Sanjiang Market - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings
1 / 10

Sanjiang Market

3.9
·359 reviews·Vientiane, Laos

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better focus

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sanjiang Market - a group of people walking down a street next to tall buildings

Sanjiang Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better focus

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.9
(359 reviews)

"A Chinese Chinatown with industrial goods, but quality and language are major hurdles."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Industrial Tools & Machinery

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

Mobile Phone Repair Parts

Specialized stalls

Find specialized parts and services for mobile phone technicians, a unique offering in Laos.

Home Furnishings & Hardware

Home Furnishings & Hardware

Lifestyle stores

Browse soft furnishings, carpets, and home hardware for a more domestic shopping experience.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Business Focus & Construction

Sanjiang Market is primarily a wholesale hub for industrial materials and accessories, catering to businesses. A major fire has impacted the main trading center, which is currently under reconstruction. Visitors seeking general tourist shopping may find it less appealing.

Language & Quality Concerns

English is not widely spoken, and communication can be challenging. Some reviews mention that items are of low quality and sourced from China, with a chaotic and unclean environment. It's best suited for those with specific business needs or a Chinese-speaking companion.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better focus
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More vendors active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dive into the lively scenes of Shandong's traditional markets, where every stall tells a story and the air is filled with authentic local charm. #visitchina #friendlyshandong #chinatravel
@visitshandong
34.7K likes • 506.8K views

Bring a Chinese Speaker

Communication is key! A Chinese speaker will greatly enhance your experience and negotiation ability. Reddit

Focus on Business Needs

This market is for wholesale industrial goods. Come with specific needs, not for casual souvenirs. Reddit

Inspect Quality Carefully

Reviews suggest variable quality. Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing. Reddit

Explore Outside Stalls

The original market stalls outside the main mall may offer better variety than the newly constructed areas. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring a Chinese Speaker

Communication is key! A Chinese speaker will greatly enhance your experience and negotiation ability. Reddit

Focus on Business Needs

This market is for wholesale industrial goods. Come with specific needs, not for casual souvenirs. Reddit

Inspect Quality Carefully

Reviews suggest variable quality. Inspect items thoroughly before purchasing. Reddit

Explore Outside Stalls

The original market stalls outside the main mall may offer better variety than the newly constructed areas. Reddit

Plenty of Parking

Enjoy ample parking, a rarity in Laos, making your visit more convenient. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(359 reviews)

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

Wide variety of industrial goods
Low prices for wholesale
Ample parking

What People Dislike

Low product quality
Language barrier
Chaotic environment

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. TikTok

Public transport options are limited. It's best to rely on taxis or ride-sharing services for direct access to the market. TikTok

The market can be chaotic. It's advisable to have a map or ask locals for directions to specific sections. Reddit

Sanjiang Market is often referred to as Vientiane's Chinatown. Look for areas with a high concentration of Chinese businesses and restaurants. Reddit

Yes, one of the market's strong points is the ample parking available, which is a rarity in Laos. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sanjiang Market is a public wholesale market, and there is no admission fee to enter. Reddit

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. Reddit

While some stalls might be open, the market is primarily a business-to-business wholesale center, so weekday operations are more active. Reddit

Yes, negotiation is expected, especially for wholesale purchases. Having a Chinese speaker can significantly help in getting better prices. Reddit

The market is predominantly wholesale. While some stalls might sell individual items, it's not geared towards typical retail tourism. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience

You can find a wide range of industrial materials, accessories, heavy machinery, power tools, mobile phone repair parts, home furnishings, and carpets. Reddit

Reviews are mixed, with some describing it as chaotic and unclean, while others find it functional for business purposes. Reddit

The atmosphere is that of a busy wholesale market, with a strong Chinese presence and a focus on industrial trade. Reddit

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. Reddit

It is very unlikely to find staff who speak English. Communication is a significant barrier for non-Chinese speakers. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several Chinese restaurants located nearby, offering authentic cuisine. Reddit

You can expect a variety of Chinese dishes, reflecting the market's strong ties to China. Reddit

While the focus is on wholesale goods, you might find small food stalls or eateries catering to vendors and workers. Reddit

Prices can vary, but generally, you can find reasonably priced meals, especially if you're looking for authentic Chinese food. Reddit

The area is predominantly Chinatown, so Chinese cuisine is more prevalent. You may need to venture further for traditional Lao food. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted, but it's always respectful to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their products or stalls. TikTok

Capture the bustling activity, the diverse range of industrial goods, and the unique blend of Chinese and Lao culture. TikTok

Avoid photographing sensitive areas or during private business transactions without permission. TikTok

Morning light can be good for capturing the market's activity. Late afternoon might offer interesting shadows. TikTok

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially vendors. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sanjiang Market is generally not recommended for families with young children. The environment is chaotic, crowded, and focused on industrial wholesale goods, which are not typically engaging or safe for kids. The lack of English speakers and the potential for a less-than-pristine environment further detract from a family-friendly experience. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers with a specific interest in industrial goods or electronics components, Sanjiang Market can offer extremely low prices. However, this comes with a significant caveat regarding quality. You'll need to be prepared to inspect items meticulously and understand that 'cheap' might mean 'low durability.' Reddit

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. Reddit

💼 Business & Procurement

Sanjiang Market is a prime destination for business owners and procurement specialists looking for wholesale industrial materials, machinery, and accessories. The sheer volume and variety of goods, particularly from China, make it a significant sourcing hub. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Market: A Business Perspective

Sanjiang Market is fundamentally a wholesale hub for industrial materials and accessories. Unlike typical tourist markets, its primary function is to serve businesses. The recent fire and ongoing reconstruction of the main trading center mean that visitors might find some areas still developing. The market is characterized by a significant Chinese presence, both in terms of goods and vendors. This makes it a unique spot for sourcing specific industrial items, but also presents challenges for those unfamiliar with the environment. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Quality and Value: What to Expect

The quality of goods at Sanjiang Market is a recurring theme in reviews, and it's a point of caution for potential visitors. Many items are sourced directly from China, and some feedback suggests that the quality can be 'absolute zero' or that items 'will last seconds only.' This indicates a strong emphasis on low cost over durability for many products. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2