Luang Prabang Province Shopping

What to Buy

Luang Prabang is a province in northern Laos, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. If you're looking for things to buy in Luang Prabang Province, here are some recommendations:

  • Handmade Textiles: Laos has a rich tradition of weaving, with many rural communities still practicing the art today. In Luang Prabang, you can find a wide range of handmade textiles, including silk scarves, shawls, table runners, wall hangings, and more. The textiles are often made using natural dyes and traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. Some popular weaving villages near Luang Prabang include Ban Phanom and Ban Xang Khong.
  • Silver Jewelry: Luang Prabang is known for its silver jewelry, which is often handmade by local artisans using traditional techniques. The designs range from simple and elegant to more intricate and ornate, featuring motifs such as elephants, flowers, and other local symbols.
  • Handicrafts: If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, Luang Prabang offers a range of handicrafts made by local artisans. You can find wooden carvings, pottery, and other decorative items that reflect the local culture and traditions.
  • Coffee: Laos is known for its coffee, with many small-scale farmers growing high-quality arabica beans in the northern part of the country. Luang Prabang is home to a number of coffee shops and roasteries where you can sample and buy locally grown and roasted beans.
  • Traditional Medicines: Laos has a long history of traditional medicine, which combines knowledge of herbs, acupuncture, and other healing techniques. In Luang Prabang, you can find shops and markets selling herbal remedies, teas, and ointments made by local practitioners.
  • Antiques: Luang Prabang is home to a number of antique shops and markets where you can find vintage items such as tribal artifacts, old coins, and vintage textiles. Many of these items reflect the region's rich cultural history, and make unique souvenirs or gifts.
  • Local Produce: Laos has a rich agricultural tradition, with many rural communities growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In Luang Prabang, you can find vibrant markets selling fresh produce, as well as local specialties such as dried buffalo meat and fermented fish.

Where to Buy

Phousi Market

The market is named after nearby Phousi Mountain, which offers stunning views over Luang Prabang's old town. The market itself is spread out over several streets and alleyways, and features dozens of stalls selling everything from handmade textiles and jewelry to traditional Lao sweets and snacks.

Some popular items to look out for at Phousi Market include:

  • Handmade textiles, including silk scarves, table runners, and wall hangings.
  • Silver jewelry, often featuring traditional Lao motifs such as elephants or flowers.
  • Wooden carvings and other handicrafts.
  • Local snacks and sweets, such as sticky rice cakes and coconut candy.
  • Souvenirs such as T-shirts and postcards.

One of the highlights of Phousi Market is the opportunity to watch local artisans at work. Many of the stalls feature live demonstrations of traditional weaving or silver smithing techniques, allowing visitors to see the craftsmanship involved in creating these beautiful products.

Overall, Phousi Market is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in shopping or experiencing the local culture in Luang Prabang. The market offers a vibrant and authentic glimpse into Lao life, and is a great place to pick up unique and memorable souvenirs.

Dara Market

Dara Market is another popular market in Luang Prabang, located on the outskirts of the city. Unlike the night markets in the city center, Dara Market is open during the day and features a wide range of products, including fresh produce, household goods, and clothing.

The market is particularly popular among locals, who come here to do their daily shopping. It's a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Luang Prabang, and to get a taste of the local culture.

Some of the things you can expect to find at Dara Market include:

  • Fresh produce, including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, fish, and other local delicacies.
  • Household goods, including kitchenware, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.
  • Clothing, including traditional Lao textiles, as well as more modern styles.
  • Electronics, including phones and other gadgets.
  • Handicrafts and souvenirs, including wood carvings, pottery, and other locally made products.

One of the highlights of Dara Market is the food section, which features dozens of stalls selling all kinds of delicious local dishes. You can try everything from spicy papaya salad to noodle soups and grilled meats.

Overall, Dara Market is a great place to explore if you're interested in experiencing the local culture and seeing how the people of Luang Prabang go about their daily lives. It's a colorful and bustling market, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in shopping or trying local foods.

Wan Jia Long Shopping Mall

Wan Jia Long Shopping Mall is a modern shopping center located in the heart of Luang Prabang. It's one of the largest shopping malls in the city, and offers a wide range of products and services.

The mall is spread out over several floors, and features a mix of local and international brands. Some of the things you can expect to find at Wan Jia Long Shopping Mall include:

  • Clothing and accessories, including both international and local brands.
  • Beauty products and cosmetics, including skincare and makeup.
  • Electronics, including phones, laptops, and other gadgets.
  • Home goods, including furniture, appliances, and decor.
  • Food and drinks, including a food court with a variety of local and international cuisine.

In addition to shopping, Wan Jia Long Shopping Mall also offers a range of other services, such as a movie theater, arcade games, and a fitness center. There's even a karaoke room where you can belt out your favorite tunes!

Overall, Wan Jia Long Shopping Mall is a great option if you're looking for a modern shopping experience in Luang Prabang. While it may not offer the same kind of traditional and handmade products as the city's markets, it's a good place to find international brands and modern conveniences.

Night Markets

Luang Prabang is known for its vibrant night markets, which are a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city. These markets offer a great opportunity to experience the local culture and pick up unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

There are two main night markets in Luang Prabang:

  • The Night Market on Sisavangvong Road: This market runs along the main street of Luang Prabang's old town and is open every night from around 5pm until 10pm. It features dozens of stalls selling handmade textiles, jewelry, wood carvings, and other local handicrafts. The market is also a great place to try traditional Lao snacks and street food.
  • The Hmong Night Market: This market is located on the banks of the Nam Khan River, just a short walk from the main night market. It's open every night from around 5pm until 10pm and is known for its unique and colorful handicrafts made by the Hmong ethnic minority. You can find everything from handmade bags and clothing to intricate needlework and jewelry.

Both night markets are popular among tourists and locals alike, and offer a lively and colorful atmosphere. They're a great place to practice your bargaining skills and pick up souvenirs to take home. Just be prepared for crowds and be sure to watch your belongings in the busy market environment.

Ock Pop Tok (Handcraft Shop)

Ock Pop Tok is a popular handcraft shop in Luang Prabang that specializes in traditional Lao textiles. The shop was founded in 2000 by a Laotian and an Englishwoman who wanted to help preserve the traditional weaving techniques of the country and provide sustainable employment opportunities for local women. The shop offers a wide range of hand-woven textiles, including scarves, shawls, bags, and clothing, all made using traditional techniques and natural dyes. The textiles are made by local artisans, many of whom come from rural villages and have learned their craft from previous generations.

In addition to selling textiles, Ock Pop Tok also offers weaving workshops and classes, where visitors can learn about the different techniques and create their own textiles under the guidance of experienced weavers. The shop also has a café and a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Overall, Ock Pop Tok is a great place to visit if you're interested in traditional Lao textiles and want to learn more about the weaving techniques used in the country. The shop is committed to supporting local artisans and preserving the cultural heritage of Laos, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in handcrafts and textiles.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre Gift Shop

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) gift shop is a great place to buy high-quality handicrafts and textiles made by local artisans. The products sold in the gift shop are ethically sourced and help support the livelihoods of the artisans who make them. The gift shop offers a wide range of products, including textiles such as silk scarves, shawls, and hand-woven fabrics. You can also find traditional clothing, bags, and accessories made from natural materials like hemp and cotton. In addition, there are a variety of handicrafts, such as wood carvings, pottery, and silver jewelry. One of the unique aspects of the gift shop is that all of the products sold there are made by artisans from the various ethnic groups of Laos. This means that you can find a wide range of styles and techniques that reflect the diversity of the country's cultural heritage. Shopping at the TAEC gift shop is not only a great way to support the local economy, but it also helps to preserve traditional Lao craftsmanship and promote sustainable, fair trade practices. Whether you're looking for a special souvenir or a unique gift for someone back home, the TAEC gift shop is definitely worth a visit.

Pathana Boupha Antique House

Pathana Boupha Antique House is a well-known antique shop located in the heart of Luang Prabang, Laos. The shop specializes in selling antique and vintage items such as furniture, ceramics, silverware, jewelry, and textiles. Pathana Boupha Antique House is known for its impressive collection of rare and unique items from Laos and other neighboring countries. The shop is located in a beautifully restored traditional Lao house, which adds to its charm and character. If you're interested in history, culture, and antiques, Pathana Boupha Antique House is definitely worth a visit. The knowledgeable and friendly staff can provide you with information about the history and cultural significance of the items on display, making your visit both educational and enjoyable.

La La Laos

Founded in Luang Prabang, LaLa Laos offers unique t-shirts, Buddhist inspired jewelry, an exclusive photo gallery, handcrafted textiles, pillows, and more. Locally owned and managed, LaLa Laos is a special shop near the Mekong Riverside. Just around the corner from the popular Saffron Coffee and next door to Khaiphaen restaurant. Not only are the goods sold in the boutique beautiful, but just as important they are made in the Luang Prabang area by Laos people. The owner, Sithong, has been able to support his family members in Kok Nang Village by selling their artisanal items in the store. Each purchase also helps to educate children who have moved from the countryside to complete their secondary schooling. As LaLa Laos grows and flourishes, more children will be sponsored.

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