Joanna James
The Luang Prabang Night Market is one of the most visited places in beautiful Laos. Here are some of the things you would find along the brightly coloured stalls.
Clothing is one of the highlights at the Luang Prabang Night Market. The clothes are made of comfortable material and the prints of the material are exotic. You can spend your entire time in Laos in an elephant pant and save yourself from the heat. Also, the clothes here at the night market is very cheap. You could buy yourself a couple of t-shirts for only $4. This is one of the best places to find a beer Laos t-shirt in size and colour you want. Another eye-catching item of clothing is the range of silk scarves they have. This would be a great gift or souvenir to take back home with you.
You will come across ordinary souvenirs like key-chains, postcards, and bags. The brightly coloured umbrellas are certainly a big hit among those who visit the market. There are bed covers and pillow covers painted in gorgeous designs as well. One of the more significant souvenirs are the trinkets made from parts of bombs. There are bracelets, spoons, and straws made from the metal that was collected from remnants of bombs dropped during the Secret War. Among the typical souvenirs, you will find the little odd ones so keep looking for those.
If you are an art enthusiast, the art at the Luang Prabang night market is absolutely breathtaking. You will definitely regret not buying at least one piece of art. From the colours to the patterns of the art, everything is uniquely Laotian. This is one of the things you must take back home.
This is one of the most common stalls you find in the night market. Claws and teeth of large cats such as tigers and lions are made into necklaces, bracelets and key chains. What's more, skins of these animals are also sold at the night market. One of the most significant things here is the snake and gecko wines where snakes and geckos are put into bottles of alcohol to ferment. Avoid purchasing items as such so you don't encourage animal cruelty and trade of endangered animals among the locals.
If you're looking for food that is closer to home such as Western food, the night market is the place to be. The Laotian cuisine is the best combination of Western and Asian food. Although it is not as popular as the Thai or Vietnam cuisines, it is something you should explore. Baguettes are a big hit in the night market and they are laid out in baskets giving the travellers an air of France. The street food scene here is amazing. You get a range of crepes with different toppings and fillings, both and stalls of smoothies. Unlike in Thailand, the smoothies are milk based. If you're on a budget (even if you're not) there are street food buffets for less than a dollar and it is something you must check out.
Apart from the tangibles, one of the best things about the Luang Prabang night market is the cruise along the Mekong River to get there. Book one of the overnight Mekong cruises from a cruise line company such as Mekong Kingdoms.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
