Talat Sao Morning Market
Vientiane's bustling market for textiles, bags, souvenirs, and delicious street food. A local hub for shopping and authentic flavors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce & local vibe
Talat Sao Morning Market
Best Time
Freshest produce & local vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vientiane's bustling market for textiles, bags, souvenirs, and delicious street food. A local hub for shopping and authentic flavors.
"A well-known local shopping spot with a decent range of items, especially bags and accessories."
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are often negotiable, especially for textiles and souvenirs. Have fun with it!
🍜 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't shy away from street food! The sticky rice and grilled meats are a must-try.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lao Textiles & Handicrafts
Upper Levels
Discover vibrant silks, intricate patterns, and unique souvenirs. Perfect for finding a special piece of Laos to take home.

Street Food Delights
Outside Stalls
Savor crispy sticky rice patties, grilled meats, and local snacks. A true taste of Vientiane's culinary scene.
Bags & Accessories Galore
Ground Floor
Find a vast selection of bags, luggage, and accessories, often at competitive prices. A shopper's paradise for these items.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Morning Market Buzz
Beyond the Mall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are often negotiable, especially for textiles and souvenirs. Have fun with it!
🍜 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't shy away from street food! The sticky rice and grilled meats are a must-try.
Money exchange Vientiane
Late night eats in Vientiane
🛍️ Bag Hunter's Paradise
If you're looking for bags or luggage, this is the place to find a great deal.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vientiane can get hot and humid. Keep water handy, especially if you're exploring the outdoor stalls.
How to get to Morning Market Bus station
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bargain Smart
Prices are often negotiable, especially for textiles and souvenirs. Have fun with it!
🍜 Taste the Local Flavors
Don't shy away from street food! The sticky rice and grilled meats are a must-try.
🛍️ Bag Hunter's Paradise
If you're looking for bags or luggage, this is the place to find a great deal.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vientiane can get hot and humid. Keep water handy, especially if you're exploring the outdoor stalls.
💳 Card Fees
Many shops accept cards, but expect a small fee. Cash is king for smaller vendors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Talat Sao Morning Market offers a wide array of goods, from textiles and bags to electronics and souvenirs, with a vibrant street food scene. While some find it more like a shopping mall than a traditional market, it's a convenient and affordable spot for specific purchases and local flavors.
"Great place to buy all sorts of local goods - from clothing, textiles, as well as jewelry and bags. Some small food stalls are also scattered around the mall"
A.L. Pallon
"Talat Sao Morning Market is a well-known local shopping spot in Vientiane, and it’s quite popular among locals. It has a decent range of items—from clothes and shoes to electronics, jewelry, cosmetics, and especially bags and accessories. If you’re specifically looking to buy bags, luggage, or similar items, this is probably one of the better places to go.
However, for foreigners or tourists, the market may not feel all that exciting. Apart from the bag-related items, there isn’t much that stands out or feels unique. Many stalls seem to sell similar things, and the overall vibe is more like a regular shopping mall than a cultural market experience. It lacks the charm or energy you might expect from a bustling Southeast Asian market.
That said, it’s clean, air-conditioned, and convenient if you’re in the area—but it might not be worth going out of your way for unless you’re in need of something specific"
Jitya M.Topaz
"You ever want a Rolex but could never afford one? Then come here! Besides counterfeit goods, there’s also many other stalls offering everyday goods to handcrafted souvenirs. A good place to go souvenir shopping as well as pick up a cheap flashy watch of varying quality."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Talat Sao Morning Market is centrally located in Vientiane. You can easily reach it by tuk-tuk, taxi, or even a leisurely walk if you're staying nearby. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.
While there isn't a dedicated bus route directly to the market, the morning bus station is located nearby, making it accessible if you're arriving from other parts of the city or region.
There are designated parking areas for both cars and motorbikes. It's advisable to choose a shaded spot, especially during the hotter parts of the day.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Mekong Riverfront to Talat Sao Morning Market, taking around 15-20 minutes. It's a good way to see more of the city.
Absolutely! You'll find ATMs from major banks at the main entrance and inside the market building, making it convenient to withdraw cash.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Talat Sao Morning Market is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase.
The indoor market generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening. The outdoor food stalls are particularly popular in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.
Yes, Talat Sao Morning Market is open daily, including weekends, offering a consistent shopping and food experience.
The 'morning market' aspect refers to the produce and some goods available early. The indoor mall operates standard hours, while the popular street food stalls often come alive in the early morning and again in the evening.
Refund policies can vary by vendor. It's best to clarify before purchasing, especially for electronics or higher-value items.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find a wide variety of goods, including traditional Lao textiles, clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs. The outdoor stalls offer fresh produce and street food.
Yes, it's a popular spot for souvenir shopping, offering everything from handicrafts to more unique items. You can find many stalls selling similar things, so compare prices.
You'll find a mix of authentic local crafts and imported goods, including some counterfeit items like watches. It's important to inspect items carefully.
Many shops within the indoor mall accept credit cards, but they usually charge an additional fee. For smaller stalls and street vendors, cash is preferred.
The ground floor and bottom floor of the indoor market are particularly well-stocked with a wide selection of bags and luggage.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You can enjoy delicious local specialties like crispy sticky rice patties, grilled meats (moo ping), and various 'jeow' (dipping sauces). It's a great place to sample authentic Lao flavors.
The indoor market has some small food stalls scattered around, but it's more known for its street food offerings outside and on the lower levels.
Generally, street food in Vientiane is safe and delicious. Look for stalls that are busy with locals, as this is usually a good sign of freshness and quality.
Moo ping is grilled pork skewers, a popular Lao street food. You can find excellent moo ping and sticky rice behind Talat Sao, near the Mini Big C and morning bus station.
While the market is known for grilled meats and sticky rice, you might find some fruit stalls or vendors selling vegetable-based snacks. It's best to ask vendors directly.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the vibrant colors of textiles, the bustling activity, and the diverse street food make it a visually interesting spot for photography.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of vendors or their products.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, while the evening brings a different atmosphere with food stalls illuminated.
Focus on the details of the textiles, the preparation of street food, candid shots of shoppers, and the overall lively atmosphere of the market.
While you can photograph them, be discreet. It's generally not recommended to focus heavily on these items in your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas. The variety of bags and accessories might appeal to older kids, while younger ones might enjoy the sights and sounds, and of course, the street food. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat and crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Master the art of polite bargaining for the best prices on goods. Stick to street food for meals, which is significantly cheaper than restaurants. Keep cash handy for smaller vendors, and compare prices across different stalls before making a purchase.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunters
Souvenir strategy: Explore both the indoor mall and the outdoor stalls. The upper levels of the mall are particularly good for textiles and jewelry. Don't hesitate to compare prices and quality before buying. Look for items that genuinely represent Lao culture and craftsmanship.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Market Maze
Adjacent to the indoor mall are the bustling outdoor stalls. This is where the true 'morning market' vibe comes alive, especially in the early hours. Here, you'll find fresh produce, local herbs, medicinal items, and a vibrant street food scene. Redditors often highlight the area behind the market, near the Mini Big C and bus station, as a prime spot for delicious late-night eats like grilled pork and sticky rice.
Pro-tip: Familiarize yourself with the layout before diving in. Many vendors sell similar items, so a quick scout can help you find the best deals and unique finds. Don't be afraid to explore both the indoor and outdoor sections to get the full Talat Sao experience.
The Art of Bargaining
Approach bargaining with a friendly attitude. Start with a smile and a polite inquiry about the price. It's helpful to have an idea of what you're willing to pay. A common strategy is to offer a price slightly lower than your target and work your way up. Remember that the vendors are trying to make a living, so aim for a price that feels fair to both parties.
Key takeaway: Don't be aggressive. If a price isn't right for you, it's perfectly fine to politely decline and move on. Many travelers find that a little bit of friendly negotiation can lead to great deals and a more enjoyable shopping experience.
A Taste of Vientiane: Street Food Adventures
Don't miss the 'moo ping' (grilled pork skewers) and the various 'jeow' (spicy dipping sauces) that accompany them. Crispy sticky rice patties, as seen in TikToks, are another must-try. Many travelers rave about the late-night offerings behind the market, making it a fantastic spot for an affordable and authentic dinner.
Foodie tip: Look for stalls that are popular with locals. A busy stall usually indicates fresh ingredients and delicious food. Don't be afraid to try new things – it's all part of the adventure!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit