Lao Shopping
Things to buy made in Laos. Laos is famous for its woven silk which can be found throughout the country.
It is a great experience to shop in Laos. The merchandise are generally very cheap and there are a lot of choices for buyers.
Things to buy in Laos
Most products will eventually find their way to the Vientiane Morning Market. This is were you will find it all at the best prices.
- Fabrics (silk, cotton, hand wooven)
- Art and Antiques (most items are copies and replicas)
- Silver and Gems (only buy from serious shops)
- Watches (replicas)
Not counting grand shopping centers where you are told the prices and they are written on the tags, most markets, street vendors, and souvenir stands don’t label fixed prices for their things and customers need to bargain.
Bargaining in Laos
Sellers there always try to get more money from foreigners whom they assume to be wealthy and have a lot of money to spend. When you go to stores and souvenir stands, the prices they tell you are not the truth. The legitimate prices are standardly half or even one third of what they tell you. Seller often know how to speak English. They try to defraud you, and tell you that you are the first customer of the day to shop at their store today and they offer you the item at their buying price for some luck. Resist the urge to believe them. The “buying” price they quote you is always several times more than the real value of the product.
Also remember, you’re not in Marrakesh so don’t abuse the vendor with too much bargaining, it is rude.