Shopping in Laos – Laos Shopping and nightlife
The markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting. Silk, cotton fabrics, wood carvings, pottery, silver jewellery and handmade shirts are good buys. Lao sarongs (pha sin) and hill tribe bags are a popular souvenir. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for many items.
Vientiane shopping
In Vientiane, it’s worth heading out to the weaving district of Ban Nong Bouathong, northeast of the city. Try the Phaeng Mai Gallery which sells beautiful Lao textiles. For something really smart, head to the American designer Carol Cassidy’s shop, Lao Textiles, which is well-known internationally. Here, you’ll find items that will fit in well at parties back home as well as on your travels .
luang prabang shopping
Luang Prabang is best known for its handicrafts, art, textiles and jewelry. In an old French mansion, Pathana Boupha Antique House is certainly worth a visit. There’s some beautiful silverwork and old photos for sale, mostly from the Lao owners’ private collection. It’s brilliant for browsing and for choosing an inspired, unusual gift. There are also plenty of small bookshops. L’Etranger Books & Tea is a lovely place to cool off or curl up with a book in. It sells both new and second-hand books mainly about Laos and Southeast Asi but head upstairs to the tea lounge and you can see local art displayed too.
Nightlife in Laos
Nightlife in Laos – Laos Shopping and nightlife
It is illegal for a nightclub or bar to stay open later than 2330 and therefore to expect Vientiane to be on a par with other Asian capitals in terms of nightlife would be a misstep. Generally, the Lao nightlife is quiet and laid-back, usually involving a Beer Lao, a stunning sunset firefly display and an early night.
Beer Laos
Otherwise try the French Cultural Centre on Th Lan Xang in Vientiane which often shows movies, and has music performances.. Elsewhere in the capital, there are plenty of bars along the river, most of which stay open until 2300 or so – expect plenty of classic rock, cocktails and cheap beer.
