Laos Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs in Laos.
Laos is Southeast Asia's hidden gem, offering ancient Buddhist temples, pristine waterfalls, and serene riverside towns. From the UNESCO-listed streets of Luang Prabang to the adventure hub of Vang Vieng and the mysterious Plain of Jars, Laos rewards travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Hand-woven Sinh (wrap skirt)
Traditional Lao silk or cotton wrap skirt woven by hand on backstrap looms. Each design reflects the weaver's ethnic group and village. Available in Luang Prabang's Hmong market and weaving villages.
Silk Scarves and Shawls
Luxurious hand-woven silk scarves featuring traditional geometric patterns and natural dyes. Mulberry silk produced in Laos is renowned for its quality and sheen. Perfect gift item.
Lao Silver Jewelry
Handcrafted silver jewelry featuring hill tribe motifs, coins, and intricate filigree work. Ethnic minority silversmiths in Luang Prabang produce unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Authentically hallmarked pieces available.
Saa Paper Products
Paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree (saa), used for cards, lampshades, and art. Handmade in cottage workshops around Luang Prabang using traditional methods passed down generations.
Lao Coffee (Bolaven Plateau)
Premium Arabica and Robusta coffee grown on the fertile Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos. Sold whole bean, ground, or as instant sachets in souvenir packaging. Rich, earthy flavor unique to the volcanic soil.
Lao Lao Rice Whisky
Traditional Lao rice whisky distilled in rural villages for centuries. Available plain or infused with herbs, roots, and honey. Ban Xang Hai whisky village near Luang Prabang is the most famous source.
Bamboo Handicrafts
Intricate baskets, sticky rice containers (katib), and decorative items woven from bamboo and rattan. Essential Lao kitchen item and popular souvenir. Luang Prabang morning market offers widest selection.
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Luang Prabang Night Market
Laos' most famous night market stretching along the main road of old town. Hundreds of stalls sell textiles, jewelry, lanterns, paintings, and handicrafts. Relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere with artisans working on site.
Luang Prabang Morning Market (Talat Dara)
Authentic local market where vendors sell fresh produce, live animals, herbs, forest products, and prepared foods. Monks and locals shop here at dawn. A window into everyday Lao life far from the tourist circuit.
Talat Sao (Morning Market)
Vientiane's main covered market spanning multiple floors with electronics, clothing, textiles, and Lao souvenirs. Well-organized with fixed prices on many items. Good place for Lao silk, silver, and coffee gifts.
Hmong Market (Luang Prabang)
Daytime market run by Hmong hill tribe women selling embroidered bags, clothing, and handmade decorations. Traditional Hmong needlework panels and bags are unique and affordable gifts directly from artisans.
Khua Din Market
Large local wet and dry market with fresh food, spices, and household goods. Less touristy than Talat Sao. Browse alongside locals for authentic market experience and local snacks and ingredients.
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang
Main street through old town UNESCO heritage area lined with boutique shops, galleries, and craft stores. Highest concentration of quality souvenir and textile shops in Laos. Day and evening shopping possible.
Talat Sao Mall Area, Vientiane
Cluster of covered markets and modern shopping centers around Lane Xang Avenue. Mix of traditional market stalls and air-conditioned shops selling local crafts, electronics, and fashion.
Setthathirath Road, Vientiane
Upscale street in central Vientiane lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, and quality craft shops. Higher-end Lao silk, jewelry, and artisan products. French colonial buildings add atmosphere.
Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
Award-winning weaving centre showcasing Lao textiles with fair-trade ethos. Watch weavers at work on traditional looms and purchase directly from artisans. Workshop classes available for visitors.
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Talat Sao Mall
Vientiane's main multi-story market-mall hybrid with hundreds of stalls and shops. Air-conditioned sections sell electronics and fashion; open sections offer traditional goods and food. Essential Vientiane shopping destination.
ITECC Mall (International Trade Exhibition & Convention Centre)
Modern multi-story mall on the outskirts of Vientiane with international brands, cinema, supermarket, and food court. Best option for familiar brands and air-conditioned shopping experience in the capital.
Vientiane Centre
Mixed-use complex in central Vientiane with shopping, restaurants, and a supermarket. Popular with expats and locals for international goods, clothing, and a food hall with diverse dining options.
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is expected in markets and from street vendors but not in shops with fixed price tags or malls
Start your counter-offer at 50-60% of the asking price and work toward a price both parties accept
Smile and remain friendly throughout — aggressive bargaining is considered rude and counterproductive
Be willing to walk away; vendors often call you back with a better price
Buy multiple items from one vendor for better overall discount
Avoid bargaining if you genuinely intend to buy — it's poor etiquette to haggle then not purchase
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Antiques and Buddha images cannot be exported without official permits — strictly enforced at customs. Items over 500 years old require Ministry of Information and Culture approval.
Tax Refunds
No VAT refund scheme for tourists exists in Laos. Prices quoted in shops are final.
Duty-Free Limits
Travelers may bring in 500 cigarettes, 2 bottles of spirits, and 1 bottle of wine duty-free on arrival.
Shipping
International shipping available at Vientiane post office and through DHL/FedEx agents. Allow 2-6 weeks for surface mail. Express shipping 5-7 days from Vientiane.
Shop Smart in Laos
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
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