Flea & Street Markets
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Best Shopping & Malls in Luang Prabang, Laos
Shopping in Luang Prabang
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Flea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums
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Speciality & Gift Shops • Lessons & Workshops
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Speciality & Gift Shops • Visitor Centers
Speciality & Gift Shops
Speciality & Gift Shops
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What travelers are saying
- bhodgkinsonPreston, UK244 contributionsTake a visit in the evening. There are lots of variety for street food. There are so many stalls selling souvenirs - but at a decent price. It is not a very pushy market - so I would definitely revisit if in Luang Prabang.Written June 20, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- indEngland, UK269 contributionsWe walked through echos of hearing “Sabaidi” and exchange of light chitter chatter between vendors, locals and tourists. A visit here is most definitely a ‘jump start’ to your morning. Being a vegetarian didn’t stop me visiting this market as I wanted to explore different aspects of this tour. If you come to experience culture, traditions, people and way of life in South East Asia your trip is “incomplete” if you skip a visit to a local market. Limiting your choices and interactions goes against why you’d come to a place like this in the first place. So, put your best feet forward and enjoy the sights, sounds and colourful displays of the local market in Luang Prabang.
We came here straight after the Alms Ceremony from calmness & contemplation, to a lively and bustling market, wow! what a contrast!. We wandered around and watched the frenzy of the day unfold, as locals bought their produce and mingled with the vendors. Markets generally, in this part of the world have an array of exotic fruits, vegetables and some undesirable/weird meat products (probably from the jungles). Don’t be shocked with the latter, as you have to understand, this is South East Asia, eating anything that ‘moves’ is the norm here and their usual preference. The curious and brave ones, from our tour group took the gamble to explore the market, whilst the rest sought refuge in the comfort of our bus. We enjoyed snapping for photos and videos as we walked along. Traders didn’t seem unnerved or spooked, I guess they are used to this type of exposure. People are friendly, polite and tolerant so it’s safe to click away. Laons are gentle by nature and not pushy in their selling, which made the experience relaxing and bearable.
The market location is near the royal palace on a side street and set-up in a single lane, and is clean and tidy. However, this is no scenic route for a vegetarian/vegan/animal lover! The atmosphere is buzzing, and people are jostling for space along the narrow lane. The flow of traffic needs to be kept moving, so take your photos and be mindful of letting people pass. Produce is displayed on colourful mats on the ground or on small tables, traders perched on low stools and fanning the goods to keep flies/mosquitoes (the lucky ones!) at bay. Colourful displays of unique fruit and vegetables are split in-between exotic flowers and pink lilies which look beautiful amongst the greenery. The air was filled with warm aromas of cooked foods, delicate perfume from exotic flowers, herbs and spices, wafting around. This is what makes a market come to live, a real mix of activities from every angle.
Locals are cheerful happy people going about their daily business and people watching is a fun and joyful activity. Some easy to spot meat products i.e. chickens, chunks of raw/ cooked fish, and some ‘unmentionables’. Displays of various birds roasted, some in small cages (still alive) grilled insects, frogs jumping about in buckets, fried cockroaches, reptiles, mice, rats, and dogs (the latter a delicacy), not a good fit for those who are squeamish. We kept walking not lingering to find out the make and model of species lol! Apart from exotic foods, there is variety of non-food items, such as clothing, textiles, bags, and miscellaneous wares.
The market isn’t particularly huge and can be covered in an hour depending on your day’s activities. For those wanting to immerse themselves and stop for lunch there are vendors preparing/cooking snacks, selling cakes and fresh juices etc. I noticed a few ‘risk takers’ sampling some ‘weird’ meats dangling from skewers, not for the faint hearted, or those with a delicate stomach. If your attention catches an unsavoury display, do not spoil your face and disrespect this cultural norm.
Reviews from others state the market is set-up up 5.00 am and closes around 10.30 am, plan your visit after the Alms Ceremony, so you ‘kill two birds with one stone’ sorry! My personal gripe? coming in a group tour, a real downside, purely because we were hurried due to the demands of a frantic schedule. I lost the excitement to capture a real sense of the market interactions with locals and soaking up the atmosphere, this was unforgiving. Flexibility and an open mind are key elements in acquiring a sense of fun and adventure, so make your journey that much more memorable by allowing yourself time. On a closing note, independent travellers, enjoy the freedom to explore and make the morning market a ‘must do’ in your travel plans. Still, I got a taste (not literally!) of what South East Asia has to offer, hopefully a return visit isn’t too far away! Safe travels! Indu.Written April 18, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chiachen WAnn Arbor, MI53 contributionsThis is a store full of history, both the objects and personal of the owner. Granted it is not a store for everyone, yet if you are a collector, this is the place for you. The owner is gracious, she told storied of every object there.Written December 11, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FookChoySingapore, Singapore2 contributionsIn Lala Laos, when you purchase any of proprietor Sithong's crafted and designed items, you also help in the schooling of poor village kids who otherwise remain illiterate. Browse and chat awhile with Sithong and you will be sure to befriend him and his charming family who man and live in Lala LaosWritten November 18, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HouseofRoseWineryKelowna, Canada142 contributionsA real asian market with only two other foreigners while we were there. The described meat market a normal part of these local markets and for us clearly one of the cleaner ones we have seen. The overall market well set up and clean throughout, with soft spoken sales people. We had a pleasant stroll through and bought both clothing and food items and at a lower price than in the town center for sure.Written March 8, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Posey9 contributionsThe accommodation is unique with lovely special touches. It is right on the edge of the Mekong and the restaurant has excellent food. They went out of their way to make sure everything went smoothly with our stay, arranging excursions and additional experiences. Highly recommend.Written April 13, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grace1 contributionWe had the best afternoon sat in a beautiful tree house balcony overlooking the River, making our own necklaces with the help and guidance from Lan. You can also buy stunning handmade jewellery if you don't fancy making them, there's lots of choice! We used the designs as inspiration for making our own! Cannot recommend this experience enough, could've stayed all day chatting away to Lan!Written July 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Benjamin George GKingston, Australia2 contributionsThis is easily my favorite place in SE Asia. Great taste in books, great taste in film, great taste in food. Great atmosphere. I visited here some 14 years ago and still have fond memories. What struck me that was not just that I could buy & swap books but that I could also just donate them because the store ran as a free multi-lingual library for locals. I can't wait to return and show this place to my new family.Written June 20, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- milliesmum2016Christchurch, New Zealand1,809 contributionsJust in case you don't have a chance to go out to the LIving Craft Centre on the river, the shop is right in the middle of town. It's a mini museum of Lao craft and textiles with lovely things displayed for inspection and sale in an old traditional building in a lovely garden with a cafe appended.
If you do want to expand your Ock Pop Tok experience, then there is a free tuktuk standing by to whisk you out there and bring you back. Just ask the sales staff.
There are clean toilets on site also.Written March 8, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TiraGThe Valley, Anguilla394 contributionsToday as I am thousands of miles away and likely won’t travel to Luang Prabang till another year, I took out my incredible pieces from Fabrice bought over the years. I felt transported back to that lovely shop with the most beautiful and well made jewelry and a most warm and kindhearted man. Fabrice also gives excellent advice in what is most suited to you. One of my first stops in LP! I look forward to my next visit. Love my silver and Amethyst naga necklace!Written July 19, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- runningnosesingapore126 contributionsChanced upon this shop and glad i went in. Owner is very friendly and the products in the shop are varied and unique. Bought a Japanese silk kimono pouch here. Would highly recommend.Written February 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- runningnosesingapore126 contributionsFound this place and went crazy- the textile products here are lovely. Got some pillow cases and a scarf. Highly recommended. Staff speak English and are sweet.Written February 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grace W2 contributionsReally great shop with textiles from throughout Laos. The owner is a sweet guy who works directly with villages and designs/makes many of the products himself! Highly recommend.Written March 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joe MMeridian, Idaho, United States10 contributionsThe Aromdee Shop is a cute, clean and pleasant coffee & tea shop located right next to the Mekong River. It's a warm welcome walking in and there's lots of locally made organic teas and coffees to choose from. They list all different health benefits of each one and you can open and smell them. They're packaged and make nice souvenirs. They also have fast WiFi, good lattes and clean seating areas.Written August 19, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lovemiin@gmail.com1 contributionI found this gallery a hidden gem but managed to catch my attention when i passed by. I love the passion of one of the owner-the lady i talked to and how they set up this gallery to promote their products using the traditional and natural dyed material, intergrate with new ideas and design implement into their products. Friendly, chill, cheerful and the most is the passionate towards what they are working on and lifestyle.
I got myself an little denim elephant as a gift for myself (to spend my last penny in their shop, i wish i still have some money to get myself a beautiful purse)
Sorry for the late review as promised. Cheers!
Malaysian-JmiinWritten April 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luang Prabang
- These places are best for shopping in Luang Prabang:See more shopping in Luang Prabang on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for kid-friendly shopping in Luang Prabang:See more shopping for kids in Luang Prabang on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking shopping in Luang Prabang:
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
- Garden of Eden
- Luang Prabang Night Market
- L'etranger Books and Tea
- Naga Creations
- These are the best places for budget-friendly shopping in Luang Prabang:See more budget-friendly shopping in Luang Prabang on Tripadvisor