Top Souvenirs to Buy in Vientiane: What to Bring Home from Laos

Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, might feel quiet compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, but when it comes to souvenirs, the city offers treasures that reflect the country’s culture, craftsmanship, and daily life. Whether you’re wandering Talat Sao (Morning Market), browsing riverside night stalls, or stepping into fair-trade boutiques, you’ll find plenty of authentic keepsakes to take home. Here are the top souvenirs to look for in Vientiane.

1. Hand-Woven Silk Textiles

Laotian silk is famous for its rich colors, intricate patterns, and natural dyes. In Vientiane, you’ll find exquisite scarves, sinh (traditional skirts), and shawls that are woven by hand using techniques passed down through generations. High-end studios like Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy and Phaeng Mai Gallery showcase museum-quality silk, while Talat Sao Morning Market has more affordable options. A piece of Lao silk makes a timeless and elegant souvenir.



2. Bolaven Plateau Coffee

Laos is home to one of Asia’s most underrated coffee regions: the Bolaven Plateau. Its high-altitude soil produces beans with smooth body and chocolatey notes, perfect for coffee lovers. In Vientiane, you can buy freshly roasted beans or ground coffee from Sinouk Coffee shops, or look for local brands at supermarkets and night markets. Packaged coffee travels well and makes a thoughtful gift.



3. Sticky Rice Baskets (Thip Khao)

No Lao meal is complete without sticky rice, and it’s always served in a charming woven bamboo basket called a thip khao (sometimes spelled tip khao or katip). These baskets are lightweight, affordable, and deeply symbolic of Lao daily life. They’re sold in every size—from single-person servings to family-sized containers—and are easy to find at Talat Sao or the riverside night market.



4. Saa (Mulberry) Paper Crafts

Made from the bark of mulberry trees, saa paper is an eco-friendly material used to create notebooks, greeting cards, lanterns, and lampshades. The texture is soft but durable, often decorated with pressed flowers or natural dyes. You’ll find plenty of stalls selling saa paper crafts at the Mekong Riverside Night Market, making it an artistic and meaningful souvenir.



5. Silver Jewelry from Hill-Tribe Artisans

Laos has a long tradition of silverwork, particularly among Hmong and Tai Lao communities. The jewelry often features geometric motifs or designs inspired by nature. Some pieces are crafted with nearly pure silver (.99), which makes them even more special than standard sterling (.925). For authenticity, look to boutiques around Nam Phou Fountain or fair-trade shops rather than tourist stalls. A hand-crafted ring, bracelet, or pendant carries the spirit of Lao artistry.



6. Fair-Trade Village Crafts

For souvenirs that directly support local communities, head to Saoban, a fair-trade shop in Vientiane. They work with artisans across the country to sell handwoven cotton scarves, bamboo baskets, and jewelry with cultural significance. Everything comes with the story of the maker, which adds depth to your purchase. Shopping here ensures you’re taking home something meaningful while giving back to rural villages.



Where to Shop in Vientiane
- Talat Sao (Morning Market): Best for silk, silver, and sticky rice baskets.
- Mekong Riverside Night Market: Perfect for saa paper, small crafts, and casual browsing.
- Boutiques around Nam Phou & Saoban: Ideal for high-quality silk, silver, and fair-trade goods.