Shopping in Laos

Laos is an ideal place to buy hill tribe carvings, jewellery, home decorations, silks and other textiles.

Lao women, from office workers to school children tend to wear the traditional wraparound skirt known as 'phaa sin'. These are fastened with a silver belt. 'Phaa sin and their belts make popular souvenirs and are widely available in the markets and small shops as are shawls, scarves, bags and other accessories. You will also find traditional Lao wall hangings and quilts.

Silk is woven by the traditional methods in small workshops or homes throughout Laos. Traditional designs and patterns vary from place to place and the best place to buy is direct from the weavers in the villages. However, they are also available in the city markets, hotels and stores.

Hand carvings made from wood or bone are stone are also popular. Many of these carvings are inspired by Buddhist imagery. Remember that some carvings are rather heavy and bulky to transport. Also, please remember that, if found, ivory carvings and other ivory products will be confiscated in most countries.

In Laos, gold and silver have been traditionally used as a method of transporting wealth and settling marriage and inheritance debts. The local smiths are very skilful and Laos gold is cheaper than in neighbouring countries. The gold here is of a very pure form up to (99.99%) and looks much more yellow than gold found elsewhere, leading people to thin it is fake, but is actually genuine. Note that some gold and silver items attract an export tax (depending on weight) on leaving the country.

Around the larger cities there are many antique shops, selling all manner of goods. Please note that the export of genuine antiques and Buddhist artefacts is forbidden and they will be confiscated and the traveller may also be fined.

Bargaining is not as common in Laos as in other SE Asian countries and credit cards are not generally accepted outside of upmarket hotels and restaurants.

In Vientiane, the best place for souvenir shopping is the Morning Market in the centre of town. The market sells everything from live animals to handicrafts from all over Laos. North of the town centre is Talat Thong Khan Kham, a huge market selling a wide range of craftwork. Panggkam, Samsenthai and Setthathirat streets also have a number of shops selling Lao craftwork.

The majority of jewellery shops are to be found along Samsenthai Street and trade primarily in silver and gold. There is a set fixed price for gold. Textile dealers congregate in and around Nokeo Khumman Street in the downtown area.
Much like Vientiane, Luang Prabang trades in handicrafts, art, textiles and jewelry. Be sure to explore the night markets such as Thalat Sonpao or Thalat Dalat, where the Northern ethnic hill-tribe people sell handicrafts and creative textiles such as hand-sewn bedding, bags and many other distinctive souvenirs.

The numerous gift shops around the town are good for picking up couture-style textiles and quaint household objects. For fresh produce like meat, vegetables and herbs, drop into the Thalat Naviengkham market. The market culture of Laos, unlike more raucous Thailand, is devoid of hard selling so don't expect badgering and bartering of the same degree.

Luang Prabang's markets also deal in handicrafts, art, textiles and jewelry. Here you can find night markets such as Thalat Sonpao or Thalat Dalat, where the hill-tribe people from northern Laos sell their handicrafts. There are also many gift shops around town selling textiles and unusual objects.