Silk
Laotian silk is a so-called "wild" silk made from silkworms, made by hand in a traditional way. Its aspect is consequently rougher, more coarse, than industrially manufactured silks, which gives it an authenticity and nobility not found in European, Chinese or Indian silks.
Each ethnic group or family has its own techniques, which makes each silk piece unique. Thus, silk from the north of the country is often rougher than that found in the south, finer and softer. Most of the time, the spinning is done manually by women. The weaving is done by both women and men, by hand of course. It takes about one working day to weave a meter of fabric if the patterns are simple, more if they are more complex. The patterns used most often reflect a particular ethnicity, even if some of them are sometimes more original.
The pieces made are mainly oriented for the local market, in fact Laos has kept a strong attachment to its culture, and the clothes, skirts, scarves and other fabrics are still worn during religious ceremonies, official and social events (weddings, village festivals ...).
There is a wide choice of scarves, shawls, skirts, bags, tablecloths, drapes, household linen... The shops with a street corner generally sell authentic products of excellent quality. You will find textiles at lower prices in the markets, and in remote villages and towns, where artisans have their own workshops. Luang Namtha and Sam Neua are two towns where you can buy beautiful fabrics.
Where? The colonial district of Luang Prabang and the old town of Vientiane are full of chic boutiques where you can find excellent quality fabrics. The Vientiane market is also worth a visit, but be careful where the fabrics come from. Several workshops and factories are mentioned in this guide, where not only will you find often unique pieces at very interesting prices, but you will also be able to admire the manufacturing process.
Textiles
In addition to silk, there are many other types of quality textiles, whether cotton or other materials. Craftsmanship reveals local talents and know-how. Weaving, an integral part of the Lao tradition, is part of the education of young girls. It is passed on from generation to generation and is mainly practiced in rural areas. Like silk textiles, the patterns, colours, and shapes (size) vary according to the origin and identity of the tailors. If you wish to bring back a traditional garment ladies, think of the sinh! This is a traditional skirt worn by Laotian women. This type of tube shaped sarong consists of three parts, the waistband, the central part with the main pattern, and a hem with a different pattern which is usually gold. This traditional garment is used by different ethnic groups in the country, each with their own patterns and colours.
Where? You can find textiles in every province and city in the country. A tip: if you see a piece you like, don't hesitate to take it! There's little chance you'll find it again, as each design is linked to a specific culture.
Gold and silver jewelry
Beautiful gold and silver coins are available in Laos. Many shops, usually run by Chinese, sell gold (rings, bracelets, necklaces...). For an important purchase, be accompanied by a local. Ethnic groups from the north are particularly famous for their finely chiselled silver jewellery. These are shaped in a traditional way, using an ancestral know-how. The ethnic groups of the north are experienced goldsmiths. For an original gift, you can also opt for jewellery made from pieces of shells. Artisans do not hesitate to recycle the metal from bombs for their creations, and these initiatives are often supported by NGOs to financially support the families of war victims
Where? It is in the markets of the villages in the north of the country that you will find the most beautiful pieces. The jewellers in the colonial district of Luang Prabang offer superb ethnic jewellery and other originals. At the morning market in Vientiane, you will find a large choice of solid gold jewellery (24 carats), and silver necklaces and bracelets similar to those of ethnic handicrafts. Be careful about authenticity.
Sculptures and statues
Here is a nice gift or souvenir to bring back from your trip. You will find beautiful wooden statues, those in bronze or stone being much more difficult to transport because of their weight. There is a great tradition of woodworking in Laos. Some carpenters and cabinetmakers excel in making furniture or objects out of rosewood or that highly prized wood called long leng. Decorative objects, figurines, religious statues, crockery, trunks, jewelry chests...: the choice is vast. One of the most frequently encountered figurines is that representing an elephant, the emblematic animal of Laos. If you wish to bring back an original and finely chiselled object, the opium pipe is an idea to consider. Some are delicately carved and painted with care. Of course there is no question of using them! A necessary reminder: if statues and representations of Buddha are offered just about everywhere, it is illegal to obtain them because of their sacred nature. While it is rare to get into trouble or be fined, be aware that your items may be confiscated when you go through customs.
Where? You will find the prettiest pieces in the markets of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The craftsmen's workshops are also worth a visit to appreciate the know-how and benefit from interesting prices.
Bamboo
A myriad of woven bamboo and rattan items are used in Laos. One of the most common is the rice basket, a small woven bamboo box used to hold sticky rice, the sticky rice so typical of Lao cuisine. Bamboo is used in all sauces! Bowls, steaming baskets, baskets, handbags, furniture ... This craft is emblematic of Laos. The advantage of this material is that it is very light, therefore easy to transport!
Where? In the shops and markets around the country.
Ceramics and pottery
Some villages excel in making ceramic objects with unique designs and terracotta pottery. Vases, bowls, ceramic squares, tiles... This is the opportunity to renew your crockery or embellish your interior with original objects.
Where? In Ban Chan for example, a village near Luang Prabang.
Antiques
There are statuettes, coins, porcelain, antique furniture, etc. The pieces often come from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Cambodia. Real antiques are quite rare and it is difficult to obtain an authenticity expertise.
Where? Specialized shops are located in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Coffee and tea
Although it is little known to Western travelers, Laos' coffee is particularly well known worldwide for its excellent quality and unique taste. The coffee grown on the Boloven Plateau near Pakse in the south is probably the best. If you are in the region, you will not be able to miss a visit to one of the many plantations growing arabica and robusta coffee. Laos coffee, grown almost exclusively in the south of the country with specific techniques, has a very pleasant roasted aftertaste. On the Bolovens plateau, quality black, green and white tea is also cultivated, as well as pepper and other spices.
Where? You will find these products all over the country, but it is obviously on the Bolovens plateau that you will not only get the best prices, but also the opportunity to visit these plantations and learn more about the culture and history of coffee in Laos.
The Lao Lao
For the most daring, if you want to impress (and incidentally get drunk) your friends, a bottle of Lao Lao will do the trick. It is a rice alcohol produced artisanally in rural areas, one of the most popular drinks in the country! It generally shoots at more than 40°, it should not be abused! It is often offered in the form of a shot as a preamble to a traditional meal, to whet the appetite, or as a digestive. The most original bottles are those in which a snake macerates or those flavoured. The Laotians claim that this alcohol has medicinal and aphrodisiac virtues.
Where? All over the country.
The t-shirts
You will find original t-shirts everywhere, with inscriptions in Laotian, elephants, emblematic monuments of the country, the names of the cities... The most popular are of course the t-shirts and tank tops bearing the Beerlao brand, the essential national beer. A cheap gift idea.
Where? On the markets, in the shops of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng..
Smart Council
Don't hesitate to haggle over prices in the markets. Prefer local craftsmen to tourist shops, not only are the prices more interesting but the exchange is also more constructive. Moreover it is better to help small structures. If you see an object or a piece of clothing that you like, do not hesitate to take it on the spot, it is very rare to come across the same piece a second time, believe our experience!
