Gourmet products local specialties and wines Laos

This artisanal night market is held every evening in the main artery of the city centre. Since 2002, this market, which was originally intended to be temporary, has been a popular attraction for tourists. It has more than a hundred exhibitors. Hmongs and other craftsmen of the region sell various objects: bags, jewellery, fabrics, clothes, scarves, woodwork, representations of Buddha, paintings, local products... Of course you have to compare prices and do not hesitate to negotiate!

The establishment has moved to Bourichane street, in the eastern part of the city. This bakery, run by a Frenchman, will delight your taste buds. Viennese pastries, cakes and breads are simply excellent! Arrive early in the morning when the croissants, brioches and pains au chocolat are coming out of the oven; it's the perfect place for a French breakfast... or for a lunch on the go: salads, quiches and sandwiches. The room is pretty, spacious, friendly; you could stay there for hours! One of the best baguettes in Vientiane...

This is the largest market in Luang Prabang, at the beginning of the road leading to the Kuang Si waterfalls, about 10 minutes by bike from the city centre . Almost entirely covered, it is home to several hundred vendors offering a very wide range of Lao, Chinese and Thai products: fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, but also (Chinese) clothing, beauty and health products, school supplies, hardware, etc. It is a very interesting place to understand the city and its mentality. It is best to get there early in the morning.

On the road to the Kuang Si waterfalls, you can stop at the Laos Buffalo Diary farm. An original experience led by Susie and Rachel who produce cheese and ice cream from buffalo milk. The animals are rented to local farmers to provide them with an additional source of income, an approach that is in line with sustainable development. The interest of this farm is that there are organized tours to visit it. A small shop sells ice cream outside along the road.

The Chinese market is located on the road to Vientiane, opposite the new sports stadium, near the South bus station. On this large bazaar, more than a hundred Chinese merchants sell anything and everything, kitchen utensils, televisions, bicycle chains, telephones, clothes... at unbeatable prices. One drawback, however, is that quality is not there, as many clothes or products have factory defects. Here we speak Chinese, we bargain Chinese style, we write and count in Chinese!

Just next to the Vat Si Muang, this fine charcuterie, hosted by Mrs Vine Kirivong, provides various shops on Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Good reputation in expat.

There are everything, and even telephone cards.

You'll find most of French products, but also less popular products. Among the flagship products: ham from Paris, chicken bowl of poultry, pork bowl of pork, ham in Bayonne… everything is home. Claude offers a service for the delivery of prepared dishes (sauerkraut, hams à…) for receptions. A smart address for travellers and expatriates lacking local flavours!

In the Chinese quarter, near Dibout Street. Since 1 March 2003, a night market has installed its small shops from 17 h. You can enjoy a variety of Lao specialities for a cheap stay (see «Restaurants»).