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Big Brother Mouse is Lao based and owned publisher and has few shops in Laos, mostly in tourist towns such as Luang Nam Tha, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang. They publish stories for kids (but not just stories, as well other things that are interesting for youngsters) of young unknown Lao writers and students as well as some other, foreign names translated into Lao and they would like to increase literacy rates by the books; stories are related to local culture and ethics and others cover subjects from foreign places, such as history and animals and translations of books. It is non profit project and I believe you will notice their signs when visiting Laos.
The whole story is described on their nice web page, I suggest you to visit it for more detailed info. It's real interesting and honest.
What to buy: Books. Take a look and choose some for Lao kids, some for your kids or your friends kids. Or for yourself. Some stories are very short, other longer and it's always great if you can buy few different types of books with illustrations. Lao kids will love it, especially those who live in the remotest areas of the country. Keep that in mind if you're visiting local families.
Some books are in both English and Lao.
What to pay: The books are very cheap - for you, but most local parents cannot afford to buy them for the kids, nevertheless.
If you want to, you can as well donate them to primary school and teachers will know what to do the beast about it.
Updated Apr 4, 2010
Website: http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/
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You might be strolling the Nightmarket in Luang Prabang, and like me you might find the bedspreads, tablecloths and cussioncovers really nice. What you shouldn't do like me is think that you can get it everywhere else in Laos - this really is special to Luang Prabang not to mention the variation.
Written Dec 6, 2009
What to buy: There are a variety of cigarettes produced locally or from Thailand or Myanmar. The tobacco taste might be stronger. Canned or bottled beers are on sale too. The noted ones are Singha & Chang beer (from Thailand) and Laos beer.
What to pay: The prices are cheap. Not sure whether they are smuggled goods which have evaded tax or imitations.
Written Jan 7, 2008
What to buy: Venomous animals and reptiles such as centipedes, snakes, scorpions, pangolins, cobras are cleaned and put into bottles or jars of crystal-clear locally brewed whiskey while still alive. The potions is basically an alcoholic & medicinal beverage. Among all the recognised benefits, it is also famous for their aphrodisiac property, ie. boosting sexual capacity, have been long existence before Viagra saw the light of day.
The biggest shop (which is right in front of the jetty) offers free tasting. The taste & alcohol content might be strong for some. Sip it slowly and savour the taste.
Caution: You might have problem passing them through the customs department.
Updated Jan 7, 2008
Going to the Day Market, added with a modern building next to the old, just this year in mid 2007 is a challenge. Vendors speak little English and the old building is extremely hot. I couldn't stop prespiring for a minute. All things are sold here though I think Thailand has more to offer.
What to buy: Do not miss out the Laotian textiles and little ornyx jewellery sold here. Have fun.
What to pay: US1 onwards
Written Oct 24, 2007
Locla markets specialise in all things fresh some more than others!! It is fantastic to get out to the local markets and just wander around the store owners are quite happy to try and explain what varies things are and even let you taste. There are however some things we dont want to know what they are!! there were times when the store owners would laugh hysterically when they told us some things and saw our faces.
Updated Oct 20, 2007
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There's lots of fabric products at this market, handmade scarves, quilts, cushion covers, aprons, clothes....
Luang Prabang is touristy but don't believe that it'll be more expensive than in other places in Asia. We saw the same scarves that we bought at this market selling for 3 times the price in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Don't buy from the first stall, they all have the same products and you'll find the prices get cheaper the further down you go.
What to buy: Handmade silk scarves.
What to pay: We managed to get a handmade bag for $1 and a scarf for the same. Babies slippers (also handmade) were 50c!
Written Oct 11, 2006
Address: Main street
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The morning market is a must for great handmade silk . It's actually open all day. My daughter is getting married so I bought 6 hand woven ( no two alike) silk scarves for gifts . $5.00 each.
Just get a tulk tuk. Our driver waited for us outside and took us to our next spot.
What to buy: They have amazing silk table runners too . I bought a gorgeous one with a beutiful original pattern ( $30.00)
What to pay: Don't forget to barter!!
Written Jun 15, 2006
Address: Lane Xang Ave
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You won't buy much at the markets of Luang Prabang or Vientiane, yet what a profusion of odd items, strong smells, and unusual sights. Vendors are patiently waiting in cramped, tiny booths. The merchandise is strange. Buckets of loose batteries, shrink-wrapped TV sets, do-it-yourself temples. It is almost incomprehensible. The smell is like old-world hardware store (not Lowe's!) multiplied by ten: plastic and corrosive soap.
Written Mar 7, 2006
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What to buy: Hmong ladies descend on Luang Prabang in incredibly crowded Toyota minivans to sell their crafts at the market. Their pillowcases are very inexpensive, and yet extremely elegant, in a Matisse / Hockney way.
The ladies are extremely cute: tiny, old, and all business.
Updated Mar 6, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.
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