What & Where buy in Vientiane
From night markets along the riverfront to tiny tucked away boutique stores offering one-of-a-kind Buddhist artefacts, Vientiane has a surprisingly wide selection of shopping options considering its relatively small size.
Vientiane Night Market
Rather than boasting a never-ending supply mega-malls like so many other South East Asian capitals, Vientiane specialises more in quaint gift shops, galleries and outlets, selling genuine hill tribe silk, arts, crafts, home-furnishings, jewellery and books – most of which can be found around the city centre. There’s certainly no shortage of markets either, with Talad Sao Morning Market, Vangtong Evening Market and aforementioned Night Market along the Mekong riverfront among the pick of the bunch. Here are the 10 best places to shop in Vientiane!
1. Vientiane Night Market
Vientiane Night Market
The Vientiane Night Market – often referred to as the ‘night bazaar’ – is the biggest and most popular tourist shopping spot in the whole city. Straddling the majestic Mekong River, the sprawling line of red-roofed stalls line the promenade, making for a great place to grab a bargain, find a picturesque spot to eat, or just soak up the chilled-out atmosphere.
Unlike many markets in the region, the shopping tempo is far from frantic. Here, you usually won’t find pushy vendors or much congestion. Instead, you can slowly peruse the various stalls that sell a vast selection of electronics, clothes, accessories, artwork and trinkets. For food, the market itself doesn’t offer much, however there are plenty of bars and restaurants overlooking the Night Market (notably Bor Pen Nyang).
Riverside Night Market in Vientiane
Riverside Night Market in Vientiane
The Vientiane Night Market is aimed primarily towards tourists, with clean, orderly stalls, and all manner of merchandise that make great souvenirs or mementos. It all begins around sunset when a small army of sellers begin setting up their red-roofed stalls directly on the riverside promenade.
You can’t fail to see it. The whole riverside area is alive at this time with joggers and dog-walkers taking advantage of the cooling breezes and stunning backdrop of the sun lazily sinking into the Mekong river.
Products on offer are fairly typical of night markets throughout the region. You will find a predictable array of Buddhist-inspired paintings and knickknacks, cheap sunglasses, and Beer Lao T-shirts. The clothes stalls tend to be geared towards the backpacker market with fishermen pants and one-size-fits-all dresses and skirts. With only $US10 in your pocket you can pick up at least a couple of products here, but, for bargain hunters, it’s worth mentioning that everything on offer here can be found at a slightly cheaper price at other markets. The traders seem to have whittled down all the best-sellers from the Morning Market and set them up in more attractive, and convenient, surroundings.
As with all tourist markets, English is widely spoken but be prepared to test your bargaining skills because initial prices are always inflated, and you should never accept the first price quoted. Most of the products can be found at several stalls so it helps to wander around to find the best price. A little perspective is advised when it comes to the negotiation process however, as the difference of a few thousand Kip is negligible when converted to foreign currency. Even if you have already stocked up on souvenirs and aren’t really planning to buy anything, an enjoyable few hours can be spent browsing and people watching down by the river. It seems to be the Laotians’ favourite pastime.
The one noticeable absence from the market is the lack of food stalls, but with Vientiane being so small there is pretty much every kind of food imaginable only a stone’s throw away. Return visitors may wistfully remember Vientiane before the construction of the promenade – named in honour of Chao Anouvong, the last king of Laos – when many ramshackle riverside bars and restaurants were propped up on stilts directly over the river, offering great sunset vistas, cold beer and fresh, grilled fish. Those days are long gone as the government decided to build a flood wall to protect the city, move restaurants away from the water’s edge to reduce the amount of trash being tossed into the river and generally make it a more communal area for everyone to enjoy.
Nowadays, instead of the riverside bars, there is a children’s playground, a Chinese shrine, a flower garden and an imposing statue of Chao Anouvong, pointing across the Mekong towards Thailand. It’s all part of the transition from sleepy colonial backwater to modern capital city that’s taking place in Vientiane. The Riverside Night Market is the most ascetically pleasing shopping experience to be found in Vientiane and the best place to find some interesting clothes or gifts without breaking the bank. All life seems to gravitate towards the market anyway, so it’s probable that even short-stay visitors will spend some time here.
• Opening Hours: 18:00-22:00.
• Location: Riverside promenade, upstream from the Chao Anouvong statue.
2. Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles
Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles
Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles is a shop in the centre of Vientiane that doubles as both a workshop and gallery. The store specialises in traditional Laotian textile weaving and has a strong emphasis on intricate patterns and elaborate motifs.
The American designer works in store alongside local artisans, using old-age techniques to produce stunning pieces of woven art, clothes and cloths. Carol Cassidy made her as a prominent designer in the industry after many of her items were chosen to be displayed in museums across the USA - including at The New York Fashion Institute. However, with this world renowned status comes a hefty price tag to match.
• Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 08:00 –12:00, 14:00 –17:00, Saturday: 08:00 -12:00.
• Location: Rue Nokeokummane.
3. Talat Sao Morning Market
Talat Sao Morning Market
Talat Sao Morning Market is a great place to shop for the early risers. Things kick off 07.00, which is when most of the stalls begin to set up, selling everything from cheap clothes to expensive wooden carvings of Buddhist murals.
The market is split into two areas: An outside section is comprised of narrow walkways crammed full of the more rough and ready market-style stalls, whilst the indoor section is more of a shopping mall – the only one you’ll find in Vientiane. Inside is inevitably brighter, more spacious and cooler (air-conditioned), making for a much more pleasant shopping experience. There’s also a Big C centre, a three-screen cinema and an arcade games area – all perfect to escape the outside heat.
Talat Sao Morning Market and Shopping Mall
Talat Sao is split into two distinct sections: The air-conditioned shopping mall (the only one in Laos) is the best place to find electronics, sports equipment and jewellery, while the cavernous original Morning Market is fairly overflowing with mass-produced silks, cheap T-shirts, trinkets and other souvenir type items. Talat Sao is the market to visit if you are looking for something in particular – although bear in mind that the catwalks of Paris and Milan are a long way from Vientiane.Shopping Mall
Despite looking like a shopping mall in a provincial town rather than the flagship shopping destination of a capital city, Talat Sao mall is still a breath of fresh, air-conditioned air to many tourists battling with the tropical heat outside. There are a range of shops and services for tourists to enjoy over five floors, including a Big C supermarket, a three-screen cinema, a children’s play area with plenty of arcade games and flashing lights, and a food court on the fourth floor.The clothes stores offer a practical range of items for work, school or leisure but don’t expect to find any cutting-edge fashion. When it comes to electronics, there have been many instances of replica products being sold as genuine so be careful and remember, if a price seems too good to be true, it usually is. There are also several banks and currency exchange services on the ground floor.
Morning Market
From early morning to mid-afternoon, Talat Sao is as bustling as it’s possible to get in Vientiane. The labyrinth of alley ways stock a mish-mash of products using the ‘stack them high, sell them cheap’ philosophy. Although the market can be quite disorientating, it is clean and walkways are tiled. A visit to the Morning Market is a genuine experience, with traders coming from all over Laos to sell and source products. The city bus station adjoins the market creating a scene of constant coming-and-going that contrasts sharply with the rest of this rather sleepy city. Inside the open-air but under-cover market, sellers may pester you to look or try – just as in every market in Southeast Asia.There are some excellent bargains to be had here, but there are also sections selling everything from buckets to second-hand washing machines which are of little interest to tourists. Still, the open air market is a thoroughly interesting place to explore and the best place to shop for those on a budget. All of the products on display at the touristy Riverside Night Market will have come directly from here, so it’s the place to come if you are hunting for the absolute best price and know how to haggle.
Talat Sao combines two very different shopping experiences in a central location where old and new Vientiane come together in an interesting mix, and, if you are travelling deeper into Laos, it is your absolute best chance to pick up any specific items and indulge in a bit of retail therapy.
• Opening Hours: 7:00-17:00 (Market stalls tend to close earlier).
• Address: Talat Sao Mall, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane.
• Tel: 856 21 285 001.
4. Oot Ni Gallery
Oot Ni Gallery
Oot Ni Gallery is one of the largest and best antiques shops in Vientiane, and is well worth a look if you’re looking for something a little more unique. The shop, which is located near the National Cultural Hall on Samsenthai Street, displays an assortment of genuine antiques from across Southeast Asia, silver ornaments, handicrafts and artwork.
The elaborate paintings include watercolours and oils, and antique goods such as ancient Buddhist artefacts and sculptures also prove popular – as long as you have enough room in your luggage! Some of the more unusual items we found were the old-age ornamental opium pots, bone china tea sets, and authentic teak carvings available in a number of different sizes and weights.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 – 20:00
• Location: 306 Samsenthai Street, Vientiane, not far from the National Cultural Hall.
• Tel: +856 (0)21 214 359.
5. Vangtong Evening Market
Vangtong Evening Market
Love shopping but already have a full suitcase? Then Vangtong Evening Market provides a perfect solution. The products on sale here are all of the edible variety, meaning that you’ll leave here with a full stomach, rather than any extra luggage.
Situated opposite the National Stadium, Vangtong Evening Market easy to find - especially when you notice the crowds of locals. You’ll find fresh fish (paa), pork (moo) and chicken (gai) usually being grilled or deep fried. As well as freshly cooked snacks, you’ll notice a range of colourful and pungent curries which have been pre-prepared. Simply point at what takes your fancy and the vendor will happily scoop up a generous portion into a plastic dish with rice – all for about $US1!
Vangthong Evening Food Market
Vangthong Evening Food Market
Vangthong Food Market is the place to come from sunset onwards to sample the best of everyday Laotian food that is authentic, delicious and amazing value. Some tourists may worry that the food preparation is less than sanitary but it is such a popular eating spot that demand is high and the ingredients are always fresh. The market opens just before sunset, and runs parallel to Boulevard Khounboulom. For those who get lost easily, a nearby landmark is the National Stadium which is on the opposite side of the road. Find the stadium and you’ll smell the market.
The best way to experience Vangthong is to simply stroll from one end to the other, buying small quantities of the varied snacks and treats on offer. There is limited seating on offer so barbecued meat, such as bing gai (grilled chicken) or bing moo (pork on skewers), is always popular, of course with the obligatory khao niew (sticky rice). If you lack the required vocabulary to order what you want, there is usually an English speaker within earshot to help you out, and if not, point and smile. After all, the gesture for chicken is the same in every language, right?
Vangthong Market is swarming with locals either here for an enjoyable evening, or picking up take-away food on their way home from work. This is a living market, not something developed with tourists in mind – although foreigners are always warmly welcomed. As you walk past each stall, you will see how efficiently the meat is prepared. Nose-to-tail dining is growing in popularity throughout the world, but at Vangthong Market, this method of cooking and preparing food has always been a way of life.
Even if you don’t want to eat it yourself, you will surely be impressed by how many different cuts of chicken can be worked on to skewers, from chicken feet, all the way up to the neck. A lot of the food on offer is surprisingly simple to prepare and lacks the sophistication of neighbouring Thai or Chinese cuisine. Regardless of the difficulty, the food and snacks here will live long in the memory, as will the photographs of weird and wonderful fruit, fish and skewered meat.
Five Common Foods to Try
• Bla Kan Sung – Grilled river fish.• Gayoor Toort – Deep-fried spring rolls.
• Bet Yang – Roasted duck.
• Sai Oua – Laos sausage.
• Khao Lam – Pounded sticky rice with coconut cream grilled inside bamboo.
• Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00.
• Address: Vangthong Food Market, Boulevard Khounboulom.
6. Ministry of Silk fashion Shop
Ministry of Silk fashion Shop
Ministry of Silk, located in the centre of Vientiane, really offers a touch of class for those looking to splash the cash a little on a one-of-a-kind dress or shirt made from locally produced silk.
Designers here specialise in bespoke women’s garments, including stunning cocktail dresses (around $US250) and classy blouses ($US150). They also do a good range of sophisticated overcoats, bags, accessories and some jackets and shirts for the guys. Prices are high but at the Ministry of Silk you do feel like you’re paying for that extra quality. The immaculate white-fronted shop is easily recognisable and conveniently situated on the central Nam Phu Square, a few doors down from La Cave Des Chateaux and L’Opera restaurants.
Ministry of Silk Fashion Shop
Ministry of Silk is the best clothes shop in Vientiane to find something unique with a touch of sophistication. The products on offer are a mix of locally produced silk-and-lace items and internationally sourced accessories and bags. Stunning evening and cocktail dresses feature prominently, although there is a fairly diverse selection of blouses, overcoats, and a limited selection of men’s jackets and shirts. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, items can also be made to order.The designers at Ministry of Silk have combined the fitted elegance of Western fashion with Southeast Asian patterns and materials. Dresses are mostly one of a kind and feature intricate details and embroidery guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. As you might expect, this kind of exclusivity comes with a price: bespoke dresses cost around $US250, and blouses around $US150. It must be said that the quality of the work easily justifies the price.
Ministry of Silk is located on Nam Phu Square, a few doors down from restaurants La Cave Des Chateaux and L’Opera. The shop itself stands out with an immaculate white shop front, and the clean, white design continues inside. Unlike at other boutique shops in Vientiane, Ministry of Silk spaces out items so they can be admired individually. The interior is cool and clean with artwork on the walls and comfy sofas for ladies with their husbands in tow.
Silk has been an integral part of Laos culture for centuries but the tradition has seen a revival in the last 20 years, spearheaded by Carol Cassidy’s excellent work highlighting the extraordinary skill of Laos weavers. Nowadays, the quality of Laos silk is recognized throughout the world and many European designers use Laos silk in their bespoke creations. Ministry of Silk opened in mid-2012 and is using the quality and craft inherent to Laotians to produce elegant clothes for the international market.
• Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00.
• Address: 99/01 Namphou Square, Vientiane.
• Tel: +856 21 213776.
7. T'Shop Lai Gallery
T'Shop Lai Gallery<
Walking into T’Shop Lai Gallery is like entering a tiny Laotian home ware store/body shop. Everything from the gorgeous tables and chairs to the stylish cabinets displaying intricate handmade trinkets are set up tastefully in the spacious downstairs area. You’ll also notice the wonderful aromas coming from the various natural body oils, perfumes and organic soaps on sale – all of which are fair-trade and made from locally sourced ingredients.
Venture upstairs and you’ll find more of a traditional art gallery; there is a good range of colourful local artwork lining the walls which is on sale at a reasonable price.
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 Mon-Sat, 10:00-18:00 Sun.
• Address: Th In Paeng, behind Vat Inpeng temple.
8. Little House Café
Little House Café in Vientiane
A stop-off at the charming Little House Café is an opportunity to do two popular Vientiane activities all under one small roof: drink coffee and go shopping! This ever-so cute little coffee shop-turned-handicraft boutique is owned and operated by the Handicraft Promotion Enterprise (a group that collaborates with ethnic Lenten tribes people to produce embroidered handicrafts ), and can be found just a few metres walk away from the Mekong River front.
Their fresh local coffee is rich and smooth, and if you like it enough you can buy a whole bag of it to take home. On sale is also a decent range of handmade silk and cotton items which feel very unique compared to many of the other generic souvenirs and handicrafts found all over town.
Little House Cafe in Vientiane
Little House is a charming cafe and handicrafts shop serving debatably the finest coffee in Vientiane, as well as selling handmade silk and cotton items. The coffee shop also doubles as a coffee wholesaler which trades with many other restaurants and cafes in and around the city. This is where cafes come to buy coffee – high praise indeed!Little House is owned and operated by H.P.E. (Handicraft Promotion Enterprise), a group started by Yukiko Tani who has been collaborating with ethnic Lenten tribespeople to produce embroidered handicrafts since 2002. Located on Manthatourat Road, a quiet street leading away from the river, Little House is unlike any other establishment in town.
Walking up the garden path and under the thatched roof, Little House feels more like a friend’s country cottage than a coffee shop, and this homey, rustic charm continues inside with large wicker sofas and kitchen furniture covered in delightfully embroidered bags, placemats and pillow covers. Everything displayed is for sale with profits going straight to the indigenous tribes who painstakingly stitch each piece by hand. Even though H.P.E. is not as famous as other ethical traders in Vientiane, the work here is unique and far easier on the wallet than other ventures around town.
There are two coffees to choose from: medium or dark roast. The dark roast iced coffee is among the best I have ever tried. Rich and bitter; it really put a spring in my step and was served on an H.P.E. embroidered placemat with miniature pots of syrup and milk. All of their coffee is sourced exclusively from the Bolaven Plateau, the coffee-growing region of Laos in Champasak Province and makes an ideal (and ethical) gift for any fans of the world’s favourite morning pick-me-up. There is also a limited range of cakes and pastries to snack on.
Set back a little from the road and fronted by a dainty white-picket fence; the whole experience is peaceful and serene. Instead of air-conditioning, Little House keeps the windows and doors propped open to catch the gentle breeze that blows through their garden and into the house. It’s the perfect place in which to escape the world for a few hours or to sit back with a good book without the drone of a television. There are many coffee shops in Vientiane but none quite like Little House.
• Opening Hours: 08:30-18:30 (closed Monday).
• Address: Manthatourat Road, Vientiane
• Tel: 856-20-5540-6036.
9. La Cave Wine Shop
La Cave Wine Shop in Vientiane
La Cave Wine Shop wouldn’t seem to out of place of on the boulevards of Paris, with its dim lighting, wooden interior and most importantly – its huge selection of European wines.
Whilst La Cave Wine Shop generally specialises in French reds, you can also find some quality white and sparkling wine alongside some more unusual liquors and spirits. As with most other wine shops, you get what you pay for (unless you strike lucky in their bargain bin), with prices starting from around $US10-15 a pop. Not a wine connoisseur? Then don’t worry – the English speaking staff can advise you as to which wine might suite your budget and tastes.
• Opening Hours: 8.30 - 20:00, Monday - Saturday.
• Location: 354 Th Samsenthai.
10. Monument Books in Vientiane
Monument Books in Vientiane
Monument Books is the biggest book shop in Vientiane and holds a vast range of new and second-hand books in various languages. In recent years, the Laos capital has developed a bit of a reputation as being one of the best places on the well-worn South East Asia backpacker trail to stock up on books – essential of course of those long bus journeys and time spent relaxing on the beach. Monument Books is, and always has been, the pick of the bunch; whether you’re after a travel guide, magazine, history book, or just a good novel, Monument Books should be your first stop. There is also an art gallery on second floor with some affordable art by local artists.
There are several other Monument bookstores found across South East Asia, but this Vientiane branch is found on Nokeokumman Rd, near the intersection with Setthathirath.
Monument Book Shop in Vientiane
Monument Books is the biggest and best-stocked book shop in Vientiane. There are a host of new and second-hand book stores on the streets leading away from the river in the centre of town; however, if you are after something in particular, including travel guides, international magazines and books on Laotian history, then Monument Books should be your first stop. Owing to the slow pace of life in Laos, and a coffee-shop culture that is a central characteristic of life in the capital, a good book can be the perfect accompaniment to watching the world go by on a lazy afternoon.There are several other Monument bookstores found throughout Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, but the Vientiene branch is located on Nokeokumman Rd, just after the intersection with Setthathirath. Monument Books has a pleasant atmosphere with attentive, but not pushy, staff. The books are more expensive than in any Western country though, but this is a true of all well-stocked book shops in Southeast Asia.
It’s also a place to pick up original artwork at a reasonable price and some interesting postcards and other souvenir type items that aren’t mass produced or tacky. Monument Books also has a small art gallery upstairs but exhibits are temporary.
• Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00, Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00.
• Address: Vientiane Store#124/1, Nokeokumman Rd, Ban Mixay, Vientiane.
• Tel: +856 21 243 708.
Tours in Laos
• Vientiane - Luang Prabang - 5 Days/ 4 Nights• Luang Prabang - Vientiane - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Hidden Delights of Laos - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
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