknotes in good condition can be handy in some situations. Other foreign currencies are less recommended because not often traded in Laos. You can learn more on our page “Budget & currency”.

Nearly every city and town in Laos has a market and nearly every market has a handicraft and souvenir area. You won’t find the same mass-produced trinkets in hundreds of stalls all over the country. Instead, regional crafts and products made by hand by the dozens of ethnic groups present in Laos make souvenir shopping a one-of-a-kind experience.

However, for the best shopping experience, there is no doubt you should check it in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Some of the best places to go shopping in Vientiane include its traditional markets where you can experience the local lifestyle, shop for authentic souvenirs, and sample delicious Lao dishes. Rows of vendors set up shop along the Mekong River and you get to enjoy sunset views of the Lao capital during your visit too.

Vientiane city center has dozens of quaint gift shops and galleries operating on fair-trade principles. Textiles, crafts, home décor, and jewelry are sourced from various ethnic villages across Laos – all proceeds go towards these artisans and create employment opportunities for the unfortunate.

Vientiane Night Market

The Vientiane Night Market takes place along the Mekong Riverfront, where you can see rows of red-roofed stalls selling handicraft, clothes, and electronics. Vendors begin to set up their stalls around sunset. 

The market is busiest around 8pm, so head there early to avoid the large crowds. The Vientiane Night Market is well worth a visit in the evening for its gorgeous sunset alone, as well as the many street food stalls selling authentic Lao dishes.

• Location: Mekong Riverfront, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Daily from 6pm to 9.30pm

Carol Cassidy's Lao Textiles

Carol Cassidy’s Lao Textiles doubles as a workshop and gallery of traditional Laotian textiles. The American designer and a team of 40 local artisans use traditional techniques to produce scarves and home décor with intricate patterns and motifs. All of her works are 100% handwoven silk – note that prices are rather high compared to most shops in Vientiane. 

• Location: Ban Mixay, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Monday–Friday from 8am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm, Saturday from 8am to 12pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +856 21 212 123

Talat Sao Vientiane

Talat Sao Vientiane is both a shopping mall (with air-conditioning) and morning market in the city centre. Its outdoor section has narrow walkways lined with market-style souvenir stalls, while the mall has shops selling clothes, sports equipment, and jewellery. There’s also a cinema and arcade centre, both popular among those looking to escape the heat and humidity.

• Location: Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane 0100, Laos
• Open: Daily from 8am to 5.30pm
• Phone: +856 21 285 001

Vangtong Evening Food Market

The Vangthong Evening Food Market attracts locals and tourists looking to enjoy authentic Laotian food at affordable prices. After sunset, the market becomes a hive of activity with dozens of stalls preparing traditional dishes such as bla kan sung (grilled fish), sai oua (Laotian sausage), and bet yang (roasted duck). A walk through Vangthong Evening Food Market also provides plenty of good photo opportunities – just make sure you ask for permission before clicking that shutter.  

• Location: Rue Phai Nam, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Daily from 5pm to 10pm

Elegant Boutique

Elegant Boutique, founded in 2008, offers quality silk and cotton tailoring services in central Vientiane. Owned by a Laotian designer named Tamong, the store has a mix of eastern and western fashion pieces, from suits and shirts to skirts and dresses.

It takes around 3 days for Tamong to produce your very own bespoke clothes, but shipping services are also available if you’re strapped for time. Elegant Boutique also sells silver jewellery made by hill tribes near Vientiane. 

• Location: 103, Rue Pangkham, Namphu Fountain, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Daily from 9.30am to 8pm
• Phone: +856 21 215 437

Phaeng Mai Gallery

Phaeng Mai Gallery is a traditional weaving village about 4.6 km west of central Vientiane. There are more than 30 local ladies working on a variety of Lao textiles – these fabrics are dyed by hand (using natural colouring) before intricate patterns are woven using on wooden looms. These authentic crafts make for beautiful souvenirs, which you can purchase at the onsite shop.

• Location: 110 Nongbouathong Tai Village, Sikottabong District, Vientiane 0100, Laos
• Phone: +856 21 217 341

Saoban Craft

Saoban Craft is an artisan village near Wat Ong Teu in Vientiane – you’ll find local craftswomen selling bamboo keepsakes, silver jewellery, and plenty of patterned textiles made from silk and cotton. This fair-trade village aims to preserve and promote ancient Lao crafts, create employment opportunities, and reduce poverty in Laos.

• Location: 97/1 Ban Watchan of Rue Chao Anou, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 9am to 8pm (closed on Sundays)
• Phone: +856 20 96 345 586

Ministry of Silk

Ministry of Silk offers ready-to-wear clothes with modern Lao designs and a selection traditional jewellery, accessories, and bags. Most are one-of-a-kind pieces made from silk – you’ll find cocktail dresses, scarves, overcoats, and business shirts of various styles. You can even have these clothes customised according to your size and preference. Prices are higher at Ministry of Silk compared to most boutiques in Vientiane, but you’ll be paying for quality and style.

• Location: 99/01 Namphou Square, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Daily from 9am to 9pm
• Phone: +856 21 213 776

T'Shop Lai Gallery

When you enter T’Shop Lai Gallery, you might feel as if you’ve stepped into a traditional Laotian home. The store’s many cabinets display intricate handmade trinkets, essential oils, perfumes, and organic soaps – all of which are fair-trade and made from locally sourced ingredients. Head upstairs and you’ll find an art gallery where you can purchase colourful artwork at reasonable prices.

• Location: In Paeng Road, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 8am to 8pm, Sunday from 10am to 6pm
• Phone: +856 21 223 178

The Little House Vientiane

The Little House Vientiane is a roastery, café, and souvenir shop beside Wat Si Muang. This charming venue roasts (and sells) coffee sourced from local farms on the Bolevan Plateau, particularly in Paksong. Enjoy handcrafted and full-bodied caffeine such as latte and mocha, together with your choice of pastries or cakes. Little House Vientiane also sells handmade silk and embroidery by ethnic groups across Laos.

• Location: Ban Si Meuang, Vientiane, Laos
• Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 8.30am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)
• Phone: +856 20 55 406 036

Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre

Located near the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, the Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre is run by and for disabled Lao women through the Ministry of Social Welfare and Labor. The gift shop on the premises offers a variety of beautiful recycled paper crafts, handmade paper and greeting cards, textile weaving and garment sewing. The goals of the center is to train physically and mentally disabled women and then send them back to their villages with skills they can use to earn a living.

How to get there: We are located close to the Friendship Bridge on Thadeua Road and on the way to Buddha Park, about 30-minute drive from downtown Vientiane. If you are planning to visit Buddha Park or Inpeng Ethnic Culture Park consider visiting us on your way.

• Address: Thadeua Road, Ban Dongphosy Village, Hadsayfong District, Vientiane Capital
• Time: 08:30AM-16:30PM
• Open: Monday-Saturday 
• Tel: +856-21-812282

Some of the best places to go shopping in Luang Prabang are located in the town centre, where you can purchase authentic handicrafts, art, textiles and jewellery. Many of these items are handmade by Laos’ ethnic groups, whose handicraft skills continue to be practised through the generations.

There are plenty of fair-trade shops where you get to contribute towards sustaining local families in rural areas throughout Laos. Luang Prabang’s traditional markets offer fresh produce like meat, vegetables and herbs. From silk scarves and skirts to coffee beans and Lao herbs, check out our list of where to shop and what to buy in Luang Prabang.

Caruso Lao

Caruso Lao offers high quality and handcrafted souvenirs in downtown Luang Prabang. Everything is designed and fashioned together by hand, with products crafted from natural materials such as wood and silk. Caruso Lao's impressive range includes wooden bowls, decorative Buddha heads, cushions, natural silk shawls, bedspreads, and table runners.

• Location: 60 Sakarine Road, Luang Prabang 0600, Laos
• Open: Daily from 9am to 9pm
• Phone: +856 71 254 574

Handicraft Night Market

Handicraft Night Market is an outdoor bazaar in central Luang Prabang. You can shop for ethnic embroidered crafts and handmade clothes from 5pm until 10pm. The market has labyrinths of stalls selling all things embroidered, from weaved bags, hill-tribe pants, and hats to Hmong blankets, coin purses and silk scarves. 

• Location: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: Daily from 5pm to 10pm

Kopnoi Gallery

Kopnoi Gallery promotes fair trade in Luang Prabang by selling handmade fabrics by local artisans. You'll also find cotton clothes, silk scarfs, local rice whiskeys, bamboo straws, and Lao coffee beans. One of the best things about shopping in Kopnoi Gallery is that you'll be able to purchase authentic products while supporting the local economy.

• Location: 3 Kingkitsarat Road Luang Phrabang, Laos
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 7am to 10pm, Sunday from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +856 71 260 248

L’Etranger Books and Tea

L’Etranger Books and Tea is a 2-storey wooden café that sells and trades second-hand books in Luang Prabang. Located close to  Nam Khan River, the cafe's extensive collection spans many languages and subjects, including travel, art, culture, novels, Southeast Asia, and Luang Prabang.

The upper level is a café offering around 70 types of drinks, including tea, coffee, and fruit shakes. The casual setup – low tables, floor cushions, paper lamps – makes for a good spot for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. L’Etranger Books and Tea also hosts free movie nights at 7pm, so head there early as seats are limited. 

• Location: 3 Th Kingkitsarat, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: Monday–Saturday from 7am to 10pm, Sunday from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +856 71 212 880

Ma Te Sai

Ma Te Sai is a fair-trade shop on the main road, close to the Royal Pavilion in Luang Prabang. It sells ethnic handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs sourced from rural areas. Most of these items are fashioned out of natural fabric, bamboo, and recycled paper.

There are also herbal teas, coffees, locally made whiskeys, and rice. Ma Te Sai aims to help promote help improve the locals' quality of life through their crafts – the boutique works with 15 artisan villages and 8 non-profit organisations across the country.

• Location: Ban Aphai Luang Prabang, 06000 Laos
• Open: Daily from 8.30am to 8pm
• Phone: +856 71 260 654

Luang Prabang Morning Market

The Luang Prabang Morning Market is a fascinating place to catch a glimpse of what goes on behind the town's culinary scenes. Here, you will see it all in the open – blood and gore and all, in fact.

Vendors sit on the street, with their vegetables, fruits, meat, spices and other fresh produce laid out on banana leaves. Some of the more exotic items, such as forest rats, silkworms, insects, and snakes, are either chopped up and placed on the ground or caged up, still alive.

• Location: Off Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: Daily from 5am to 10am

Ock Pop Tok

Ock Pop Tok (meaning ‘East meets West’) is a store selling hand-woven home textiles, cloth bags and scarves. It promotes fair trade and aims to empower local women through their crafts and the development of artistic skills.

In doing so, the store offers various textile workshops and classes, as well as a crafts centre for visitors who’d like to watch the artisans at work. There’s also a café overlooking the Mekong River, and 4 theme villas surrounded by a garden.

• Location: 125/10 Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: Sunday–Friday from 8am to 8pm, Saturday from 8am to 6.30pm
• Phone: +856 71 212 597

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre of Luang Prabang is a museum and resource centre promoting Lao ethnic diversity. The 2-storey heritage building has a number of cultural exhibitions, showcasing traditional arts and lifestyles of Lao ethnic groups.

Adopting fair trade and sustainability principles, the museum shop supports over 500 handicrafts producers and their families, with a selection of beaded necklaces, jewellery, embroidered belts, backpacks and children’s accessories. 

• Location: Kingkitsarath Rd, Ban Khamyong Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
• Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)
• Phone: +856 71 253 364

Ban Lao Natural Products

Ban Lao is a fair trade shop selling handicrafts, textiles and fashion accessories. The design is a fusion of traditional and modern styles – all handmade from natural materials or natural dye. There’s also a small exhibition space for ikat textiles and other crafts by select local and international artists. The shop is located on the Mekong riverbank.

• Location: Ban Vat Nong, along the Mekong
• Phone: +856 30 514 0555

Naga Creations

Naga Creations is an inviting shophouse on the main road, just south of Luang Prabang's Old Chinese Quarter. You can shop for handmade jewellery made by the ethnic Hmong people.

Most of these items are made from silver with precious and semi-precious gemstones. Pieces range from necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to pendants, and hair clips.

• Location: Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm
• Phone: +856 71 212 775

Sao Sinh

Sao Sinh has launched a “Rent and Roam” clothing service for tourists, who want to experience Luang Prabang while wearing a traditional sinh, the tubular skirt worn by Lao women.

“Sinh” is the traditional skirt of Laos, and “Sao” means “to rent” or “young woman”. But the shop is for everyone to come and try the traditional Lao skirt.

The sinh originated from the Tai ethnic groups such as theTai Lao, Tao Dam, and Tai Lue. The traditional tubular skirts come in countless colours, styles, and patterns, usually representing the region or community where the skirt was made.

• Location: Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos
• Open: Daily from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Phone: +856 30 56 61 854

Q. Which is the best place to shop in Laos?

A. This should be the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find plenty of handicraft gifts for your friends. There are also countless choices of good dining experience around the market ranging from cheap vegetarian buffet to the top high-end restaurants that you may find in Luang Prabang.

Q. Are there any street shops for shopping in Cambodia?

A. Yes, there are many great streets shopping places in Laos, especially in the tourist hub like Luang Prabang or Vientiane.

Q. What are the best things to buy in Laos?

A. The best things to buy in Cambodia are Sinh and the Bolaven coffee

Q. What is Laos famous for?

A. First, Cambodia is famous for its never-fading culture, the ancient city of Luang Prabang, the mysterious plain of jars or the untouched nature. 

Here are all Laos’ places to visit and things to do

Q. Is Laos safe to visit?

A. Yes, Laos is totally safe in every term. There is nothing to worry if you stay on the line of normal daily life.

Check out the safety and precautions for Laos here

Q. Why you should go to Laos?

A. You should visit Laos to explore the stunning tourist attractions, shop at the streets and to relish the delicious local food.

Here are all Laos’ places to visit and things to do