How to Shop like a Pro at Luang Prabang Night Markets – A Shopper’s Paradise

The Luang Prabang Night Market in Laos is unique to other bazaars in South East Asia. The place is minus the usual touts who bother tourists and the vendors are seen calmly sitting on mats, their wares spread out waiting for the next customer. Goods are cheap at this market and it's best to develop an eye for quality stuff. Acquire some skills through this article on how to shop like a pro at Luang Prabang Night Market.

Torbenbrinker, 4.3.16.LPNachtmarkt, CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is Luang Prabang Night Market Located?

The market is located along Sisavangvong Road, which is the centre of town. The stretch starts at the Kingkitsalat Road junction near the post office and stretches up to the National Museum. This market takes place every night during which this stretch of the road is pedestrianised with no traffic allowed in.
Vendors start setting up their stalls by 4 pm and are ready for business in an hour. The market runs until 10 pm. The bazaar is a colourful collection of around 300 sellers who spread their goods on colourful mats. Guests at popular Luang Prabang Laos hotels will find themselves centrally located for easy access to the market. Some like Avani+ Luang Prabang are only a minute away from the market, which means you get to visit the place whenever you like.

Shopping and Staying Safe at Luang Prabang Night Market

Like any crowded bazaar, Luang Prabang Night Market has its fair share of pickpockets. So, you must be a smart shopper, keeping your belongings close to you and being aware of your surroundings. Otherwise, there is no huge safety issue when shopping at the night market.

What to Expect When Shopping at Luang Prabang Night Market

The market is a fine example of Laos proximity to the Chinese border. The place is ideal for picking up a variety of cheap Chinese goods brought from mainland China. Several Tai and Hmong vendors join the market to sell beautiful hand-woven fabrics dyed in lovely shades of indigo. Then you get the locals selling a fine collection of handicrafts and silks.

There is a unique collection of handicrafts such as can openers and even jewellery made from salvaged bombshells and other bits of metal remaining from the Vietnam War.

And if you're eager to try the outlandish, check out the bottles of rice wine called lao lao. Inside these are scorpions and reptiles left to ferment.

A host of imported goods are on sale at the night market as well; you can shop for handbags, jewellery, shoes, spices, t-shirts, toys, coffee beans, paintings, scarves, and lots more. You will be surprised at the prices, which are much lower than goods at other night markets.

A Few Essential Tips for Shopping at Luang Prabang

Try not to bargain. While haggling over prices at markets seems the norm for many shoppers, keep in mind that Lao vendors keep very little margins on their goods. Plus, their prices too are very low. And it really is a shame to ask these poor sellers to reduce even more on their goods.

Take your own bags to carry the goods back to your accommodation. Most countries in South East Asia are dealing with plastic pollution, and accepting goods in single-use plastic bags, proffered by the vendors, will only aggravate the problem more.

Search for the 'handmade' symbol – to promote quality handmade Lao handicrafts, local artisans came together and made a sticker to authenticate all genuine Lao handmade goods. The round sticker is added to many quality goods such as silver jewellery, pottery goods, cotton and silk scarves, and pretty lacquer work products.

Be a Foodie at the Food Section of the Night Market

Located along an alley at the entrance to the night market is the food section. Perfect for stopping and enjoying a break while shopping, the food market is popular amongst folks heading home after work. Some local delights to enjoy are Laos sausages, coconut pancakes, and roasted meats.
Enjoy your time at Luang Prabang!