Vientiane Shopping

* at least 5000 shops!
* ground floor and first floor in 3 connected buildings
* crowded (especially in the 1st floor)
* not too hot
* guarded by civil and official security

What to buy: everything incl. unauthorized copies of CDs of any kind - I haven't seen a book store though

The most common articles are
- gold and silver articles
- electronical devices and media
- clothes and shoes

What to pay: 2000-3000 THB

Great gift shop filled with authentic goods all handmade in Laos. They carry a variety of natural products including soap, mosquito repellent, and spices; as well as one of a kind handicrafts and custom furniture pieces. T'Shop Lai is careful to adhere to environmentally and socially responsible principles in its operations and production methods. Though located a little from the beaten path off of Chao Anou Road behind Vat Inpeng, T'Shop Lai is worth a visit!"

What to buy: All natural soaps, virgin coconut oil, natural mosquito repellent, handicrafts and more.

What to pay: Soaps range from 15,000 to 78,000 kip; pure body oils begin at 30,000 kip; handicrafts have a wide range from 30,000 kip over 1,000,000 kip. Custom furniture is more expensive.

Did some shopping at the morning market which is actually open until 1600-1700.

It is a big mall with loads of stalls selling pretty much everything; clothes, jewellery, mobile phones, even washing machines.

The traders are easy to bargain with but dont forget that they are trying to make a living, so dont argue over a few thousand Kip, and bargain with a smile and you will get a smile in return.

T-shirts for US$2.50 - $3.50 depending on size. Scarves x 2 for $5. Generally, prices are low and for local souvenirs, you should not pay more than $10 - $20 for pictures, paintings, ornaments etc.

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This place will surprise you by the amount of western stock it carries, but it isn't cheap. The stock is displayed very neatly and some of it has been segregated into particular countries. Great place to have a browse around if nothing else.

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If you're catching a bus from the Talat Sao bus station, then you can buy lunch in the form of tasty French baguettes from some stalls nearby. An elderly guy sat next to me on the Thai-Lao International Bus that goes to Nong Khai in Thailand with a whole bag of them so I guess Thais like them as well even though you don't normally seem them for sale there.

Comprised of two floors, this is the largest covered market in Vientiane. There is a vast selection of handicrafts, woven fabrics, jewellery, antique ornaments, electronic and household goods plus counterfeit CDs and DVDs/VCDs. There's also a food court here as well.

Open: 7am-4pm every day.

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This is the place for real bargain in Vientiane. Many shops sell local made products. All sections of the Morning Market is covered and is located next to the newer shopping mall. Operating hour is from 7 am till 4 pm and opens daily. The crowd is larger on the weekends.

What to buy: Laos Silk, Cotton, and there are a few outlets selling gem stones.

What to pay: Prices are more competitive here.

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One of the things one could do in Vientiane after sunset is to walk along the foot path of Mekong River Bank where many make-shift stalls are set-up selling local handicrafts and other indigenous products. But don't rush into buying anything because prices of most products will be quoted at an exorbitantly high price. Start to bargain only when you have decided to buy any of these products. The rule of thumb is to go down in excess of 50% of the price quoted by the traders. Haggling is the name of the game here and the first to blink will be the loser.

What to buy: Silk scarves, T-Shirts, Lamp shades, begs etc-etc.

What to pay: Pay only when you think you have been able to bargain for the right price.