Joanna James
The medieval capital of Laos and UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang serves up a plethora of shopping opportunities, which are quite frankly, a far cry from what you would find at fancy shopping malls. Here are 5 shopping destinations worth heading to.
Found at 3 Kingkitsarat Road, Luang Prabang is Kopnoi Gallery. Known to sell an assortment of authentic, locally produced products, Kopnoi Gallery can be accessed Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm and on Sunday commencing from 10 am to 10 pm respectively. Pick and choose from colourful silk scarves, cotton clothes, coffee beans to Laotian rice whiskeys that would make for thoughtful gifts for family and friends.
Souvenir lovers and bargain hunters would surely be in their elements no sooner they enter the main street of Luang Prabang and set foot within the four walls of Caruso Lao. The brainchild of Canadian fashion professional, Sandra Yuck, the designs on display here would move you towards admiring every product and purchasing those that meet your eye. Made from natural materials, Caruso Lao’s catalogue of best buys ranges from handmade ebony bowls, silk shawls, cushions and decorative Buddha heads; the latter of which would transform your mantelpiece and give your home a fresher look.
Doubling as both a shopping store and a recreational precinct in the city, L’Etranger Books and Tea cannot be overlooked when looking to shop and have one whale of a time. This 2-storey wooden café that comes with a reputation for selling and trading second-hand books will easily be one of the reasons as to why you remain in Luang Prabang. Covering a host of subject matters including the city itself, Southeast Asia, art and travel, L’Etranger Books and Tea’s upper level is where you must focus on after you’ve picked out a book. Cuddle up with a floor cushion, find a low table and paper lamp to get started on your latest read but not before ordering a cuppa tea, coffee or a refreshing fruit shake.
An exciting and immersive outing awaits those travellers having finished their Luang Prabang river cruise offered through the reputed Mekong Kingdoms. Called Naga Creations and situated down Sisavangvong Road in Luang Prabang, holidaymakers arriving here will have a remarkable opportunity to learn of the country’s indigenous ties and shop for eye-catching handmade jewellery. The items that are made by members of the Hmong community feature precious, semi-precious gemstones & silver. Select from an array of temptations such as hair clips, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. What’s more? Naga Creations is open daily from 10 am till 10 pm.
Found a mere 350 metres from Naga Creations and along Sisavangvong Road will be your final stop on this journey through Luang Prabang’s retail scene – Luang Prabang Night Market. On top of the shopping, this attraction affords a unique chance to delve into the nitty-gritties of Laotian culture. The warm, friendly folk that you will meet as you meander along merrily will be complemented by engaging street performances and traditional music that will more or less put you in the mood for more. Stumble upon stalls brimming with handmade goods in the calibre of silver jewellery, ceramics and blankets but be sure to cap off your visit by sampling the aromatic street food on offer. Fancy a plate of sticky rice? Or how do sizzling, grilled skewers sound for dinner?
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.
