Vientiane Shopping
Vientiane shopping will bring you some information about what to buy and where to buy in Vientiane.
What to Buy in Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, offers a range of unique items that you can buy as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones. Here are some suggestions:
- Handicrafts
Vientiane is known for its beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans. You can find a range of products including silk products, woodcarvings, pottery, and jewelry. Lao silk is especially famous for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, and is often used to make scarves, table runners, and traditional Lao skirts called sinh. Woodcarvings are also popular in Vientiane, and you can find beautiful carvings of Buddha images, animals, and other designs. Pottery is another traditional craft in Laos, and you can find beautiful handmade vases, bowls, and other items at local markets and shops. In addition, Vientiane has a thriving jewelry scene, with many local designers creating unique pieces using silver, gold, and precious stones.
- Traditional Textiles
Lao silk is one of the most popular textiles in Vientiane. It is known for its unique patterns and vibrant colors, and is often used to make scarves, shawls, and traditional Lao skirts called sinh. The silk is typically handwoven on a traditional loom, and many designs are inspired by nature or traditional Lao motifs. In addition to silk, you can also find cotton textiles in Vientiane, including traditional Lao cotton skirts called phaa sin.
- Spices
Lao cuisine is known for its unique blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, and local herbs and spices play a big role in creating these flavors. Common spices used in Lao cuisine include lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and coriander. You can buy packages of dried spices at the morning market or specialty food shops around Vientiane.
- Beer Lao
Beer Lao is the national beer of Laos, and is a popular drink among locals and visitors alike. It is a pale lager with a crisp, refreshing taste and a light, sweet aroma. You can buy bottles or cans of Beer Lao at any convenience store or supermarket in Vientiane.
- Rice Whiskey
Lao rice whiskey is a popular alcoholic beverage made from sticky rice. It is typically distilled in small batches and has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. You can buy a bottle of rice whiskey at the morning market or local shops, but be aware that it is a strong liquor and should be consumed in moderation.
- Handmade Soaps and Skincare Products
Lao women are skilled in creating handmade skincare products using natural ingredients such as herbs, flowers, and essential oils. You can find handmade soaps, lotions, and balms in the night market or specialized shops.
- Herbal Remedies
The Lao people have a long tradition of using herbs and plants for medicinal purposes. You can find herbal remedies such as massage oils, balms, and teas at specialized shops.
- Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry is a popular souvenir in Laos, and the country has a long tradition of silverwork. Hill tribe communities, in particular, are known for their intricate and unique designs. You can find silver earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings in the night market or specialized shops. The designs often feature traditional motifs, such as animals or flowers, and are crafted using traditional techniques. Buying silver jewelry supports local artisans and helps to preserve a traditional craft.
- Bamboo Products
Bamboo is a sustainable and versatile material in Laos, and the country has a long tradition of using bamboo for a variety of purposes. You can find bamboo baskets, utensils, and home decor items at the morning market or specialized shops. The bamboo products are often handcrafted using traditional techniques and are lightweight and durable. Buying bamboo products supports local artisans and helps to promote sustainable practices.
- Lao Tea
Lao tea is a type of green tea that is grown in the northern part of the country. The tea has a mild and slightly sweet flavor and is known for its health benefits. You can buy Lao tea leaves or pre-packaged tea bags at the morning market or specialized shops. The tea is often grown using organic and sustainable practices, and buying Lao tea supports local farmers and helps to promote sustainable agriculture.
- Traditional Musical Instruments
Laos has a rich musical tradition, and traditional instruments are an important part of the country's culture. You can find traditional instruments such as the khene (a bamboo mouth organ) or the pi (a vertical flute) in specialized shops. The instruments are often crafted using traditional techniques and are made from natural materials, such as bamboo or wood.
- Books About Lao
If you're interested in learning more about Laos, you can find books on Lao history, culture, and cuisine in bookshops around Vientiane.
Where to Buy in Vientiane
- T’Shop Lai Gallery
Address: Ban Wat Nak, Chao Anou Rd, Vientiane, Laos, near the Chao Anouvong Park and the Mekong River
T'Shop Lai Gallery is an art and crafts gallery that specializes in traditional and contemporary Lao handicrafts. The gallery is known for its high-quality products that are made by skilled artisans from various regions of Laos. The products include textiles, ceramics, jewelry, woodcarvings, and other handicrafts. The gallery's main focus is on promoting the work of Lao artists and artisans and preserving the traditional art forms of Laos. In addition to the gallery space, T'Shop Lai Gallery also has a café that serves traditional Lao food and drinks. The café is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, as it offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The café's menu features traditional Lao dishes such as laab, som tam, and khao soi, as well as coffee, tea, and other beverages. Overall, T'Shop Lai Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in Lao art and culture. The gallery's collection of traditional and contemporary handicrafts is unique and well-curated, and the café is a great place to take a break and enjoy some traditional Lao cuisine.
- Saoban
Address: Nokeokoummane Road, Unit 03, Ban Mixay Chanthabouly District, Vientiane
Saoban is a social enterprise and a retail shop in Vientiane, Laos, that sells high-quality handicrafts and home decor made by Lao artisans. The company was founded in 2009 by two Lao women, who wanted to promote and preserve traditional Lao handicrafts and support local artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their work and earn a sustainable income. Saoban's product line includes a wide range of handmade items, such as textiles, ceramics, jewelry, baskets, bags, and home decor items. All products are made using traditional Lao techniques and materials, and feature unique designs and patterns that reflect the rich culture and heritage of Laos.
- Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles
Address: 24 Setthathirath Road, Ban Xiengmouane Chanthabouly District, Vientiane
Carol Cassidy is an American weaver who has been living and working in Laos since 1990. She is the founder of Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles, a textile studio and shop located in Vientiane, Laos. The studio produces high-quality, handwoven silk textiles using traditional Lao techniques and designs. Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles is known for its beautiful and intricate designs, which incorporate traditional motifs and patterns from Lao culture. The studio works closely with local weavers, providing training and employment opportunities to help support and promote the traditional craft of weaving in Laos. The shop at Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles offers a variety of handmade textiles, including scarves, shawls, wall hangings, and other home decor items. Each piece is unique and crafted using the highest quality silk and natural dyes. The shop also offers custom design services, allowing customers to create their own unique textiles in collaboration with the weavers at the studio.
- Camacrafts
Address: Samsenthai Road, Ban Nongduang Tai Sisattanak District, Vientiane
Camacrafts is a handicrafts store in Vientiane, Laos, that sells a range of handmade products, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and home decor items. The store was established in 1981 and is part of the Camillian Social Center, a non-profit organization that provides social services and vocational training to people with disabilities in Laos. The products sold at Camacrafts are made by artisans who have received training and support from the Camillian Social Center. Many of the artisans have disabilities or come from marginalized communities, and the center provides them with a platform to showcase their skills and earn a sustainable income. The products at Camacrafts are known for their high quality and unique designs, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of Laos. The store offers a range of items, including handwoven textiles, hand-painted ceramics, intricate jewelry, and colorful home decor items. Each piece is handmade using traditional techniques and materials, and many feature traditional motifs and patterns.
- State Books Shop
Address: Samsenthai Road, Nongduang Nua Village Chanthabouly District, Vientiane
State Books Shop is a bookstore located in Vientiane, Laos. The store is known for its large selection of books about Laos, including travel guides, history books, and cultural studies. It also carries a selection of English-language novels and other popular books. The store is a great resource for travelers who are looking to learn more about Laos before or during their visit. The staff are knowledgeable about the country and can help visitors find books on specific topics or regions. In addition to books, State Books Shop also sells a variety of other products, including maps, postcards, and souvenirs. The store has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable seating areas where customers can browse and read.
- Talat Sao Shopping Mall
Address: Lan Xang Avenue, Vientiane, Laos
Talat Sao Shopping Mall is a popular shopping destination in Vientiane that offers a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs. The mall has multiple levels, with each level featuring different types of products. The ground floor is dedicated to fresh produce, while the upper floors feature clothing, electronics, and other items. However, the fourth floor is where you will find the majority of the gift and souvenir shops. The gift and souvenir shops at Talat Sao offer a variety of traditional Lao handicrafts, such as textiles, jewelry, woodcarvings, and ceramics. You can also find a variety of clothing items, including t-shirts, dresses, and sarongs, with traditional Lao designs. The shops offer items at varying price points, so there is something for everyone. Talat Sao Shopping Mall is a popular shopping destination for both tourists and locals, and it can get quite busy during peak hours. However, it's worth a visit if you're looking for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home from Vientiane.
- Ma Te Sai
Address: 67/1 Setthathirath Road, Ban Xieng Ngeun Chanthabouly District, Vientiane
Ma Te Sai is a social enterprise located in Vientiane, Laos, that sells handmade products created by artisans from rural and ethnic communities in Laos. The store was established in 2008 with the aim of supporting these artisans by providing them with a platform to sell their products and earn a sustainable income. Ma Te Sai offers a wide variety of products, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and home decor items. All of the products are made using traditional techniques and materials, and many feature unique designs and motifs that reflect the cultural heritage of Laos. The store's focus on traditional handicrafts helps to preserve these skills and ensure that they are passed down to future generations.
In addition to selling products, Ma Te Sai is also committed to promoting sustainable and ethical production practices. The store works closely with its artisan partners to ensure that they are paid a fair price for their work, and that they have access to training and support to help them improve their skills and grow their businesses. Ma Te Sai also uses eco-friendly materials wherever possible and works to minimize waste in its production processes.
- Vientiane Orchid
Address: 22 Samsenthai Road, Nongbone Village Sisattanak District, Vientiane
Vientiane Orchid is a flower shop located in Vientiane, Laos that specializes in orchids. The shop has a wide selection of orchids, including rare and exotic varieties, and offers delivery services throughout Vientiane. Vientiane Orchid is committed to providing high-quality products and services, and takes great care to ensure that its orchids are healthy and well-maintained. The shop uses sustainable and eco-friendly growing practices and sources its orchids from reputable growers.
- Kinnari Tea
Address: Nokeokoummane Road, Ban Mixay Vientiane, Laos
Kinnari Tea is a tea shop located in Vientiane, Laos that specializes in high-quality, organic teas from Laos and other parts of Asia. The shop offers a wide selection of teas, including black, green, white, and herbal teas, as well as specialty blends and tea accessories. Kinnari Tea sources its teas directly from small-scale farmers and tea producers in Laos and other countries, and works closely with them to ensure that the teas are of the highest quality and are produced using sustainable and eco-friendly methods. The shop's focus on organic and natural teas means that the teas are free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, and are rich in flavor and health benefits.
- Lao Music House
Address: Samsenthai Road, Ban Haysok Vientiane, Laos
Lao Music House is a music store located in Vientiane, Laos that specializes in traditional Lao musical instruments and music recordings. The store is owned and operated by a local musician who is passionate about preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Laos. Lao Music House offers a wide selection of traditional Lao instruments, including khene (a bamboo mouth organ), saw (a bowed string instrument), and phin (a plucked string instrument), as well as drums and percussion instruments. The shop also sells a variety of Lao music recordings, including traditional folk music, classical music, and contemporary pop and rock.
- Ban Naphia
Address: Ban Naphia Vientiane, Laos
(As a small village located on the outskirts of Vientiane, Ban Naphia does not have a specific address or street name. However, it can be easily reached by car or motorbike by following Route 13 South from central Vientiane towards Thakek, and then turning off onto a smaller road that leads to the village. It is recommended to ask locals or a tour guide for specific directions.)
Ban Naphia is a small village located in the outskirts of Vientiane, Laos. The village is known for its production of mulberry paper, which is a traditional Lao handicraft made by hand from the bark of the mulberry tree. The process of making mulberry paper involves soaking the bark in water and then beating it with a wooden mallet to separate the fibers. The fibers are then laid out on a screen and left to dry in the sun. The resulting paper is thick, textured, and has a unique, natural feel. Visitors to Ban Naphia can witness the paper-making process firsthand and purchase a variety of handmade paper products, including notebooks, cards, and art prints. The village is also home to several small shops and stalls selling other local handicrafts and souvenirs, such as woven textiles, pottery, and woodcarvings.
- Lao Natural
Address: Thadeua Road, Ban Sisangvone Vientiane, Laos
Lao Natural is a shop in Vientiane, Laos that specializes in selling natural and organic products. The store offers a wide range of products, including locally-made soaps, essential oils, candles, skincare products, and other natural remedies. The products are made from high-quality ingredients, and many of them are sourced from local farmers and producers. Lao Natural also sells a variety of herbal teas, including traditional Lao blends and unique blends created in-house. The teas are made from locally-grown herbs and plants, and are believed to offer a range of health benefits, such as aiding digestion and promoting relaxation.
