
Souvenirs & What to Buy in Vientiane, Laos
1. Laotian Silk Scarves
Traditional hand-woven silk scarves with intricate patterns from the Mekong River region. A beautiful and unique souvenir to remember your trip.
- Handmade Tradition: Each scarf is uniquely hand-loomed, preserving an ancient Laotian craft.
- High Quality Silk: Made from the highest quality mulberry silk, these scarves are soft, vibrant, and long-lasting.
- Versatile Gift: Ideal as a personal keepsake or an elegant gift for friends and family back home.
2. Lao Lao Whiskey
Strong and flavorful rice whiskey distilled in Vientiane. A must-try for those seeking local spirits.
- Authentic Taste: Tastes of the traditional Lao Lao distilling process, unlike mass-produced imitations.
- Strength and Flavor: Stronger than most whiskeys, with a rich, spicy flavor that warms you up from the inside.
- Perfect Gift: A great gift for friends and family who enjoy trying new spirits.
3. Lao Textiles Centre
Visit this center to see the silk-weaving process and purchase unique Laotian textiles. A great stop for souvenir shopping.
- Interactive Experience: Learn about the intricate weaving techniques used to create these beautiful textiles.
- Vast Selection: Find a wide variety of textiles, including scarves, bags, and home decor items.
- Support Local Artisans: Proceeds from sales support Laotian weavers and their families.
4. Buddha Statues
Handcrafted Buddha statues made of materials such as brass or wood. A spiritual reminder of your time in Vientiane.
- Craftsmanship: Intricately detailed and beautifully crafted, these statues are works of art.
- Variety of Styles: Find a Buddha statue in various poses, sizes, and materials to suit your taste.
- Spiritual Gift: A spiritual reminder of the rich Buddhist heritage found throughout Vientiane.
5. Laotian Coffee
Strong and aromatic Arabica coffee beans grown in Laos. A perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Vientiane at home.
- Full-Bodied Flavor: Features a robust, full-bodied flavor that coffee lovers will appreciate.
- Sustainable Farming: Support small Laotian farms and their efforts to grow high-quality coffee beans sustainably.
- Great Gift: A thoughtful gift for coffee lovers who appreciate exotic, single-origin brews.
6. Lao Dong Kalong Silk Shop
Purchase beautiful silk items at this family-run business. Experience the Laotian silk tradition firsthand.
- Family Business: Run by a local family with deep roots in the Laotian silk industry.
- Custom Silk Items: Design and order custom-made items, such as traditional sarongs or modern clothing pieces.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure that your silk items are of the highest quality with the assistance of knowledgeable staff.
7. Hmong Textiles
Colorful and intricate Hmong textiles, hand-embroidered by the ethnic Hmong people of Laos. A unique cultural souvenir.
- Cultural Significance: Each pattern has its own symbolic meaning within the Hmong culture.
- Skillful Craftsmanship: Hand-embroidered by skilled artisans, these textiles showcase hours of hard work and dedication.
- Beautiful Keepsake: A beautiful, tangible reminder of the Hmong culture you encountered in Vientiane.
8. Laotian Ubon Rattana Rice Whisky
Flavorful rice whisky made in Laos using traditional methods. An authentic taste of local spirits.
- Traditional Production: Produced following centuries-old distilling techniques, giving it a unique flavor profile.
- Strong and Smooth: Features a strong aroma with a smooth finish that's easy to drink.
- Perfect for Parties: Great for sharing with friends during gatherings or celebrations.
9. Vientiane Night Market
Experience a lively night market offering a variety of goods, including souvenirs and street food. A great place to shop for unique items.
- Nighttime Atmosphere: Enjoy the vibrant energy and bustling atmosphere of a night market.
- Affordable Prices: Find great deals on souvenirs, as many vendors are willing to negotiate prices.
- Authentic Street Food: Sample delicious local street food while browsing for souvenirs.
10. Phouasi Temple Silver Vases
Beautiful silver vases adorned with intricate designs. A luxurious and spiritual souvenir from Phouasi Temple.
- Intricate Designs: Featuring beautiful, traditional Laotian motifs, these vases are works of art.
- Luxury Item: A high-end souvenir for those seeking a luxurious memento from their travels.
- Support Local Artisans: Proceeds from sales support local artisans and the Phouasi Temple restoration efforts.
11. Lao Oudh Essential Oil
Aromatic essential oil made from Agarwood, a valuable and rare wood. Enjoy the soothing fragrance of Laos in your home.
- Rare Ingredient: Made from agarwood, a highly-prized and rare ingredient.
- Soothing Aroma: Relaxing and invigorating, this essential oil helps you recapture the calming atmosphere of Vientiane.
- Versatile Uses: Use in aromatherapy, perfumes, or even cooking for a subtle, exotic flavor.
12. Lao Textile Company (LTC)
Purchase high-quality Laotian textiles at this fair trade organization. Support local artisans while shopping for souvenirs.
- Fair Trade Organization: Ensure that the textile items are made using ethical labor practices and fair wages.
- Wide Variety: Find a wide selection of textiles, including scarves, bags, clothing, and home decor items.
- Community Development: Proceeds from sales help support the local community and their development initiatives.
13. Lao Bamboo Art Shop
Shop for beautiful bamboo artwork at this family-run business. Support local artisans while finding unique souvenirs.
- Family Business: Run by a Laotian family with deep roots in the bamboo craft industry.
- Bamboo Craftsmanship: Explore intricate and unique bamboo sculptures, baskets, and home decor items.
- Sustainable Materials: Support the sustainable harvesting of bamboo, ensuring that this resource is used responsibly.
14. Laotian Hand-Painted Ceramics
Beautifully hand-painted ceramics showcasing traditional Laotian motifs and designs. A unique souvenir to remember your trip.
- Craftsmanship: Featuring detailed and colorful hand-painted designs, these ceramics are truly works of art.
- Unique Gift: A unique gift for friends and family back home who appreciate traditional arts and crafts.
- Versatile Uses: Use as decorative pieces, serving dishes, or even as functional household items.
15. Patuxay Monument Souvenirs
Purchase souvenirs inspired by the Patuxay Monument, a unique Laotian landmark. Take home a piece of Vientiane's history.
- Historical Landmark: The Patuxay Monument is an iconic symbol of Vientiane and Laos as a whole.
- Variety of Items: Find souvenirs in various forms, including keychains, magnets, and t-shirts.
- Affordable Prices: Shop for affordable souvenirs that won't break the bank.