Handicrafts in Laos Review

Laos is an excellent destination for those interested in picking up elaborate handicrafts and Vientiane is the best place to do so. Hill tribe silk, arts, crafts, home-furnishings, jewelry and couture-quality textiles are all readily available within the city. There are quite a few markets taking place around Vientiane where fresh produce, as well as crafts and ornaments, can be picked up. The city’s main shopping streets are Samsenthai and Setthathirat, around the Nam Phu Fountain area and the Morning Market/Talat Sao Mall, where you can find the best deals on local silks.

Textiles, basketry, silver, woodcarvings and hand-made paper are some of the most popular handicrafts in Laos. Lao weavers are known for producing intricate fabrics in home-spun silk and cotton. most notably, complex mutmee (ikot) patterns based on folklore and natural themes. Some of the best weavers come from the Tai ethnic groups in Houaphan Province. If you are planning a visit to Luang Prabang and are interested in weaving, don't miss Ban Phanom or the night market in the center of town.

When visiting one of the country's charming villages, be sure to ask to see local crafts being produced using traditional technologies. Purchasing a handicraft directly from artisans that use natural, traditional production methods supports both local economies and the survival of indigenous knowledge. If you are unable to make it out to the villages, there are handicraft shops in almost every provincial capital selling distinct local product.

P.O.Box: 3556 Lane Xang Avenue
Hatsady Village, Chanthabouly District
Vientiane Capital
Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 212248, 212251
Fax: (856-21) 212769, 217910