It’s unlikely that anyone would think of going on a real shopping trip to Laos. But bringing a few souvenirs with you is important. From here they bring bags and wallets, handmade colored fabrics, silk scarves, and numerous wooden and bone products. You can bring jewelry and wicker baskets.
We advise you to bargain, and although the prices here are not too high, they may lower you even if they see a foreigner. The art of bargaining here is at a high level.
Moreover, you can try to get a discount, but the owner will be stubborn. Then just go to a nearby store, and if the seller heard your dialogue, they will definitely tell you a price lower than the neighbor’s.
In Vientiane there is the Talat Sao market, also known as the Morning Market. There are many small shops, cafes, and you can buy almost anything. Pay attention to cotton products. The cost of goods here is not too high, and for 5-10 USD you can buy a fair amount.
The Kuhadin market is where residents of Laos itself buy food and goods; it is not so well known among tourists, and it is for this reason that it should be visited. Prices here may be even lower.
It is better to buy handicrafts at the Thong Khan market, which is located north of the central part of the capital. And the night market opens after sunset on the Mekong River embankment. Prices are higher here and bargaining is important. Sunday is usually a day off.
Larger stores are open from Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00. Small private shops - Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 21:00. Sales in Laos occur during the low tourist season.
As such, there is no sales season in Laos, boutiques and large stores give their discounts from time to time, small private shops simply offer better bargaining opportunities when there are fewer tourists. The wet and hot season here is from May to October, there are slightly fewer tourists, and during this period you can get discounts.
