When visiting Laos, shopping in Laos is also an indispensable activity in every trip. Buying souvenirs for families and relatives is a part of the culture of various tourists from many countries.
Here are some facts to help you get more experience when shopping in Laos:
1. Goods in Laos will not be comparable in terms of variety, as in Thailand or China, but you can buy some unique items that are not available in other countries around the world. Apart from items such as clothes, shampoos, cosmetics; you can buy some souvenirs in Laos such as Lao women’s skirts, silk, handicrafts, silverware … In which skirt and brocade are two souvenirs that Lao tourists buy the most. In addition, tourists can buy the specialties of Laos such as dried, sticky rice fermented meat products.
2. It is a good idea to go to the markets and duty free shops, especially at the border, where prices are much cheaper than other places and the goods is also plentiful.
3. Shopping at the market, you should bargain because the price is not stable, each seller will settle a different price. Thoroughly check the goods before taking them to avoid counterfeit goods. You should note items that customs will not allow you to bring.
4. Do not miss to visit shopping places when traveling to Laos, such as: Talat Sao Shopping mall, Vientiane Center Lao, Chinese Market, Fresh Market, Luang Prabang night market, Kopnoi, Dao Heuang in Paske, …
5. You should prepare for being neat so that it will ensure the convenience to go shopping. Do not carry too many things, bags to avoid being stolen or lost.
6. It will be better to travel by public transport for the reason that in Laos, you will be shopping mainly at the markets. When going to market, walking to visit, shopping will be more comfortable.
Here is a list of amazing souvenirs that you should shop when coming to Laos:
1) Lao Sinh
Sinh is the traditional Lao dress, worn by women when attending ceremonies; school girls and female politicians. This special dress is made of silk, cotton or cotton thread, woven as delicate as embroidery fashion which is often elaborately woven in the legs. You can buy Sinh as a gift on the occasion of Lao tourism. Sinh can be purchased in fashion boutiques or silk shops in Vientiane.
(Source: internet)
2) Lao Silk
Hand-made and silk products of Laos are still highly valued by tourists. Therefore, if you are wondering what items to choose as gifts for your loved ones, you can choose some shirts, scarves, silk handkerchiefs. This item is divided into many levels, from affordable to high price, depending on your financial ability and your personal needs, you can choose the appropriate items.
(Source: internet)
3) Silver and Gold
The use of traditional tools has been handed down through generations to create beautiful designs of the Buddha, the beauty of Laos. Precious metals are mined in water and with a purity of 95-98 %% for silver and 99% for gold, you will find high quality products. Try the Hmong Market in Vientiane or the Night Market in Luang Prabang for some unique silver and gold products.
4) Champasak Coffee
As one of the major coffee exporters in the world, Laos is proud of its delicious coffee flavor. If you love coffee, you can choose to buy coffee or roasted coffee as a gift. This dish is easy to find, at the pleasant price so that it is suitable for a lot of tourists.
5) Wood crafts
Sculpture has been developing in Laos for decades. You can find many exquisite wooden sculptures in Ban Nong Bueng woodcarving village – Southern Laos. Here, besides being able to shop for original beauty products, you also have the opportunity to talk to the artisans, visit the workshop and have fun experiences.
(Source: internet)
6) Weaving
If you are in favor of handmade bamboo products, you should not miss the opportunity to buy weaving baskets in the Lao media market. Lao people often use weaving baskets to store personal items as well as store rice (depending on size). However, you can buy and use as decorative items, home decor according to your own ideas. Using textile baskets instead of porcelain ornamental plants also, to help home become more graceful and elegant.
Explore more attractions: Golden Buddha (Phu Salao); Li Phi falls; Si Phan Don (4000 Islands); Wat Luang; Champasak Historical Heritage museum; Bolaven Plateau; Wat Phou; Things to do in Pakse
