Shopping in Northern Laos
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Pathana Boupha Antique House
In an impressive old French mansion, Pathana Boupha carries antique statuary, jewellery, silverwork, Royal Lao government currency and old photos, mostly from the Lao owners’ private collection. It also sells high-quality textiles from various ethnic groups. The late patriarch designed many of the costumes and ornaments used in the former Royal Palace.
reviewed
-
B
Kopnoi
This shop targets the discerning shopper with east-meets-west clothing in natural fabrics and dyes, designer jewellery, homewares and handicrafts, books on Lao cuisine, architecture and crafts, packaged spices and teas and local art.
reviewed
-
C
L’Etranger Books & Tea
New and used books about Laos and Southeast Asia, plus book rental and books bought for cash or trade credit. Art is showcased on the 2nd floor, which doubles as a tea lounge.
reviewed
-
D
Handicraft Night Market
Every evening this market assembles along Th Sisavangvong from the Royal Palace Museum to Th Kitsarat, closing this section of the street off to motor vehicles. It’s one of Luang Prabang’s biggest tourist lures. Low-lit and quiet, it’s devoid of hard selling and is possibly the most tranquil market in Asia. Tens of dozens of traders sell silk scarves and wall hangings, plus Hmong appliqué blankets, T-shirts, clothing, shoes, paper, silver, bags, ceramics, bamboo lamps and more. It’s incredibly cheap and because you’re injecting currency directly into the local economy you have to feel good about spending dosh here.
reviewed
-
Baan Khily Gallery
This beautiful old building carries a collection of unique and carefully selected Lao crafts, including handmade sǎa (mulberry bark) paper. This gallery started the revival of sǎa arts in Laos. There are books on the region, artworks, an upstairs gallery with rotating exhibits, a knowledgeable owner and an upstairs veranda ideal for tea-sipping.
reviewed
-
E
Fresh Market
The Fresh market stocks exotic fruits you won't typically see elsewhere in Laos, such as Chinese pear. Other local delicacies include nok ąen dąwng (swallows stored whole in jars until they ferment), and hét wâi (wild matsutake mushrooms), which grow wild around Xieng Khuang and fetch high prices in Japan.
reviewed
-
Hmong Market
About 30km east of Phonsavan en route to Muang Kham (northern side of the road) is Nong Pet, a Hmong village with a picturesque spring surrounded by rice fields; it’s said to be the source of the Nam Ngum. A sizable Hmong market is held here every Sunday.
reviewed
-
F
Thithpeng Maniphone
Thithpeng crafted silverware for Luang Prabang royalty before 1975 (Thailand’s royal family are now some of his best customers). He has 15 apprentice silversmiths but still does the most delicate work himself. To get here follow the signs opposite the Maison Souvannaphoum.
reviewed
-
G
Fresh Produce Market
It is a colourful market that fills the street between Th Sisavangvong and the Mekong in Ban Pakam. You can watch locals stock up on leafy greens, eggs, dried shrimp and live frogs. It’s very photogenic and best in the early morning.
reviewed
-
H
Naga Creations
Specialising in jewellery, Naga Creations produces individual masterpieces using a variety of precious stones and silver. All items are hand crafted and you can see the jewellers at work in the store. Suits all budgets.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Fibre2Fabric
This nonprofit gallery curates three exhibitions annually and promotes textiles from the diverse ethnic minorities of Laos. The quality is superb and the products are an education in Lao culture in themselves.
reviewed
-
J
Panfa Art
This small textiles shop on the main street sells some truly stunning scarves and wall hangings made from raw silk. It’s all locally crafted and the workmanship of some of the pieces is quite bamboozling.
reviewed
-
K
Chinese Market
West of the main strip, the chinese market is over two storeys tall and sells plenty of plastic tack and souvenirs, although you can also get some decent gold and silver.
reviewed
-
Talat Phosy
Talat Phosy is a huge warehouse-like structure built by the Chinese, encompassing the biggest market for fresh produce, meats, herbs and just about any other basic requisite of Lao life.
reviewed
-
Talat Sao
Huay Xai’s main morning market, Talat Sao attracts traders from numerous ethnic backgrounds and is situated at the southern end of town near the bus terminal.
reviewed
-
Chinese Market
Opposite the Luang Prabang Provincial Stadium on the outskirts of town, is the Chinese Market selling dry goods, textiles and hardware.
reviewed
-
Ms Boualay Douang Dara
Less chance of finding individual pieces, but the quantity on offer keeps prices very cheap.
reviewed
-
L
Caruso Lao Handicraft
Beautiful homewares, photo frames, linen and silk.
reviewed
-
Miss Bouvane Syodomphan Lao Silk Shop
Brightly coloured, very distinctive pieces.
reviewed
-
M
Atelier 15 Nagas Studio
Contemporary Lao paintings.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Miss Bouekham Silk
Silk and cotton textiles.
reviewed