Vientiane Shopping

Books

The majority of books that are found in Vientiane are second-hand French and English novels, maps, travel guides and the occasional Japanese comic book. Here are the names of a few bookstores around Vientiane: Lao Plaza Hotel Book Shop, Kosila Bookshop 1 & 2, Bookshop Sapasin Tha.

Carol Cassidy

The Carol Cassidy store is a workshop and gallery specialising in traditional Lao textile weaving with a strong emphasis on patterns and motifs. Using age-old techniques, this American designer works alongside local artisans to produce beautiful pieces of woven art. Items have been displayed in museums across the USA including at The New York Fashion Institute. Her wall hangings are renowned, but with a price tag to match her notoriety.

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday: 08:00 –12:00, 14:00 –17:00, Saturday: 08:00 -12:00
Location: Ban Mixay

Elegant Boutique

Great quality silk and cotton tailoring from suits and shirts to skirts and dresses, bespoke pieces are fashioned by a young Laotian designer at The Elegant Boutique. Items include clothing made to Western tastes to fit all sizes and intricate hill tribe jewellery made from silver. Garments are made using local silk and cotton with the option to order more online once you’ve been measured in store.

Opening Hours: Daily from 09:30 – 20:00
Location: on Pangkham Street, near the fountain, Lao Plaza Hotel and Lao Development Bank
Tel: +856 (0)21 215 437

Finer Things

Finer Things is a fantastic place to purchase genuine local handicrafts made by a variety of Laos’s ethnic groups. Products to look out for include woven silk and cotton goods as well as superb local organic coffee. Many of the woven products are made on the premises which offer a glimpse into the weaving process whilst you sample the coffee which arrives fresh daily from the mountains in the south.

Opening Hours: 09:00-18:30
Location: 34/03 Francois Ngin Street, Mixay

Lao Fine Art Handicrafts Jewellery

Unique and elegant jewellery made from wood, coconut and silver are crafted into one-off pieces at Lao Fine Art Handicrafts Jewellery. Contemporary and traditional jewellery items offer a chance to buy something that is unlike anything you will find elsewhere in Asia. 92.5% silver is used along with natural materials such as coconut wood to make distinctive items of jewellery.

Opening Hours: 09:30-17:30
Location: 550/01 Thatluang Tai Village, Xaysettha District, Vientiane (the shop is not far from the fountain and right next to the Mandarina Antiques Shop and a travel agency.)
Tel: +856 20 5542 6993

Night Market

As the sun sets, head along the Mekong River bank to the night market for bargains including silk scarves, bags and T-shirts. Start your bargaining price at 50% lower than the asking rate and be prepared to barter hard as you’ll be quoted a very high price to start. Take your time and make sure you really want the goods before entering into a negotiation.

Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00
Location: Fa Ngum Road

Oot Ni Gallery

Displaying an assortment of antiques from across Southeast Asia, silver ornaments, handicrafts and paintings, Oot Ni Gallery is well worth a look at for a distinctive piece of art to take home. Paintings include watercolours and oils, and antique goods such as ancient artefacts are also available along with stone sculptures and one-off eclectic handcrafted items.

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

Phaeng Mai Gallery

Take a tuk-tuk for the short drive out of town to the weaving district of Muang Chanthabuli, there you’ll find the Phaeng Mai Gallery which is a great place to purchase Lao textiles. Silk fabrics are dyed before being hand woven on traditional looms with finished products once supplied direct to the royal family. Take your time to watch the craft masters in action before purchasing a few souvenirs.

Opening Hours: 08:30-18:30
Location: 117 Nongbouathong Tai Village, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane

Phimpone Market

The place to come for western goods, Phimpone Market stocks imported magazines, wine and personal hygiene goods. There are plenty of home comforts here from a range of western countries including a very good selection of beer from Belgium and some fine French wine.

Opening Hours: 07:30-21:00
Location: 94/6 Thanon Setthathirat

Saoban Village

Some of the finest craftsmen in Laos sell their wares at Saoban Village which was started by community leader and award-winner Sombath Somphone as a place for villagers to sell their art under fair trade principles. Whatever you purchase here your proceeds will go directly back to the artist. Choices on offer include bamboo keepsakes, silver jewellery and plenty of textiles made from silk and cotton.

Opening Hours: 13:00-20:00, closed Sundays
Location: 97/1 Rue Chao Anou Road, Ban Watchan
Tel: + 856 (20) 7783 9152

Talat Khua Din

A farmer’s style market selling tobacco, flowers, fresh fruit and vegetable plus meat; it’s a good place to browse and watch the locals go about their daily business and also to catch a glimpse of local produce. Head east of the morning market and past the bus station to get to Talat Khua Din.

Opening Hours: 08:00-16:00
Location: Boulevard Khouvieng

T’Shop Lai Gallery

T’Shop Lai Gallery is a delightful arts and crafts store selling a mixture of natural products including handmade soap, lotions and potions, plus spices, furniture and other locally crafted goods. The shop is a treasure trove of ethically made items all of which are fair trade and adhere to strict environmental controls. Good gifts to purchase include body lotion made from virgin coconut oil and wood carved trinket boxes.

Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Location: Vat Impeng Street