10 Best Places to Shop in Laos

This central boutique sells exquisite textiles produced with the help of more than 500 women in rural Laos. Browse among silk scarves, shirts, and even handmade dolls. Fifty percent of the proceeds go back to the weavers. You can also take their tuk-tuk out to the Living Crafts Center to learn even more about how Lao silk is produced, with informative classes in a beautiful riverside garden setting.

A branch of the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, this main street storefront, bedecked in an unmissable bright yellow, has a wide array of local and regional handicrafts. Some items here are unique to the shop, as the owners work directly with local artisans to refine designs and patterns. Fifty percent of sales go back directly to village producers.

American-born textile expert Carol Cassidy runs this beautiful weaving studio inside a renovated French Colonial mansion. She and her team of local artisans—mostly women—create high-quality textiles and scarves, shawls, and wall hangings.

The well-regarded Vientiane boutique noted for its fine wood carvings and high-end Lao silks also operates a Luang Prabang branch. All the products are handwoven and carved by master artisans.

For exquisite handwoven Lao silk and fine wood carvings, head to this workshop and showroom, one of the best in Laos. It's a bit outside the city center, but the craftsmanship is heirloom-quality.

A contemporary twist on ethnic traditional textiles, this boutique is a one-stop shop for unique and fashionable handmade products including favorites like infinity scarves, shawls, handbags, and reusable face masks. Passa Paa is known for their creative take on Hmong patterns, stamping them onto Lao silk.

Functioning as an antiques and textile shop and as a museum, Pathana Boupha has a dizzying array of goods on display, though many are not for sale. Shoppers can, however, purchase textiles produced by various Lao ethnic groups. It is worth coming here just to check out the beautiful old building and antique collection.

This shop in Vientiane's old weaving district sells naturally dyed handwoven silk products.

A fair-trade business that works with traditional artisans to preserve and promote Lao village crafts and empower local women, this shop sells silk and cotton textiles, recycled bomb products, bags, jewelry, and other items.

With crafts, jewelry, T-shirts, mobile phone sellers, and more, this indoor complex satisfies most Lao shoppers' needs. A visit here provides perspectives on modern Lao life and the lifestyles of the younger generation.