10 Best Shopping in Vientiane

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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.