Sanjiang Market
Vientiane's wholesale hub for industrial materials & accessories, a bustling Chinese-influenced market with diverse goods.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus
Sanjiang Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better focus

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vientiane's wholesale hub for industrial materials & accessories, a bustling Chinese-influenced market with diverse goods.
"A Chinese Chinatown with industrial goods, but quality and language are major hurdles."
Bring a Chinese Speaker
Communication is key! A Chinese speaker will greatly enhance your experience and negotiation ability.
Focus on Business Needs
This market is for wholesale industrial goods. Come with specific needs, not for casual souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Industrial Tools & Machinery
Main wholesale area
Discover a wide array of heavy machinery, power tools, and parts, including reputable Chinese fake brands.

Mobile Phone Repair Parts
Specialized stalls
Find specialized parts and services for mobile phone technicians, a unique offering in Laos.

Home Furnishings & Hardware
Lifestyle stores
Browse soft furnishings, carpets, and home hardware for a more domestic shopping experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Business Focus & Construction
Language & Quality Concerns
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Chinese Speaker
Communication is key! A Chinese speaker will greatly enhance your experience and negotiation ability.
Focus on Business Needs
This market is for wholesale industrial goods. Come with specific needs, not for casual souvenirs.
Inspect Quality Carefully
Reviews suggest variable quality. Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing.
Explore Outside Stalls
The original market stalls outside the main mall may offer better variety than the newly constructed areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Chinese Speaker
Communication is key! A Chinese speaker will greatly enhance your experience and negotiation ability.
Focus on Business Needs
This market is for wholesale industrial goods. Come with specific needs, not for casual souvenirs.
Inspect Quality Carefully
Reviews suggest variable quality. Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing.
Explore Outside Stalls
The original market stalls outside the main mall may offer better variety than the newly constructed areas.
Plenty of Parking
Enjoy ample parking, a rarity in Laos, making your visit more convenient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sanjiang Market is a bustling wholesale hub primarily for industrial goods, with a strong Chinese presence. While it offers a wide variety of items at potentially low prices, reviews highlight significant concerns about product quality and a lack of English communication. It's best suited for business-oriented visitors with specific needs and a Chinese-speaking companion.
"A Chinese-owned wholesale market for industrial materials and accessories. The main trading centre was burnt few months ago and it is now under construction.
There are also some Chinese restaurants nearby.
No need to go if you are not doing business in Laos."
CY Cheung
"China town in vientiane. Great chinese food. Many goods from China."
chatchai kamolmitr
"Pity does not exist half star on Google, because this place does not deserve 1 full star. All items are from China with absolute zero quality, few Laotians and tons of Chinese, everywhere chaos and unclean shops, no one word of English is spoken or understood. Useless overall to buy anything because everything will last seconds only"
Asia Explorer92
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sanjiang Market is located in Vientiane's Chinatown. Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available to take you there. If you have a local contact or are familiar with the city, you might be able to arrange private transport.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services for direct access to the market.
The market can be chaotic. It's advisable to have a map or ask locals for directions to specific sections.
Sanjiang Market is often referred to as Vientiane's Chinatown. Look for areas with a high concentration of Chinese businesses and restaurants.
Yes, one of the market's strong points is the ample parking available, which is a rarity in Laos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sanjiang Market is a public wholesale market, and there is no admission fee to enter.
While specific hours can vary, wholesale markets like Sanjiang typically operate during business hours, generally from morning to late afternoon. It's best to visit on weekdays.
While some stalls might be open, the market is primarily a business-to-business wholesale center, so weekday operations are more active.
Yes, negotiation is expected, especially for wholesale purchases. Having a Chinese speaker can significantly help in getting better prices.
The market is predominantly wholesale. While some stalls might sell individual items, it's not geared towards typical retail tourism.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You can find a wide range of industrial materials, accessories, heavy machinery, power tools, mobile phone repair parts, home furnishings, and carpets.
Reviews are mixed, with some describing it as chaotic and unclean, while others find it functional for business purposes.
The atmosphere is that of a busy wholesale market, with a strong Chinese presence and a focus on industrial trade.
It can be challenging due to the vastness and organization. Having a clear idea of what you're looking for and potentially a local guide or Chinese speaker is recommended.
It is very unlikely to find staff who speak English. Communication is a significant barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several Chinese restaurants located nearby, offering authentic cuisine.
You can expect a variety of Chinese dishes, reflecting the market's strong ties to China.
While the focus is on wholesale goods, you might find small food stalls or eateries catering to vendors and workers.
Prices can vary, but generally, you can find reasonably priced meals, especially if you're looking for authentic Chinese food.
The area is predominantly Chinatown, so Chinese cuisine is more prevalent. You may need to venture further for traditional Lao food.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always respectful to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their products or stalls.
Capture the bustling activity, the diverse range of industrial goods, and the unique blend of Chinese and Lao culture.
Avoid photographing sensitive areas or during private business transactions without permission.
Morning light can be good for capturing the market's activity. Late afternoon might offer interesting shadows.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If a visit is unavoidable, focus on the home furnishings section for potentially more visually appealing items, but be prepared for a busy and potentially overwhelming atmosphere. It's best to leave young children at your accommodation and visit Sanjiang Market only if you have a specific business purpose.
💰 Budget Travelers
If your goal is to find bargain prices on tools, parts, or even some home goods, and you have the patience and ability to navigate communication barriers (ideally with a Chinese speaker), then Sanjiang Market could be a worthwhile stop. For general souvenir shopping or experiencing local culture, budget travelers would be better served elsewhere in Vientiane.
💼 Business & Procurement
Key strengths for businesses include access to heavy machinery, power tools, and specialized mobile phone repair parts. The ability to negotiate prices for bulk purchases is a major draw. However, success hinges on overcoming the language barrier and carefully assessing the quality of goods. Bringing a Chinese-speaking associate or translator is highly recommended for effective negotiation and to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market: A Business Perspective
For those intending to conduct business, having a Chinese-speaking companion is almost essential. Reviews consistently highlight the lack of English proficiency among staff, making communication and negotiation difficult. The market is divided into various sections, with specialized shops for heavy machinery, power tools, and mobile phone repair parts. These areas are where the market truly shines for its intended audience.
Beyond industrial goods, there are also sections dedicated to home furnishings and lifestyle hardware. While not the primary focus, these can be of interest to some visitors. The overall atmosphere is one of intense commerce, with a focus on transactions rather than leisurely browsing. It's important to manage expectations and approach Sanjiang Market with a clear understanding of its purpose.
Quality and Value: What to Expect
However, it's not entirely without value. For those seeking specific Chinese fake brands of parts and tools, or looking for specialized components for mobile phone repair, the market can be a treasure trove. The key is to know exactly what you're looking for and to be able to thoroughly inspect items before purchasing. Some reviews mention finding 'respectable Chinese fake brands,' implying that discernment is crucial.
When considering value, it's important to weigh the low prices against the potential for poor quality. If you are a business owner looking for bulk supplies at the lowest possible cost, and you have the expertise to assess quality, Sanjiang Market might offer opportunities. For casual shoppers or tourists seeking high-quality souvenirs, it is likely to be a disappointing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit